With a new introduction, the groundbreaking classic Race Matters affirms its position as the bestselling, most influential, and most original articulation of the urgent issues in America’s ongoing racial debate.
Cornel West is at the forefront of thinking about race. In
Race Matters he addresses a range of issues, from the crisis in black leadership and the myths surrounding black sexuality to affirmative action, the new black conservatism, and the strained relations between Jews and African Americans. He never hesitates to confront the prejudices of all his readers or wavers in his insistence that they share a common destiny. Bold in its thought and written with a redemptive passion grounded in the tradition of the African-American church, Race Matters is a book that is at once challenging and deeply healing.
Kindle Customer –
Read this book in a Black History class in college 20 years ago. My mind was about as open as an undug well. Looking forward to reading it again with wiser eyes and a more open heart.
Dr. Matthew Okoro –
Great scholarship to an on going dilemma
Oddsfish –
I’m not very surprised at the contrasting reviews posted here. Considering the extraordinarily divided state of the nation, it’s almost impossible to say anything serious without making half of the people angry. Furthermore, I think most people would like to pretend that everything is going alright, and ideas that shake things up or that look at reality from a different angle aren’t going to be popular. At least, not right away. Cornel West’s ideas are these types, revealing the reality of the African-American condition in an America that worships the market and loses sight of a humanity in need of hope and an actual opportunity to achieve those things hoped for, an America that refuses to offer love to those most in need. Cornel West’s ideas admit that America is not a totally perfect place, and we need to change some things. We need to wake up. The ideas in this book are essential to read, and it is essential that we make the changes West calls for. This doesn’t just effect African-Americans, this is something to save all Americans. If the views in this book irritate you, you should probably read it again. If an idea bugs you enough, it probably means there is something there you need to learn, even if you do not ultimately agree with everything. If the ideas in Race Matters strike you, you need to act. We must all act out passionately, with compassion and love, to change things so that we may save ourselves.
nadav haber –
I read this book from a non-American prespective. As I don’t live in America but in Israel, I can’t help but read a book such as this while constantly comparing West’s analysis to my own environment.At the beginning of the book, the immediate comparison was to the oppression of the Palestinians. But as I progressed, there was a shift to the situation of the Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. I was amazed at how easily West’s words can be applied to the situation of the Ethiopians in Israel. I quoted a few insights from the book to Ethiopian friends, and there was a common feeling as if West wrote the book about them – and not about the American race matters. Of course the difficult chapter dealing with black Antisemitism was interesting as an American phenomena, without direct implications to the Ethiopian situation (here I could go back to the Palestinian issue).In the end, West’s book proved to be a bold attack on racism and racist institutions, and did provide some interesting directions for change. I must disagree with those that were disappointed by West’s “failure” to bring up coherent solutions. A book such as this should not be expected to provide a detailed solution layout, but instead give food for thought, and point at the directions which have not been taken yet.This the book does. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the issue of race and politics.
Amazon Customer –
It’s amazing that this book was written in 1994 and as I am reading it for the first time in 2013, all of what says is still timely for our current condition as a country. Thats sad but encouraging, in terms of all of the progress that has been built on the foundation he laid, notwithstanding the continual denial of the many truths listed. Cornel is one my heroes and I am hopeful that the matters that he laid out concerning race in America will be diminished sooner than later, by patience and love from those who continue in this tradition of truth telling.
David LoPolito –
Cornel West,, the Best.
Benny Padgett –
This a must read reference material for all pointing the way to spiritual freedom
Ben Wechsler –
A very interesting look at race relations and race issues from the perspective of the black person. This is certainly not the only book I have read on this topic, but West really goes into a lot of detail in a short piece. Excellent work.
Francisco Raposo –
I’m a white European immigrant and, believe it or not, we get told to go back to our country too by other “whites” while been in the country longer. It’s always perplexed me how whites who come to the US to escape persecution in Europe can become racists and identify with white nationalists within just a generation or two. This book answers that question. It explains how racism and white nationalism keeps marginalized groups separated and fighting one another.
