No comments about Gandhi's Experiments with Truth: Essential Writings by and about Mahatma Gandhi (Studies in Comparative Philosophy and Religion).

No comments about Imperfect Equality: African Americans and the Confines of White Ideology in PostEmancipation Maryland. (Reconstructing America (Series), No. 2.).

5 comments about Narrative of Sojourner Truth.

1. So often we find out how important a piece of text written hundreds of years ago can change the way the human species views the world as well as themselves. The Narrative of Sojourner Truth is such a novel. Not only does it show the harshness of human error, it also illuminates the strength and compassion that exists within all of us . I now realize how iggnorant I actually was before reading this novel. I had no idea that cruelty to slaves was so prominant in the northern part of the U.S during the early 1800s. The reader can feel the raw emotion radiating off this extraordinary women who faught so hard for racial and sexual equality. Sojouner(or Isabella) is so commited, she even fasted for three days just to improve herself spiritually. It is acts like this as well as the numerous occasions where she seeks to help others that will leave the reader in awe. I would suggest this book to any body interested in America's history and anybody who is looking for a little inspiration in their lives. This narrative is part of America's young yet vast history and should never be forgotten.



2. Provided a valuable insight into some of the thinking of slaves even while experiencing inhumane treatment and searching for their own identity. A woman of courage, foresight and well ahead of her time.



3. In a world that still suffers from the blight of slavery, mainly in Islamic nations and northern Africa, and Sudan, but also through the sex trade in nations like Thailand, this book is a great nonfiction account, especially for grade and middle schoolers, but also for all who think slavery is a thing of the past.



4. I can never tire of learning the depts of suffering black woman had to endure. It gives me even more pride for my people and much hope for a better tomorrow.



5. very much a must read
   the way the words flow
   with your thoughts
   as if you were really there
   to me it is a must read
   nice book

5 comments about Authentically Black: Essays for the Black Silent Majority.

1. Basically John McWhorter is suggesting that we a African Americans must re-examine our "sacred cows" and move to the next step of individual and cultural evolution. The United States is not a perfect nation regading its original "sin" of racism. Yet progress has been made and we must focus on that progress (not forget past injustices) and capitalize on it. We ignore this message at our peril. There is no litmus test on "Blackness" and we as a people are not a monolith.



2. Once again John raised issues nobody wants to hear back into why Black Americans seem to hurt ourselves and not help one another.



3. 
   McWhorter considers himself a moderate black man. He is an academian in linguistics, but his second career is in writing and speaking about black issues. He has written a series of essays about the current problems facing blacks in America, many of which have been previously published. In this book, he expands on these essays, giving us a profound overview of the victimization attitude which contributes to the resistance to deracialization of blacks here in the USA.
   
   I have a black friend who likes to play the race card at the drop of a hat. This leaves me with nothing to say, unless we both are willing to have a lengthy private conversation, which may or may not be productive. McWhorter has covered in this book topics I would like to discuss with my friend - has said it much better than I could - and has done it from a personal, studied, and comprehensive vantage point. Below are short excerpts from the chapters of this excellent book, mostly in his words.
   
   Chapter I - Many blacks are careful to portray a pessimistic public outlook in order to "keep whitey on the hook." Privately, their silent mainly middle class majority wish they could have just one generation that didn't absorb this complex cultural victimization attitude. One generation would do it.
   
   Chapter II - Racial profiling is a fact. Other than inconvenient examples of thoughtless inconsideration - which are just as easily overlooked - this remains the last bastion of overt racism. Yet a young black male usually did it, a problem that began with the war on drugs. A powerful and thoughtful analysis, advocating that a cultural bias (within the black community) against real achievement and education works against blacks.
   
