Customer Reviews

Power and Powerlessness

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have always attempted to be a problem solver whether at work, in my neighborhood, or at home. However, I was often frustrated, exhausted, and disappointed with the results of my efforts. After reading Power And Powerlessness I am able to negotiate complicated situations and I am able to effect good outcomes. Rosenthal has the ability to distil the political, economic, and historical threads that have created our world's social order. Power And Powerlessness illuminates the reason for the uphill struggles people on every continent find themselves in.

I read this book as part of a course for helping professionals and educators. I would recommend it as a must read for anyone in these fields, as well as for anyone who's interested in why our culture suffers from so many chronic problems that go unabated despite the good intentions of many and the investment of millions of dollars to overcome them. It isn't a particularly pleasant book to read, as it will likely challenge most readers' beliefs and worldview right to the core. But it is filled with highly compelling documented facts and statistics that make it hard to ignore what those of us in our course already had experienced throughout our lifetimes and still see everyday despite considerable encouragement to overlook or view otherwise. Regardless if the reader agrees with all the conclusions of this book, it is invaluable in challenging us all to look at our own conclusions and most likely to revise them in ways that could make a positive difference in our culture and the lives of many if we choose to apply them.

Does anyone doubt that our world is in trouble? Lots of books document the barbarism and environmental degradation that are consuming us. It's easy to feel discouraged. But Rosenthal gives me hope.

In well-researched example after example, she shows that our problems are the necessary result of capitalism, a system that NO MATTER WHAT puts profit above human needs.

This book explains how capitalism has served its purpose of propelling humanity beyond mere subsistence. Now it's time that everyone shared in this prosperity, not just the unchosen few. We human beings created this system, and quite recently at that. We have the imagination and POWER to come up with a better one. Rosenthal's book provides the understanding needed to unleash that power.

An excellent book which really makes you think about how power is used in organisations, in everyday life and in capitalist societies.

Well researched and challenging - especially to those who see capitalism as a really effective way to manage our society.

BW

I purchased this book on the recommendation of Amazon.com not knowing the author or previous reviews. After the first chapter I realized the book was not what I expected, since I have been reading books by Bob Woodward, Arianna Huffinton, Al Gore and Naomi Klein, etc. But different is good; Dr. Rosenthal MD, speaks to how the rich use capitalism to there advantage at the cost of the "middle" and "working class". OK, I will agree with that. As the book progresses, capitalism is claimed to be the reason for all our country's problems. OK, it's a factor, but totally? By the end of the book, she goes on and on and on about how only national socialism is the answer. She supports that everyone should have the same things and everyone gets paid the same regardless of skill or value. As she is a doctor, I don't think she really understands people and the human nature of greed and pride. Not saying these are good aspects of people, but that is just the way it is. Maybe socialism and captialism could find a happy media. So if you are a fan of socialism you will love this book. I believe the good doctor is mis-guided; pure socialism has not worked in the past. It merely causes lack of goods, competition, self-worth and created a vast black market. But Dr.Rosenthal, thanks for your view point.

History, including that of one's own people, can be a little stark and raw, but adults need to know what happened and how we got to the place in which we find ourselves now. Facing some real truths is necessary because we cannot solve problems we don't fully understand. "The twin myths of scarcity and overpopulation provide false explanations for class inequality. The more the majority can be convinced to tighten their belts, the more the elite can stuff under theirs." [Pg. 100] It was a great read when I got it last year, and I highly recommend it now.