Charisse Massay –
But this book is just as relevant today. It’s a shame that the evolution of race relations is so stunted.
Brandon J Crawford –
Great book!
Chitown Reader –
This is an excellent critique of the current problems which exist in American culture as a whole and the black community specifically. Cornel West articulates his argument in a very concise and intellectually engaging way. This book is critical of both the right and the left, and I highly recommend it to both, the unique perspective and intelligent analysis of Cornel West are truly superb.
Adrian T. –
Very interesting book. There is a very powerful message explained. Cornell tells it like it is! Recommend this book to everyone.
Spoonthegardner –
I have read a number of Cornel West’s books, news articles and think tank contributions. I was expecially curious to learn what made “Race Matters” a classic and relevant literary piece. West does a magnificient job of drawing thought provoking parallels between social, economic, psychological and political “matters” and how these “matters” define the paralysis so unique to the Afro-American experience. He not only exposes the circumstances which compromises political and economic power bases but clevery contrasts a means of recovery, if we dare to listen. A great read.
HonestyisthePolicy –
Excellent book! Had to purchase for a class but glad it is now a part of my library.
RCM –
While the American ideal is proudly proclaimed in the notion that “all men are created equal” this inalienable truth is one that has been denied to a majority of Americans because of their race. In “Race Matters”, Cornel West examines various issues that face black Americans in this country; they turn out to be issues that people of any race should be familiar with as well. And while this book was published in 1993, the message and criticisms that West highlighted are, unfortunately, still in existence.”Race Matters” touches on a wide variety of issues confronting black Americans and West does not shy away from the most negative aspects of those issues. He examines why crime rates and abuse against females is so high in poor black communities, why self-destructive cycles seem to never end, and why the issue of black sexuality is an uncomfortable topic in mainstream American culture. West does not try to hide behind any victimization defense; rather, he openly and honestly considers the difficulties that blacks have faced throughout our nation’s history. Anyone with half a brain knows that the Civil Rights Movement did not end racism in America, especially at a time when public schools are vastly more segregated than they were before the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954.Throughout “Race Matters” West examines these various issues with a critical eye and offers a call to action. While West does not dumb down his professorial terminology, his writing is accessible to anyone willing to listen to what he has to say. The hope may still exist that this nation will one day no longer have secondclass citizens of any race…
Andrew Carr –
Dr. Cornel West has an amazing breadth of knowledge, making every line engaging for the reader and worthy of rereading. He’s subtle and incisive, brilliant and humble. Definitely a good read!
Renee deBose –
Even more relevant today than 25 years ago!
D. M. Susong –
A learning book for the masses.
Tianja Bean –
Dr. Cornell West, who has been my inspiration along with references. Finally having my copy and a new preface. Thank you Dr. West
Yochanan Mashiach Ben Avraham –
It was good. I was expecting a little more, but I realized that what I was expecting was based upon the thoughts others.
mclemorf@ncr.disa.mil –
This is a must read for any person of color living in the United States.
Michael Hagos –
Great book, but there’s one flaw: p. 94: “GI benefits to particular courageous Americans.”For comments, go to http://lovefreedomorquestionwhoyouare.blogspot.se/
Carolyn Covington –
Excellent book
Elska –
very good thank you
hilton wright –
Dr. West book inspired me back in 2005 and it still does. A book that has shape and reshape my ideology on race, culture, and current events.
Sean Mulligan –
I just read this book and it got a lot of good information about it such as the names of black scholars and leaders that I had never heard of before and teachings of Malcolm X. The analysis of black anti-semitism and black nihilism was also very interesting. I intend to read more of his works in the future.
Devonte VanHolten –
I liked how fast it came.
Jim Bernhardt –
Race matters. Race matters even more in the fall of 2016. This book is a must read for all of us. Race matters.
dm crow –
must reading of a classic treatment of an issue that America has not grappled with and sadly, think that “we get it.”
