Many of the facts in this book repeat in many of Sowell's other writings. That being said, a lot of what is written is factual gold. ( )

"Black Rednecks and White Liberals" by Thomas Sowell, a renowned American social theorist and political philosopher, presents his examination of the mistaken assumptions and beliefs about blacks, Jews, Germans, slavery and education. He illustrates the origin of these wrongful assumptions and how they have progressed.

Thoroughly researched, meticulously referenced and expertly written. Thomas Sowell discredits so many of the myths and misconceptions prevalent today through an honest account of true history.

“To be relevant to our times, history must not be controlled by our times. Its integrity as a record of the past is what allows us to draw lessons from it.” p. 289 ( )

I don't know what to say.

I picked up this book because the title made me mad. To my credit, or maybe not?, it took me 6 weeks to begin it. And I ended the book, which is really a collection of 6-ish research papers, mad. But not for the reasons I expected. I tried to return it, unread, twice. But the following stopped me.

If there is anything I have learned from my years spend in Graduate School, it is:

1. Things are rarely as simple as they seem.
2. Sometimes differing perceptions of reality coexist. This is what causes arguments.
3. There are often points worth validating from both realities.
4. Your perception is weakened if you can't examine another one that may conflict with it and, if necessary, refute it.* (It's loosely based on the Socratic Method)

So. Here I am. Having swallowed a lot of opposing viewpoints in the last few weeks... and on the hold list for a lot more.

I recommend this book to you... if you want to examine another perception of reality. If you don't, that's your prerogative.


* See [b:Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts|522525|Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts|Carol Tavris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328876733l/522525._SX50_.jpg|2171014]. Do I perhaps quote this one too much? Fine. See [b:Bonds That Make Us Free: Healing Our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves|310194|Bonds That Make Us Free Healing Our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves|C. Terry Warner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1414559852l/310194._SX50_.jpg|301143].

This book contains 6 essays on cultural history. 3 of the essays relate to the racial issues between black folks & progressive white folks with the background to the rewriting of the history of slavery around the world. In one essay, the great achievement of black folks coming out of American slavery, according to the author is now hidden by progressive white folks who have interest in maintaining false history to perpetuate their hold on power. He relates the long history of anti-semitism & the role of German culture's long history of anti-semitism toward the Jewish people. Finally, the last essay is "History versus Visions" which is focused on the serious consequences of holding to perceptions rather than the truth. When "vision" replaces "history" the truth is lost in the shadows & lies & half-truths become the "new history" This last essay should be a must read for all students of history. ( )