Description
Book SynopsisAn introduction to antiracism, a powerful tradition crucial for energizing American democracyOn August 12, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia, a rally of white nationalists and white supremacists culminated in the death of a woman murdered in the street. Those events made clear that racism is alive and well in the United States of America. However, they also brought into sharp relief another American tradition: antiracism. While racists marched and chanted in the streets, they were met and matched by even larger numbers of protesters calling for racism's end. Racism is America's original and most enduring sin, with well-known historic and contemporary markers: slavery, lynching, Jim Crow, redlining, mass incarceration, police brutality. But racism has always been challenged by an opposing political theory and practice. Alex Zamalin's Antiracism tells the story of that opposition. The most theoretically generative and politically valuable source of antiracist thought has been the blac
Trade Review"[D]escribes the history of U.S. movements to contest racism...As an introduction to the intellectual history and political theory of antiracism, Zamalins book is ideal..." * Library Journal *
"The author provides valuable historical context on the social construct of racial identity....Zamalin's vision is pragmatic with a touch of idealism. He doesn't necessarily place moral superiority on nonviolence over more militant tactics, and he recognizes that black rebellion intensifies resistance from a conservative status quo. As he insists throughout, it is not enough to believe that you are not racist; you must actively work against racism in all its institutional and insidious forms." * Kirkus Review *
"A spirited and learned introduction to a vital topic. Antiracism combines a long historical sweep with deep consideration of what Dr. King once called the 'fierce urgency of now.' Drawing impressively on cultural as well as political sources it reminds readers of the centrality of struggles against structural inequalities, not just against ugly racist opinions, to initiatives for racial justice." -- David Roediger, Author of Seizing Freedom: Slave Emancipation and Liberty for All
"Alex Zamalin provides a comprehensive account of the philosophical underpinnings and practices of anti-racism in the United States. Theoretically nuanced and politically astute, this little book offers a primer on American anti-racism past and present. A fine tool for teaching and political work." -- David Theo Goldberg, Author of Are We All Postracial Yet?
"This isby farthe best introduction to the profoundly important topic of Anti-Racism." -- Gerald Horne, Author of The Apocalypse of Settler Colonialism
"Zamalin’s book is an impressive introduction to antiracist thought and practice. In the wake of increasing white terrorist massacres, it could not come at a better time." * New Political Science *