Melvin G. Brennan III –
Rest assured, those who attempt to reduce West to the pregnant, media-induced notion of a “communist,” a word that if people were using it in its original meaning and original context might possess them of an arguable viewpoint, are those who never did their homework. What they mean is “Communist,” and the fact that they don’t know the difference (which is not at all subtle, but simply springs from ignorance and thinking that must be discredited) means they without question don’t know West.West, a deeply religious thinker who further cements himself in the philosophical notions of Chekov and Kirkegaard, has in “Race Matters” begun the process of dialogue. Those who come to this – or any – book with the idea that the dialogue contained therein should – or can – be a wholly illuminating work without engagement with others are looking for brainwashing, and are consequently dissatisfied with the “failed” attempt at “convincing” them of a viewpoint; they are open and susceptible to claims of absolutist notions rather than a starting point for further discussion, and its no wonder that, in that context, these reviews focus so much on Marx and “Communism” as monolithic, zero-sum end analyses; such is our Oprahesque, television, solve-it-in-one-hour-with-commercials culture, one West rightly attacks with cogent, vigorous aplomb.The reviews here, not unlike most everywhere, are far more reflective of the people who write them than they are of the work. Everyone rips or reveres Race Matters relative to their own station. The point that they miss is that in acting as a staring point for a discussion, Race Matters acts as the locomotive agent for West as he hopes to move us beyond relating everything to our personal circumstance and self-interest, a phenomenon exacerbated by the insular lives we lead: walled off physically from the rest of the world in our single-family superb-urban dwellings, and walled off mentally as we sit in darkened rooms as consumer/receptors for the tele-vision owned by the economic elites, we wait for our “consume” button to be triggered by the cathode images we have no choice but to receive as we delude ourselves by thinking that we make highbrow choices with regard to what we watch, what we “consume.”Recognize that to reduce your argument to the “isms” (Marxism, Communism, capitalism, racism) means that you have already missed the larger point of not only West’s work, but the larger idea prevalent throughout his professional life: that education springs from resources, yes, but also from discipline, love from family, and love from community. You understand West only relative to your level of engagement with your family, with your community, and if you are possessed of living discipline.So when it comes to West (or Lani or Michael Eric, or William Julius or anyone else speaking to the notion that America has been and continues to be a goal and not a finished work of any sort)), turn off the television, and do your homework. Get your contexts together, then come back to the book.Maybe then, possibly, you might conditionally be able to tell me about the greatness of America. I would then tell you, in Cornel-ian fashion, about America in the simple context of every other forgettable empire; just as we today expend no energy in forgetting the Persians, future societies may forget us; staying on the course that we as a nation are on shows an America as a timed and fateful experiement in self-delusion, an experiment due to expire for lack of commitment to the notions espoused by West in Race Matters and other work.Do your homework.
Bella Diamond –
This is a magnificent book. It is an essential book for understanding the U.S. It is very well written, clear and understandable. It helped me become aware of and learn about my own internal beliefs that are oppressive to myself and other people. I think every American could benefit from reading it. I hope it is used in a lot of schools.
Amazon Customer –
Excellent book with relevant information that is pertinent in dealing with and understanding race relationships in Anerica.
