Ellis Cose

Race and Reckoning by Ellis Cose is a history of the United States using key moments when we could have chosen to try to live up to our founding principles (on paper anyway) but instead chose to maintain a white supremacist society.

These historical moments are explained in clear, very well-researched prose. What comes through is that none of these were simply "the way things were." There were people at every juncture who tried to steer us toward a better and more inclusive society, who argued for doing the right thing. Yet the powers that be did some amazing mental gymnastics, throwing out any sense of ethics or morality, in order to rationalize their racism.

On the topic of inclusivity, Cose includes the ways every group other than those considered at the time to be white were targeted. Black, indigenous, Asian, Muslim have all been, and remain, the targets of those who believe the lie of white supremacy.

I would recommend this for readers who both want to better understand these moments in history and want the details in order to refute those claiming some kind of "just the way it was" justification, especially since these acts have continued into the present.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)

“The End of Anger” pissed me off to no end—initially; after reading the ten tips for success from former Black Harvard MBAs from the end of the book first, I wondered how could these sellouts offer insights or be considered symbols of success when they don’t claim their “blackness” (or in some cases also their gender) in order to appear trustworthy and make those in power feel more comfortable whenever they interact. After reading the entire book, I realized that they are not sellouts, but are in survival mode, doing what is profitable instead of what is prudent; they are not angry, but in a constant state of rage. The book highlights the different generational attitudes towards race and the barriers, if any, race plays to access mainstream American life. The younger the generation the less race plays a part as a barrier to full participation in society. However, social class and the opportunities available based on class is quickly becoming the new battleground in the fight for civil, social, and economic justice. Race still plays a part, but educational opportunities based on class will determine a person’s future into the prison industrial complex or the military-industrial complex. Cose doesn’t come to this same conclusion mostly focusing on the attitudes of each generation’s take on race, the effects of the Great Recession, and the election of Obama. To me all these factors do in fact help make race a non issue however small in part, but the real challenge going into the future will be class; the battles among a disappearing middle-class, a growing underclass, a ridiculously rich oligarchy.… (more)

3.5

In 2016 my husband was one of a million people who donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a reaction to the election of Donald J. Trump. He told me he didn't always agree with them, such as supporting hate groups rights to free speech, but he did believe in their mission of protecting civil liberties.

I had read about Ruth Ginsberg's work with the ACLU in Conversations with RBG. I wanted to know more about the history and legacy of the ACLU.

Democracy, If We Can Keep It by Ellis Cose was often fascinating, especially when dealing with the landmark cases, but some places I speed read.

Throughout American history, the federal government has enacted laws that reflected popular anxiety but threatened civil rights. As this history shows, the limiting of civil liberties has not been relegated to one time or one side of the political spectrum. Democracy is an ongoing experiment.

The ACLU has continually developed and honed its mission in response to a changing world. Its history is a history of America and the continual fight for the freedom of speech and dissent.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.… (more)