Title: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Time of Colorblindness
Author: Michelle Alexander
Published: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 290
Rating: 4/5
Summary:
In this book, Alexander discusses the United States history of racial injustice, racial castes, the U. S. criminal system and mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness.
Review:
This was an absolutely fascinating read.
American society, history and culture is fascinating (at least I think so) and the justice system has always been a point of interest for me, but it has especially peaked in the last few years with constant news of racial injustice, so I wanted to learn a bit more about it. And by reading this I did. It is critical, articulate and rather heart breaking.
This book lends more than a new and interesting view on race, it also talks a lot about the justice system in America in general, and how it's generally shifted more towards punishment than rehabilitation, which I, as a Norwegian, think is rather brutal and, as Alexander mentions, doesn't really work. As well as being brutal in general, this shows how it is from the viewpoint of African Americans. I would have loved to hear more of her thoughts on other minorities and especially women, but as she explains in the introduction, she has chosen to focus on those this affects most: African American men.
The writing style is easy to get on with, doesn't overly explain things either which I something I appreciate, but as the subject matter is rather heavy, it is a bit heavy to read. The author doesn't assume you're a moron, she doesn't preach too much, but rather gives a new and well explained perspective. The only slightly negative thing I have to say is that is does get a bit repetitive at times, but it's really not too bad. It's a lesson as well as a reminder of having to keep our eyes open to these things, especially to those of us who don't have to because it rarely affects us.
I think if you find politics interesting, you're going to love this, but even if you don't, I think most people would like this and find it disturbing, fascinating and eye opening.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
Author: Michelle Alexander
Published: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 290
Rating: 4/5
Summary:
In this book, Alexander discusses the United States history of racial injustice, racial castes, the U. S. criminal system and mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness.
Review:
This was an absolutely fascinating read.
American society, history and culture is fascinating (at least I think so) and the justice system has always been a point of interest for me, but it has especially peaked in the last few years with constant news of racial injustice, so I wanted to learn a bit more about it. And by reading this I did. It is critical, articulate and rather heart breaking.
This book lends more than a new and interesting view on race, it also talks a lot about the justice system in America in general, and how it's generally shifted more towards punishment than rehabilitation, which I, as a Norwegian, think is rather brutal and, as Alexander mentions, doesn't really work. As well as being brutal in general, this shows how it is from the viewpoint of African Americans. I would have loved to hear more of her thoughts on other minorities and especially women, but as she explains in the introduction, she has chosen to focus on those this affects most: African American men.
The writing style is easy to get on with, doesn't overly explain things either which I something I appreciate, but as the subject matter is rather heavy, it is a bit heavy to read. The author doesn't assume you're a moron, she doesn't preach too much, but rather gives a new and well explained perspective. The only slightly negative thing I have to say is that is does get a bit repetitive at times, but it's really not too bad. It's a lesson as well as a reminder of having to keep our eyes open to these things, especially to those of us who don't have to because it rarely affects us.
I think if you find politics interesting, you're going to love this, but even if you don't, I think most people would like this and find it disturbing, fascinating and eye opening.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
*AFFILIATE LINK