Amos Smith –
I find much of Cornell West’s writing prophetic. In this book I love his assessment of race-distancing elitist, race-identifying rebel, and race-transcending prophet. This assessment gave me words for something that was on the tip of my tongue. I also liked his examples of Clarence Thomas as a race-distancing elitist and Martin Luther King, Jr. as a race transcending prophet. There are a number of lines in West’s book that I underlined and have read and re-read.-Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity’s Mystic Roots)
Jason –
It is somewhat disturbing to read past reviews of Dr. West’s work and find no middle ground. The reviews range from exalting to damning, but the issues are out of focus. As a white American male (veteran AND Republican), I am on the receiving end of Dr. West’s criticisms…or am I? This (the reader review section) is where one can see evidence of the racial conflict Dr. West writes about. Self-loathing and guilt manifested as hate and distrust in a zero-sum world…and this is the world most of us were brought up in.If Dr. West is correct, and the subjugation of the African-American underclass is caused by Corporate White America, then what is to be done? Taxes and subsidies focused on social equality are out of fashion with a majority of White Americans because the question, “who benefits?” is rarely addressed in full. Unfortunately, for most, an acceptable answer is lacking in this particular analysis, but it should be obvious to anyone CHOOSING to read RACE MATTERS, that positive externalities exist on both sides of the racial divide.As a white American, reading RACE MATTERS is like asking a stranger to identify all the perceived shortcomings and failures embodied in your character. However, walking away and assuming a defensive posture, without ever asking “What can I do to change you perceptions?”, is tantamount to failure in itself.Dr. West’s book is an excellent answer to the question most white Americans want answered…”What did I do to you?”And although I may not agree with every solution or angle of criticism proposed by Dr. West, it most certainly initiates the discourse. This is where the benefit of his book is realized…in the discourse…and in the development of a common social ground.
guitar man –
This is a very book to read, I highly recommend
Rodney Henry –
I am a West Reader so I may be a little bias on my review. Race Matters is a piece that takes the current position of many miniority races and forces them to relate to each other. The section on Malcolm and Black Rage hits it on the head. It has started my research on nihilism and allows the reader to jump into new areas of thought. It will expand your mind like all of West’s works.
Amazon Customer –
Interesting
V. moffett –
Excellent look at race issues in America that apply today even though the book was written more tha a decade ago.
Michael O. –
I am not a big reader but was told about this book. I got it and think it was a nice deal. Thank you.
Mona Hicks –
I purchased this book as a requirement for my doctoral class. It is ironic how the information is still applicable today.
lakeman –
Good read! Cornel West has some definite opinions on many issues that plague our society today….I purchased the book to help me interpret and come to terms with the cultural differences in our society – also to get back towards where I came from. I highly recommend this book!
Billy –
because this is real in the usa!!,i think in this part of the world race is still the top of the list to be successful and acceptedfor education jobs interacting with other people outside of your race! so what DR.West is saying is true to me being Black in thiscountry.note Race really matters!!
rene dansereau –
all the arguments were well thought out, the presentation is excellent, Mr. West’s perspective is a true mentor from whom everyone can benefit
Betweenthecoversliterary –
This was an very exciting and interesting read. I really would like to hear Mr. West views on race after more than 25 years. This book is very much prevalent to the society we live in today and informative as much as the question was asked solutions were also given to combat most of the problems that were addressed throughout the book.
Alan Hill –
A classic. Required reading for anyone seeking to understand race relations in America.
Bruce –
A very well written book which was able to teach me a lot about understanding life and the experiences of those outside my race.
Kindle Customer –
More relevant every day.
Amazon Customer –
This was very deep
Jaye –
I love this book and the author is one of my heroes! Great buy. Prompt shipping.
Kevin Tatum –
It’s a good read that is well thought out. It should be used in secondary schools. It’s worth every second.
naomi e. spencer –
GREAT RECOMMENDATION FROM AN AVID SCHOLAR IN RACE RELATIONS….NOT AN EASY READ, BUT DEFINITELY WORTH THE PURCHASE…..THIS AND A FEW OTHERS TO PASS DOWN OR SHARE….. SPEECHLESS… WILL BE BACK TO ADD MORE REAL SOON. SORRY.
Model Misha –
awesome read love how Cornell West expresses his thoughts on what truly matters and its race how it fits in everyday life in a pro and con way.
jahnuel dorelus –
Book came in clean condition. I’m very happy with this purchase
Theresa McDaniel –
Great and informative book a must read for any political science students
Amazon Customer –
Very good condition
Marva P. –
Very interesting book I had to read for graduate school. Very interesting book
Xavia Jackson –
This was a very insightful book.