   Chapter III - The reparations movement - re: Randall Robinson's book, "The Debt." With the advantages legislated in by Johnson, blacks have been given all the boost they can expect. "Most blacks about fifty or younger tend to tacitly process affirmative action...as a 'reparation,' although they would not put it just that way...The fact that Robinson and the reparation crowd cannot see the alternative views as even worthy of addressing indicates their true interest - assuaging the sense of inferiority to whites that gnaws at the black American soul."
   
   Chapter IV - Review of Bogle's "Primitive Blues," or playing the "can you find the stereotype" game. Bogle blames the TV industry since all shows are not like his preferential type (Cosby), criticizing all actors involved no matter how they perform their role. McWhorter gives the optimistic view, reflecting how the TV industry is well on its way toward an integrated and "deracialized" future.
   
   Chapter V - Diversity - "There comes a point where a people can only achieve at the same level as the ruling group if the safety net is withdrawn."
   
   Chapter VI - McWhorter analyses the "N" word from all vantage points: "Once we have done the right thing for ourselves - which is what interests me - the word will no longer seem so interesting." A fascinating chapter.
   
   Chapter VII - African History - "Black Americans would benefit more from a conception of history focusing not on Africa but on the US: blacks in America speaking english, worshipping a Christian God, living with whites, in a post-industrial society." This chapter then gives a brief essay of McWhorter's idea of what black history should be.
   
   Chapter VIII - Black academics and doing the right thing.
   
   Chapter IX - A seething indictment of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton; then a thoughtful presentation of new black leaders who are quietly doing the right things.
   
   This is a superb book that builds interest gradually until it can barely be put down. If you're not black, there is probably much that has escaped your notice. Having read "Authentically Black," I now possess a vastly better understanding of the situation and recommend this book be promoted to the top of your list.



4. John H. McWhorter, 37-year-old Afro-American and linguistics Professor, criticizes the image identification of his brothers and sisters with a certain maliciousness, an image as on the one hand constructed by liberal left-wing politics, on the other hand advanced by pop culture . The politics is tightly still too much attached to the no longer quite realistic, melodramatic idea, that the blacks are still the victims (Al Sharpton) in a territory, where still racism subliminally exists. McWhorter denies this. He slaughters a sacred cow, of which many blacks think, though, one still needs her for milking. However John McWhorter thinks that all non-whites, whether Asians, Latinos or Afro-Americans have fair chances at school or at professional areas in the USA at present. Perhaps he overflows (to the joy of some Republicans eternal of yesterday) with such an assertion to the store of the opponents. Perhaps he formulates something which has been already recognized by psychologists as important: take a look at the book of Martin Seligman, "Learned Optimism". A passive victim mentality is dysfunctional, only self consciousness seems saving - and if it is only an individual bridge, at first one makes progress alone (without the populace, following later). McWhorter preaches, that restrictingly is a self-produced whininess, is to bury oneself with gestures of a subculture behavior: Hip Hop is not important and also not important is to wear the cap turned round differently. Of such irrelevant nonsense, please one shall come loose. Black identity may not be equated to the dead end of "reparations payments" (Randall Robinson) or with hip swing acrobatics. One should copy the joy of achieving great things like the Asians practice -- instead of equating himself with the failed eternally. One by the way does not fail. One has gigantic success: Britney Spears or Mariah Carey are pieces of evidence for the imitation rage of the white individuals, which wanted to learn something from the blacks. It would therefore be counterproductive to show itself eternal in the dress of the failed beggar. It would be the reality already, that the most influential Americans would have a black skin color. McWhorter does not think only of Condoleezza Rice or Colin Powell (the system critics Howard Zinn despicably counts them as members of the "staff for the rich and powerful"), but he thinks of the Hip Hop music Mogul Russell Simmons (a little illogically). However, nowadays, it therefore would be absurd that (in Hip-Hop-song-lyrics) artists would talk about the discrimination against the blacks. McWorther, who likes to mention, that black men could marry white women nowadays, wishes all his brothers and sisters to have a self-confident basic ego and a little of that self consciousness, which the Latino disparagingly lets speak of the "Gringo"...



5. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book was brilliant. John bravely deals with touchy issues in/and facing Black America.I'm personally surprised his amazon rating is as high as it is; Since boooks like this tend to make people defensive and slinging "Uncle Tom" after 2 paragraphs. Anyway If you have an open mind about the concepts widely accepted about Black America, give this book a try. It won't be a cormfortable read, but the points brought up in the booking are worth consideration and discussion. His thoughts about Afro-centrisim are priceless, sure to shock and anger many.Theres no going back from this book, my world view hasn't been changed this drasticly since reading "The Color Complex".

5 comments about Harriet Tubman - The Moses of Her People.

1. In 1868 after the war Harriet Tubman was induced to dictate her autobiography. In the various editions the story changed, becoming more militant over the years. She also needed the funds from the sale of the book.
   Tubman was and is a great American hero. That can not be denied. But with the exception of a few newspaper articles, a few letters and this book, much of what we know about her has been passed from one author to another, each changing or embellishing the story as she or he saw fit.
   Unfortunately there are some exaggerations, and or glaring mistakes in this book. Being that she was illiterate it could be that the story was just told wrong. I would hope so.
   
   The Combahee River Raid during the American Civil War is a good example of the problems with her story.
   While the raid did take place historians to this day have no documented proof of exactly what her role was and how extensive her involvement in the planning. Unfortunately the reports by the Union commanders are missing. In addition certain parts of the narrative, which are presented as fact, simply didn't happen. The raid never came within five miles by water of the railroad. Only private buildings, farms, plantations, mills were burnt or destroyed. No governmental supply depots were even in the area. Unfortunately this brings into question of what really did happen.
   What we do know is she was on the raid, she had a major role in the raid. Most importantly over 750 slaves were freed. Many of these freed slaves eventually did serve in the Union cause.
   A good story, but don't take all of the facts for fact before you really do your homework.



2. The book made me realize that enyone can do anything they wish. I wish it would have gone a little deeper into the life of harriet tubman, however I thought it was still a good book.



3. A very informative book. Prior to reading this book, I had assumed Mrs. Tubman took her people to the North, the land of "Freedom". I was wrong, Mrs. Tubman had to take her people all the way to Canada, to be free. In the North, with the passage of the fugitive slave act, Harriett Tubman knew her people would/and could be 'captured' by Northern slave catches, ( who frequently captured free African-Americans as well) and sold them back into slavery) Traveling at night, hiding in the swamps, carring laudnum to keep the crying babies from crying and giving them away, and a pistol for safety, and risking her very life should she be captured.

   I regret there was never more recorded history on Harriett Tubman. Her bravery, and heroism are awe inspiring. She risked her life 19 times, to save her people, and bring them to Canada, for Canada was the end of the Undergound Railroad.

   Mrs. Tubman serves as a true American Hero, that went far beyond and above, what the vast majority of us would do.

   I take my hat off to you, Mrs Tubman. God Bless you.




4. Harriet Tubman was born to a free man and a slave woman. Her life was hard and she abhorred slavery for her people. She sustained a head injury while helping an escaping slave. Her free Black husband was not supportive of her activities. Learning she was to be sold, Harriet planned an escape, however her brothers made her return. She finally did escape, using the underground railroad. Harriet was a family woman, and could not rest until she helped her sister and brother escape. The Blacks truly considered her their female version of the Biblical Moses.



5. I thought that this book was great. I enjoyed that it was written by someone in Harriet's time, except that some of the terminolgy is confusing. If you read this book, you will learn a lot about Harriet, and her adventures, but remember the dictionary!

No comments about Missouri Slave Narratives.

5 comments about Growing Up X.

