For those wishing to fight ignorance with intelligence and racism with facts, information from government sources and published studies point out discrepancies in assumed beliefs--such as that blacks are the main welfare recipients and drug users--and major fallacies.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The stated purpose of Chideya's book is to "give readers a chance to question the depictions of race that have become standard in newspapers and on the nightly news, a map through the modern realities and misconceptions about race." She succeeds in 18 chapters, each of which discusses an issue, then examines the reality behind frequently asked questions and frequently held myths. For example, Chideya disputes the idea that most welfare mothers are black, have lots of children and no desire to work by citing figures on the ratio of black and white women on welfare, the average number of children each recipient has and their efforts in finding and keeping work. She uses this formula to tackle affirmative action, the armed forces, drugs, gangs, violence, sex, family values, politics and other issues. For someone with her news reporting background (a former staff reporter for Newsweek, she now works for MTV news), Chideya doesn't offer many supporting quotes. More personal insight from African Americans who have been stereotyped as the welfare mother, violent purse snatcher or hopeless drug addict would have offered greater readability and personality to what often sounds like a well-researched senior thesis. Still, the facts alone will make for good discussions after the evening news.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Chideya's book dispells many popular myths about African Americans that are rampant in the media, literature, etc. She paints a vivid picture of how people perceive "others" and the misconceptions that are created and perpetuated by ignorance. I have been told that this book is no longer in print because of its content...probably because some people do not want the truth to be known! Farai Chideya's book is am important and enlightening one that should be read by anyone who is in search of the "real" truth! This is probably the most informative book I have come across in years...
By AMF
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is easy to read. It is a very informative, well presented and relevant book. An excellent read for anyone.
9 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are a human being living in a society where equality matters, you must read this book. It focuses on several aspects of the African-American in our modern society, that are the main cause for injustice and stereotypes. Chideya tries to break these stereotypes by giving cold figures from the 1990 census. If you are interested in being a less stereotypical person, don't leave home without this master-piece
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
More Relevant Today Than In 1995!
I read this book a long time ago and decided to re-read it recently due to some disturbing trends in how mainstream-controlled media depicts Black romantic relationships. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Nappy Reality
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE INFORMATION REMAINS RELEVANT
I found the information enlightening when I purchased the book so many years ago. Today, my children(ages 18 through 34) are reading this book and finding the information relevant... Read more
Published on January 3, 2008 by jMae
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great data, great conclusions. Social Science at it's best.
The data is pure fact and can be referenced by anyone who cares to validate Farai's claims. The logic is clear and concise, and anyone other than the most hardened bigot could not... Read more
Published on November 22, 2007 by The Pragmatist
1.0 out of 5 stars
A Woman in Denial
The complaints in this book are old, for which no proof has ever been offered. The usual evidence in support of the charge that the criminal laws discriminate against blacks is the... Read more
Published on October 18, 2007 by Emily
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disrupted by numbers
I was dissapointed in this book. I found it a difficult read because the text was inundated with percentages, statistics and numbers. Read more
Published on September 10, 2005 by A Reader
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Effort ---three and a half stars
I was so happy that a gen Xer took the time out and wrote down and analyzed the current available data regarding various social statistics to come up with something totally... Read more
Published on June 19, 2005 by Diana Wilson
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointing
Having watched her even-handed reporting on TV, I assumed I would--in light of the title--get a fair-minded, non-hypey exploration of the complicated issues related to... Read more
Published on September 10, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Information, Presented very well
An excellent book. It smashes the political lies and rhetoric and presents a staggeringly different side of things. Read more
Published on June 22, 2001 by Kyver
2.0 out of 5 stars
Chideya isn't a numbers person
Throughout much of this book, Chideya uses a very quantitative approach -with plenty of statistics- to prove her arguments. Read more
Published on August 28, 2000 by Justin Kuczynski
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
I've Followed Farai Chideya from the times she was Speaking on CNN.She is a Very Intelligent SISTER with a Way Of Putting Her Point Across On TIme. Read more
Published on June 4, 2000 by A customer
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