Mo –
This is a splendid book about the truth behind racism. The author tries to unlock the underlying causes of xenophobia holding this country back.
Justin –
Double Wow!! Excellent book.
Gary –
With an Africanamerican in the White House, Race Mater is an excellent view of the black community and it leaders. Peace
Thomas Dukich –
I first read Race Matters in 1995. I just re-read it in anticipation of hearing West speak in person. Out of curiosity, I checked out these Amazon reviews to see what others thought of West’s book. Several of the reviews confirm much what West says in Race Matters. As I see it, this creates an even more compelling reason to buy and read this short book.According to West, discussions about the plight of African Americans tend to be divided into two camps, the “liberal structuralists” and the “conservative behaviorists”. West then adds: “Unfortunately, these two camps have nearly suffocated the debate that should be taking place about the prospects for black America.” (p. 18.) Debate certainly seems to be gasping for air in some of the Amazon reviews of Race Matters.In chapter 2, West outlines what he calls the pitfalls of “racial reasoning.” This chapter alone is worth the price of the book because of its cogent treatment of the underlying racial reasoning on both sides of the Clarence Thomas debate. It is quite obvious that several of the reviews posted on Amazon have failed to heed West’s call to “replace racial reasoning with moral reasoning.” (p. 38.)To my surprise, the ad hominem attacks against West in some of the reviews are reminiscent of the 50s and 60s-Communist, Marxist, get a haircut, rich guy, etc. Theses are the same emotionally based attacks that appear in the referenced Solon article by David Horowitz.The strong feelings raised by West’s discussion seem also to have caused certain reviewers to overlook some of what West actually says. For example, West does mention Hispanics (p. 12, 44), he does criticize both Louis Farrakhan and Malcolm X (p. 42, 60, 68, 109, 114, 146-148), and he makes no “gross error” when discussing the rate of increase in black youth suicides, versus the absolute rate. (p. 24.)In my re-reading of Race Matters I was again struck by West’s ability to address issues that are often difficult for some of us “liberals” to address without a considerable level of discomfort. But West makes a good case for the fact that these issues need to be addressed candidly and compassionately if we are to overcome the hopelessness and lovelessness that has befallen so many Americans. Reading Race Matters the first time helped me regain some hope at a time when I was particularly pessimistic about race relations in America. I thank West for that.And after seeing him on TV, with the always entertaining Stanley Crouch, I’m looking forward to hearing him in person. And finally, I’m glad I read Race Matters again. As both the one star and five star reviews suggest, it is still very relevant. Unfortunately.
Chike Jeffers –
I am currently enjoying Race Matters, an intellectual discussion of issues facing Black America, complete with thought-provoking ideas on the causes, realities, and solutions of the problems brought up. I for some reason expected West to contradict my own views a lot and was pleasantly surprised to find that he is not some reactionary guy who just wants to stir up controversy. Rather, he is a deep thinker with a LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE. The last part of course should be a prerequisite for writing a book on the problems we face.West critiques both sides of almost every issue he discusses, honestly assessing the positive and negative aspects of the two viewpoints (eg. liberal and conservative views, black-Jewish relations, etc.). What comes out is that he desires more than anything realistic and penetrating analysis of our situation with, most importantly, a view to concrete solutions or at least pathways toward improvement. This is inspiring, because some people are content to just argue for the sake of arguing.Anyway, when I came to read amazon.com reviews of the book, I was shocked at first. The strong offense some readers took at the book really surprised me. I found myself asking, should white people maybe just not read stuff to do with black issues? Cornel West is far from being radical, yet many white people portrayed this book as being nearly racist(!) I felt like saying to them, just stay away from stuff to do with black people from now on. You’re not gonna understand, so why bother?Now, to prospective readers, do I actually believe that if you’re white, you shouldn’t read this book? No. The above comments were coming from my strong reaction to some of the other reviews. And I don’t even think that you have to be racist to disagree with Cornel (though he’s so far from an extremist, it almost feels like it). This is intellectual discussion, so you can have a different point of view. My point of view is theat we need more thinkers like Cornel West in the world today.
