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A review by krys_kilz
As Black As Resistance: Finding the Conditions for Liberation by Mariame Kaba, Zoé Samudzi, William C. Anderson
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
This book is heavily influenced by afro-pessimism, so I think it would be helpful for the reader to go in with a basic understanding of that theory. I hesitate to call it a primer simply because it does use a lot of academic language, sources, and theory but if you have a decent background or understanding of that, it's a great introduction to Black anarchistic theory.
I really appreciate how the authors define concepts like settler colonialism, necropolitics, and centrism. I also really loved the section in the first chapter that defined cultural fascism versus political fascism. I thought it was great that they centered indigenous sovereignty struggles alongside Black liberation struggles, although Afro-Indigeneity was kind of glossed over.
The one piece I struggled with was the structure. The flow was a bit off with a lot of confusing topic transitions (even mid-paragraph), so I had to read some sections a few times to fully understand.
Overall, I think this book is a convincing and concise argument for grounding Black liberation struggles in autonomy and non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian communities and rejecting liberal and capitalistic "solutions". It's a call for direct action rather than appeals to politicians, cults of personality, and other false heroes.
I really appreciate how the authors define concepts like settler colonialism, necropolitics, and centrism. I also really loved the section in the first chapter that defined cultural fascism versus political fascism. I thought it was great that they centered indigenous sovereignty struggles alongside Black liberation struggles, although Afro-Indigeneity was kind of glossed over.
The one piece I struggled with was the structure. The flow was a bit off with a lot of confusing topic transitions (even mid-paragraph), so I had to read some sections a few times to fully understand.
Overall, I think this book is a convincing and concise argument for grounding Black liberation struggles in autonomy and non-hierarchical, anti-authoritarian communities and rejecting liberal and capitalistic "solutions". It's a call for direct action rather than appeals to politicians, cults of personality, and other false heroes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Slavery
Moderate: Genocide and Sexism