Product Description: For well over a decade, critical race theory-the school of thought that holds that race lies at the very nexus of American life-has roiled the legal academy. In recent years, however, the fundamental principles of the movement have influenced other academic disciplines, from sociology and politics to ethnic studies and history.
And yet, while the critical race theory movement has spawned dozens of conferences and numerous books, no concise, accessible volume outlines its basic parameters and tenets. Here, then, from two of the founders of the movement, is the first primer on one of the most influential intellectual movements in American law and politics.
Enlightening This is an excellent introduction to critical race theory. Well-written and supported by fascinating examples, it provides an insightful introduction to the school of thought of which Richard Delgado was one of the founders. The reviewer who found it poorly supported and insighting hate is quite misguided, for this introduction does not draw enormous conclusions but rather makes humble suggestions. It is not surprising that it made the reviewer feel uncomfortable, for nobody likes to admit to his/her racisms, which is actually one of Delgado's ideas. Racism is too loaded of a word and this society needs to develop more vocabulary to describe such emotions/feelings.
Horribly twisted and disgusting This book not portrays every white person in America as a racist, but does so in a racist manner itself. The book cites almost no facts to prove its assertions that whites are inwardly racist because of their being white, and that radical measures such as affirmative action across the board (in jobs, schooling, housing, etc.) needs to become common practice to "overcome the disadvantages of being Black." The book claims to want to help all poor members of society, but mentions poor whites only in passing. The book does not effectively prove any of its claims, instead using obviously exaggerated and unlikely examples to make a point. This book only incited anger in me, not sympathy for the "poor Black man."
Eye-opening! A Safe and Non-Threatening Introduction This book will change the way you view race and ethnicity in America. The authors present material and concepts that have come out of critical race theory in a readable format that is accessible to everyone. Although you may be confused about how to pin down precisely what "critical race theory" is (unfortunately, the authors don't really explain the overarching concept very well), you will be exposed to a plethora of new and radical (?) ideas that no other book or class will likely have introduced you to, such as interest convergence, which is the idea that a law will only change in favor of blacks when it is also perceived as being favorable by whites for whites. There are plenty of anecdotes, cases, and questions to keep you on your toes. This book is written in such a way so that any introductory class in history or sociology could utilize the book. I highly recommend it to professors and instructors of these courses, or to the general reader interested in race in America. Agree or disagree with them, you can't come away from the ideas in this book without thinking, and you'll never look at the legal system in the United States in quite the same way again.