1. I'd first like to ask permission from my elders to even speak on such a legendary family...Thank you...
   
   Ilyasah gives us who only know the X's through what we've been told the true behind the scene details of what the family was like. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I feel honored to even know this wonderful woman and glad to have crossed paths with her. Ilyasah, keep up the hard work for many of us count on you and your family for strength in our times of need. Thanks for this wonderful and insightful book of knowledge and history. Your friend and comrade in the struggle,
   
   Dashaun Jiwe Morris- Author War of the Bloods in My Veins



2. I felt the book was very insightful. The whole world probably wanted to know how Malcolm X's children faired after is death. They deserved the good education and the care that their mother gave them or that the world could give them. I applaud Betty for it. I disagree with one review which said she was all over the place in the book or went from one thing to another. I believe she is remembering as a two year old and we've got to think of it from that prospective. We should expect them to have lived a sheltered life, but it seemed as though Ilyasah tried to break the mold but couldn't.(smile) I am proud that she had the courage to write about her private life. My mom was a great follower of Malcom X and even took my brother to his funeral. We will all forever miss her mother and father. I too think that they are together now in peace.



3. I don't think this book lived up to the hype. It's very disorganized and the topics she discusses are all over the place. She skips around throughout the entire book. Her tone is also a bit irritating. I expected a mature narration of her life, but it seemed like the book was written by a teenager.
   
   The author was often overly dramatic when it came to simple topics, stuck to unimportant topics for too long, gave important issues very little attention, and kept referring to her mother as "Mommy". I sensed a repetition of the same issues. There also wasn't a shortage of clichés in the book: She mentions during 4 or 5 different instances that she started "Finding out who I really was".
   
   Despite the struggles her parents endured, it seems she has lived a very sheltered life and had pretty much everything handed to her: She got into college without applying, had all her expenses taken care of throughout college, and didn't seem to have many responsibilities, even throughout adulthood. I found it strange that she didn't read her father's autobiography until she got to college. You'd expect the daughter of a civil rights leader to be much more involved, but she either didn't care enough to continue his work or simply didn't mention it. Overall this book didn't give me the insight I had expected. It was very shallow and I didn't find much substance in it. She doesn't seem to have many significant life experiences, but rather chose to write about that of her parents.



4. I felt that this was a great book. This book has shown how a mother and her children who had seen there father and husband killed . But still the the mother went on to continute her education while seeing that her girls recevied the best education
   they could receive. I feel that Malcolm X was a man way before his time and this didn't start with Malcolm X it began with Malcolm X's father. Who also was a man before his time.



5. The author wrote a good book for the most part, yet came off to me as little ungreatful. I am refering to the inference about the movie based on the life of her Father, MALCOLM X.
   In writing, "Denzel Washington did a good job but, my father was....
   Come now Ms. Shabazz, Spike Lee did not have time to cast a clone of your father.
   Lee did the best that he could to convey the power of your father's works as well as his life.
   Your own mother was the creative consultant on the film!
   A little thankfulness goes a long way considering the type of activist that your father was.
   In his early days as a leader of the NOI, he angered many black and white people with the wording and the tone of his speeches and not too many directors were chomping at the bit to produce a film honoring Malcolm X.
   Next time spend your own money and YOU do the research and t ake the time to create a movie about your dad.

4 comments about Only the Strong Survive: Memoirs of a Soul Survivor (Black Music and Expressive Culture).

1. Excellent autobiography from one of the giants of Chicago soul and a giant in the world of pop music in general.
   
   Lots of anecdotes about life on the road and the Chicago music scene from the 50s through the 90s.
   
   Butler is a major talent as well as an intelligent, literate man. A must read for fans of popular music in the last half of the 20th century.
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. A friend of mine gave me "Only the Strong Survive" as a Christmas gift, and now I treasure it as one of the best gifts I've ever received.

   This is more than a book about music--although eighty percent of it is. It is a history book, political book, inspirational book -- you name it! One would never think that a rhythm and blues singer had that much depth. For example, Mr. Butler uses the tragic case of his former bongo player to show the horrors of the war in Vietnam. Then, turning to politics, he reminds us of the debt we owe the late Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, and what all of us can do to make this world a better place. It is at once inspirational and entertaining, thought-provoking and profound -- a must-read for all serious readers!