Amazon Customer –
Yes
ChangeItOrDrownIt –
I have not finished it. His writing is exquisite! He is complex but not overtly complicated. He is a master wordsmith. Honest beautiful blackness in prose.
leesimama –
my favorite… I love this book
Saih Norbert LebaleSaih Norbert Lebale –
.#blackpeople
Vee –
This book is a must read for an informative discussion on race relations that is still relevant today in both the US and the UK.
JMack –
Having been assigned to research Dr. West’s philosophical views, I was only required to learn a cross-section of his thougts. However, once I started skimming through “Race Matters”, I was very intrigued with what the author had to say.Dr. West addresses what he calls black nihilism, Nihilism is based in the influences of the capitalist market economy and lack of solid leadership in the African-American Community. The economy has left many with an inability to love themselves and each other. Material possessions take the place of others. The lack of quality leaders has led to a moral crisis among African-American youth. As a result, the youth do not value education, their families, or life in general. Dr. West’s statement about leadership is dreadfully true, as their are no leaders comparable to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X. Instead, this generation’s best leader is Jesse Jackson.Dr. West further points out the problems of black leadership, ethnic pride, affirmative action, black-jewish relations, and the most interesting entry is black sexuality.The one regret I have about this book is that it is not well known, especially among African-American youth. With the strong thoughts of Dr. West, I am convinced that he is an excellent leader in the black community through his writings.
Pedro Gabino –
Great educational book. Cornel West writes with conviction and to the point. He has opened my eyes to what America needs more of today: Acceptance and appreciation of all people of color. His book is not one sided. It is fair in addressing race issues in America. I highly recomend this book.
Hope S. Sanford –
This slim book says so much about what it means to be human; to find one’s self with a certain skin color, appearance and sex within our particular culture with it’s values and expectations fueled by aggressive marketing. Cornel West writes with an egoless openness, integrity, brilliance and generosity that could only come from profound suffering. My 23 year old daughter insisted I read this and I would heartily recommend this book to ANYone.
Mary E. Sibley –
During the Clarence Thomas appointment, Thomas appealed to racial victimization to secure his place at the expense of his sister and Anita Hill. Black leaders were caught off-base. In the post-Civil Rights era there is a lack of authentic Black Anger among political leaders. There are a number of managerial leaders. Race-transcending prophetic leaders are rare. Black intellectual leadership is cynical, ironic. Black conservatism is a reaction to the crisis in liberalism. West’s arguments are taut, interesting.
Jarell –
Quite frankly I was slightly intimidated reading this book, but I do not regret purchasing it. It is one of the best in-depth studies on race in the United States of America I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is both objective and thorough, yet understandable and realistic. I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book at one point or another in their lives.
Michael Stephens –
I waited nine years to read this book, and I have not been disappointed! Cornel West presents a vivid portrayal of the issues facing black America. In a very easy yet captivating manner, West meticulousness deals with politics, religion, and spirit that have all in one way or another contributed to or hindered American race relations. His appeal to a moral highroad as the solution is once again the prophetic message ringing to a devastated society as previously exclaimed by earlier freedom fighters. Race Matters is also a wonderful start for the person just becoming acquainted with West and the African-American plight. Simply indispensable.
The Rational Male –
He is very passionate and smart. More people like him are needed. He should have lots of kids
Kat –
Great condition. Amazon has honestly never failed me with books. They are always in great condition unless otherwise noted. As a college student – I love notes in books, so I actually look for books that have been used versus buying new. It is as if I get to read the thought transformation of another student/reader! I love it. Anyways, this book had some notes in it, nothing too significant but I appreciated it. No bent corners and the pages were all in tact. The binding was secure as well.There are always a couple things I check right away when I receive a book: binding, pagination, edition/copyright, and overall condition. I have never been disappointed with a book I’ve bought of Amazon.I plan to buy every book I can off of Amazon for the rest of my undergraduate career and all throughout law school.
