Race Code War: The Power of Words, Images, and Symbols on the Black Psyche [Paperback]

Khari Enaharo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

There are over 200 negative words associated with the word 'black' and over 100 positive meanings or synonyms attributed to the word 'white'. This analysis of semantics and semiotics illustrates how words are not racially neutral and can convey negative values within the African American community or any community of colour. Also examined are the impact of images, from paintings of Jesus to images of Santa Claus, and how they have shaped the way blacks are viewed and how they view themselves. This is not a book on political correctness, but rather a guide to becoming more aware of and sensitive to the impact that words and images can have on the psyche.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Khari Enaharo is the popular radio talk show host of "Express Yourself" and "Straight Talk Live" in Columbus. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: African American Images (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913543845
• ISBN-13: 978-0913543849
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #981,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bitingly insightful and an articulate warning, August 10, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Race Code War: The Power of Words, Images, and Symbols on the Black Psyche (Paperback)

Accessibly written by Khari Enaharo (the host of the popular radio talk show "Straight Talk Live"), Race Code War: The Power Of Words, Images, And Symbols On The Black Psyche offers readers an illuminating and informative look at the hidden code words, racial images, and symbols that divide and communicate harm to Americans of all races. From the negative impact images of a white Jesus and a European beauty standard have upon persons of color, to the white media glamorization of despicable and stereotypical African-American movie characters, and much, much more, Race Code War is bitingly insightful and an articulate warning of harmful race relations secrets that will fester in the American body politic if not properly lanced. Race Code War should be a part of every personal and academic Black Studies reference collection and Race Relations reading list.

5.0 out of 5 stars @ Lozo, August 29, 2011

By 

Leonard "Kem Asaru" (Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Race Code War: The Power of Words, Images, and Symbols on the Black Psyche (Paperback)

Lozo, you sound retarded,and probably never truly understood the mindset of western culture? To much of anything is bad huh? well tell that to those who put all of their faith in God? Good book brother,and you hit it right on the head about the way that this country and the rest of the world for the most part views Our culture.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars You've got to be kidding!, September 1, 2003

By 

Lonzo (hazleton, pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Race Code War: The Power of Words, Images, and Symbols on the Black Psyche (Paperback)

I have to say that the author did a really good job addressing a unique topic or racism in America. The concept of hidden racially coded words and phrases in American culture is interesting. But, within the first couple of chapters I came to believe that the author must be suffering from an extreme case of paranoia and White hate. At one point the author stated that the cause of ALL of Black Americans' problems come from racism. Sorry, as a black man I'm not buying that. There's enough blame for both sides, and I'll just leave it at that.

Among the lists of words and phrases throughout the book, I did identify with some of them. And the few illustrations were great examples. However, for the most part I thought the majority of the examples given were WAY over the top.

Let's be honest, anyone can attach a racial meaning to a word, phrase, item, or image if they really put their mind to it (right after reading the book I attached a racial meaning to my black umbrella, the author didn't use them). I felt that most of the examples used in the book were really assumptions(the racial connections between candy, toothpaste, soap, computers, among others). But, the section on color codes in movies was almost on target (especially his viewpoint on The Wiz).

Also, I felt that the author was TOO afrocentric for my taste. I'm for my people and culture, but like my mother told me: "Too much of anything is not good".

Another drawback to the book was that the author failed to fully address the issue of black athletes, actors, singers, and others who willing allow themselves to be placed in racially embarrassing situations. The author did use some really good examples of how these people allow sterotypes of blacks to continue, but didn't clearly state that they are equally responsible too, or why they do it.

This book would have gotten a lower rating then it did if it wasn't for the last chapter. There the author suggested ways to combat racial code words, and I thought they were really good examples.

Overall, I would suggest this book. Like I stated in the beginning, the topic is unique and insightful. Just be prepared for the rest.