3. A MUST READ ESPECIALLY FOR DUSTY RECORD FANS. MR. BUTLER IS CLASSY AND ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMERS BACK FROM THE 60'S, A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. I STARTED READING THE BOOK AND COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. TRUST ME THIS BOOK WILL NOT BORE YOU, WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT IS JERRY AND EARL ADD A TOUCH OF HUMOR TO JUST ABOUT EVERY CHAPTER. THIS BOOK IS A KEEPSAKE. JERRY ALSO HAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICES I HAVE EVER HEARD, DID YOU KNOW THAT HE WAS THE LEAD SINGER OF THE IMPRESSIONS AT ONE TIME AND HE LED ON THE SONG "FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE" I AM A LIBRARIAN, AND I CONSTANTLY REVIEW AND PREVIEW BOOKS AND THIS IS A WINNER. AS JERRY SINGS IN ONE OF HIS SONGS "I'M A TELLING YOU".



4. Jerry Butler's book tells an important--and fun--story about his history as the one great rnb singers. Did you know he co-wrote I've Been Loving You Too Long, with Otis Redding. Butler also worked with Curtis Mayfield, who produced and wrote for him. His composition "Brand New Me," has been covered by countless artists from Dusty Springfield to Phoebe Snow. Don't just get the book--pick up his greatest hits too.

5 comments about Defending the Spirit: A Black Life in America.

1. Dr. Randall Robinson is a valued member in the African American community, he selflessly placed his life on the line many times for the empowerment of his people, not just for African Americans but for Africans (Black people) throughout the Diaspora, this book outlines a few of those occasions. South Africa owes a debt to him an a few other African American congressmen for taking a stand and making a profound difference.
   
   Without a doubt, had it not been for the efforts of Randall Robinson et al, I would not be surprised if South Africa would still be suffering from the ills of Apartheid today.
   
   I'm extremely proud that I had the opportunity to buy the book, I'm extremely proud that I had the opportunity to read the book, and I'm extremely proud that his inspirational message of Black empowerment is still with me today (I quoted it just this week).



2. there really must be a niche for everything considering this chucklehead has written a couple of books now that evidently some maniacs have bought and even liked! america is so great. randall you're useless as a thinker and as a writer. not because you're black, but because you're a moron.



3. it's because of books like this. randall robinson and david duke are on opposite poles of the same page. stop hatin', and start lovin'!!!! god is the way.



4. A must read for us Black folks and who gives a s--t what these racist white folks have to say. Why are all white folks racist or at the least have that one family member who is a "go to the grave" bigot ? Is it a mental illness that they(whitey) are all born with as Dr.Alvin Pouissant has suggested ?



5. Max Robinson was a joke as a newscaster and a disgrace as a person. His brother has kept his legacy intact.

3 comments about War Against the Panthers: A Study of Repression in America.

1. Excellent book. This book shows why white people should be hated. They are liars. They are thiefs. They are destructive and shalt be burned by God come judgment day.



2. Irakurtzeko erreza, ez oso luzea, oso liburu ona azkenean. Mugimendu beltzaren aurkako Amerikkkak buruturiko errepresioaz zerbait gehiago jakiteko oso liburu erabilgarria. Ez badakizu gauza askorik Black Panther Partyren aurkako errepresioaz, hau da behar duzun liburua. Oso aukera ona./ Easy to read book, not very complex, a very good book at least. If you want to know more about black liberation movement and the repression it suffered, it's a very good option. If you don't know about this matter, this is the book you need. A very good option (excuse my bad english). JO TA KE!!!



3. This book is a straight forward account of why Huey P. Newton helped found the Black Panthers. This has many historical references to when and how oppression was used by the government in the past and how he would prevent it in the future. This is one of my favorite books by my favorite author. It's a great read.