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mikecross's review
4.0
A very brave and well-crafted book that is still salient today, 20 years after it was first published. The author thoroughly, to a point of being repetitive, makes his points and provides ample proof, countering all known objections. I usually don't like authors interjecting themselves in their books, but he appears to be an expert on the subject so it does provide additional insight. Highly recommended read.
bjt1977's review
3.0
A really interesting take on the struggles of the African-American community to pull parts of it out of the cycle of poverty and crime.
Probably just as overly one-sided as those he calls part of the problem, but well written and researched.
Probably just as overly one-sided as those he calls part of the problem, but well written and researched.
toml72's review
5.0
While I may not always agree with McWhorter, he opened the door to some seriously ignored facts about black people over all. And he's 1000% spot on about the victim mentality and the damage done by the likes of Sharpton and company.
McWhorter points to deep, anti-intellectual currents that plague so-called black culture that have created a mindset of black privilege and is complemented by an identity clouded in separatism (blacks rejecting academic success for fear of being called white and in order to be ''cool'') and victimization. He's right about these things and many others. It's a pity many refuse to consider these perspectives in lieu of the usual positions.
It's a well written book, although perhaps a bit overlong. But agree or disagree, it will make you think if nothing else.
McWhorter points to deep, anti-intellectual currents that plague so-called black culture that have created a mindset of black privilege and is complemented by an identity clouded in separatism (blacks rejecting academic success for fear of being called white and in order to be ''cool'') and victimization. He's right about these things and many others. It's a pity many refuse to consider these perspectives in lieu of the usual positions.
It's a well written book, although perhaps a bit overlong. But agree or disagree, it will make you think if nothing else.
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