Amina H Cooper –
Excellent
Binnie1 –
Race Matters is written with intellectual depth and insight. The book is a recent purchase and read but I am reading it for a second time to further enhance my understanding and thinking.
Charles Moore –
This book is a must read for every American. I highly recommend it as required reading in all high schools and colleges, as well as everyone over 18.
The eBook Investigator –
Given as a gift and was well-liked by the receiver.
minumw –
found this to be an informative and interesting read. would suggest it and would loan it to friends at any time
B. Wolinsky –
I didn’t know Clarence Thomas was despised by many, until I read this book in 1997. I always assumed Thomas was a serious scholar of the law, until Dr. West painted a rather unflattering picture of the Supreme Court Justice. He describes Thomas as unqualified, lazy, callous, ignorant, selfish, and to sum up, Thomas is the “token Black guy” on the Supreme Court.Dr. West goes into detail about his views on the Crown Heights Riots and why he believes the rioters were tolerated. He doesn’t take sides or justify anything; rather he looks for the causes and the facts as they are. He lays bare the sad details of race relations and leaves the reader to decide. Dr. West can really tell is like it is!But there’s a sad irony.Dr. West has become just like the people he despises. His conflict with Lawrence Summers shows that he’s become a selfish, publicity-hungry showman who wants to use his color as an excuse. Calling his boss the “Ariel Sharon of higher education” doesn’t bug me because I’m a Jew (I’m used to left-wing radicals using Israel as a metaphor for evil), it bugs me because instead of admitting he made a mistake, he defames his boss as being un-academic. Instead of saying “brothers and sisters, I have been neglecting my writing and giving out too many A’s,” he blames it on racism.On the other hand, everyone is entitled to make at least one mistake. But I hope Dr. West will realize that while sad things have happened in the history of the USA, we are evolving for improvement. Racist laws have been overturned, careers that were once closed are now integrated, and the over-empowerment of the President in the post-9/11 age shows that liberty is something that we’ll always be fighting for.The first step in the fight for liberty and equality is the freedom to express our views. I look forward to reading more of Dr. West’s work in the future.
Lydia L. Phillips –
Race Matters is an excellent book! Cornel West is a brillant man and one of our great leaders.This book is a must read for any one seeking knowledge and truth.
Kavity Killer –
This is a great book. I have news for Pat Wang (reviewer below)Communism didn’t claim those lives. Totalinarianism did.Get it straight.
Neikata Crawford –
This was a good book, I could not put it down and unfortunately “race,” does still matter in 2013, I am sure it will for years to come–Good read, though
Rodney D. Smalls –
Soon to be a timeless classic in the study of race relations in America. Race still and will always matter!
Plain Talk –
One of the first things that you notice about the book-Race Matters by Cornel West is the length, or lack thereof. However when you read Race Matters, you realize why Dr. West chhoses to make it short and sweet. Does this book need to be updated now that we have an Afr.-Amer. president? Unfortunately, no! I would like to see Dr. West create a Race Matters Vol. 2. Dr. West is not a monolithic Afr.-Amer. author/thinker. He had no problem supporting Obama for the Pres., but when he sees Obama not sticking up for the downtrodden, he’s ready to offer constructive crit. That’s why as a fellow author of Plain Talk-Vol. 1 I would like to request that Dr. West do a follow up to Race Matters.
Plain Talk – Volume 1
Maggie –
Important and still relevant.
Wendy –
Cornel West always shoots straight down the middle for all races. He will make you evaluate yourself because he addresses issues that are difficult. If an offense is taken, perhaps a need to re evaluate how we look at things is needed. Book is great for everyone.
Elisha –
Fast shipping!