Face To Face: The Changing State Of Racism Across America [Paperback]

James Waller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

A bold and compelling analysis of race in America and the possibility for racial reconciliation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Racial discrimination in the U.S. is still pervasive, if more covert and subtle, and it affects everything from criminal sentencing to obtaining a mortgage, contends Waller, who teaches psychology at Whitworth College in Washington state. His eloquent work, which, unfortunately, reads like a textbook, will serve nevertheless as a powerful tool for confronting racism and stereotyping. Although Waller focuses primarily on black-white interactions, he also includes the experience of Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans, as well as racial tensions between minority groups. Drawing on survey data, polls and other research (e.g., white males hold 95% of senior management positions), he compellingly argues that sharp racial inequalities still exist that affect minorities' educational opportunity, economic status and general quality of life. Waller also reports on the widely publicized cross-country study tours he conducted in 1996 and 1998, in which students immersed themselves in the daily lives of members of racial and ethnic minorities. Arguing pessimistically that the U.S. will never become a color-blind society because of the mind's habit of "social categorization" (separating us from them), Waller concludes by outlining seven steps to counteract prejudice, such as face-to-face interaction and teaching children antiracist attitudes.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"[T]his eloquent work...will serve as a powerful tool for confronting racism and stereotyping." -- Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073820613X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738206134
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,253,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Written on Race!, August 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Face To Face (Hardcover)

Just finished this insightful book last weekend, and I must say that it is the best book on race in America that I've read in the past several years. It reads well and is full of helpful resources. A must-read for anyone interested in finding unity in diversity in America.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Critical for those interested in racial reconciliation., April 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Face To Face (Hardcover)

Both powerful and eloquent, James Waller's compelling examination of racism in America is beyond timely-- it is crucial for our nation's evolving consciousness. Nowhere is the convergence of race and culture felt more acutely than in our public schools. Face to Face, therefore, is critical reading for anybody -- teacher, administrator, parent -- who recognizes the role, potential, and responsibility of our schools in fostering racial reconciliation. I highly recommend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Face the truth with this book!, March 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Face To Face (Hardcover)

It is difficult to accept the truth about ourselves as human beings and Waller's book takes the daring step of doing just that. We are all guilty of racist behavior no matter how well we have been brought up to love and accept one another. Waller tells us to face the truth about ourselves and open our eyes in order to diminish the impact of racism in future generations. It took guts to write this book.