Derrick Bell (1930–2011)

Renowned civil rights lawyer and activist, Derek Bell, turned to writing later in his career as a way to forward the discussions around race and critical race theory in the United States. Faces at the Bottom of the Well is a collection of his short stories originally published in 1992 (reprinted in 2018), and it contains his most famous story, The Space Traders. Bell is no literary genius--these stories are narratively clunky and the dialogue often painfully obtuse, but the theory and show more lessons he is trying to explain through them rises above. Often cited by today’s social justice activists as a must-read, Faces at the Bottom of the Well certainly meets expectations. show less

Carefully thought out memoir about how to live one's life ethically, especially but not exclusively in the context of racism in our society. Written by a lawyer/law professor/law school dean, who was very active in the civil rights movement for his entire professional life. I would rate it at 5 stars, except for a chapter with an unnecessary emphasis on Christianity. That chapter reflects the authors faith in Christianity, but is more narrowly based than is warranted.

The author is one of show more the primary originators of Critical Race Theory-- the actual theory, not the distorted nonsense from the right wing politicians and media. show less

In Faces at the Bottom of the Well, civil rights activist and legal scholar Derrick Bell uses allegory and historical example—including the classic story "The Space Traders"—to argue that racism is an integral and permanent part of American society. This classic book was a pioneering contribution to critical race theory scholarship, and it remains urgent and essential reading on the problem of racism in America.

Bell uses an interesting way to frame the race issues the US has been struggling with ...well, for as long as it has been a country. Lots of facts (and cases) cited, but within a frame of "chronicles" so as to be engaging rather than dry reading.
My main "issue" with it is that it's a bit (read: a very lot) depressing to think about, particularly because in the end it offers no real solution - which is not the fault of the author, but of the subject. Sadly, there is no viable solution other show more than for folks to simply keep trying to strive for equality. But reading defenses with cases cited as "proof" for why scenarios that ought to offer up a viable path to change, wouldn't... it's just kind of crushing. Especially with it now having been about 30 years since this book was written, and nothing has changed. If anything, things may even be regressing. With still no viable solution presenting itself.

Overall, even with a few bits & pieces being a little dated, the actual content is still completely relevant (and the dated bits are just old numbers, so they still matter, it's just that it'd be nice to see what the comparison is for present day), so, still recommended for those interested in race issues in the US. show less