Customer Reviews

Roberts Vs. Texaco:: A True Story Of Race And Corporate America

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I read this book and I am MORE encouraged in my own fight against a large corporation that I felt discriminated against me. Needless to say Ms. Roberts felt she had to tell her story and IN HER OWN WORDS she did so. That included recalling the trials and tribulations of her own life growing up to the present (as all these mentally damaging things were going on.) For other reviewers to say "too much about Roberts and too little about Texaco" just shows the ignorance that still exists. Her personal account reveals that racial discrimination is still happening today in THIS DAY AND AGE. If one wants to hear more about Texaco then let them read Texaco's account of what happened. Oh that's right, acccording to Texaco, they still believe that they did nothing wrong... I rather hear from the personal accounts of those involved- to see the REAL toll of what racism does to people rather than hear a bunch of corporate and legal BS.

I regret that this story is written "with Jack E. White" and not told by Roberts herself. The value of this book is primarily as a personal memoir. As told by White, it is a rather superficial, though intimate, personal outline of Roberts' life--the difficult time she had growing up, her ill-fated marriage, her strength and ambition in the face of adversity. I came away from the book admiring Roberts for her courage and determination, and appalled at Texaco's corporate culture, its hierarchy and unforgiveable prejudice. Were it not for anti-discrimination law, Texaco's sins would have remained hidden and unrectified. Until further notice, I'll certainly be buying my gasoline anywhere else!

Unfortunately, I didn't learn more from this book. Being an African-American female engineer, I am testimonial to perceptions of upper management in big corporation. Sadly, If the tapes had not materialized, Roberts' case would still be in court. I totally admire her courage and persistance.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It was a little slow toward the end, but overall it was very well-written. It's a shame that this type of blatant racism still exists today, not that I'm surprised, but it's truly a shame. It took a lot of courage and stamina on Roberts' part to force Texaco to acknowlegde their archaeic and ignorant business practices relative to race. I applaud Bari Ellen Roberts even when there are those who still believe in Texaco's innocence...much like the reviewer who chooses to perpetuate one of America's largest problems...the belief that other races are inferior and should bow down to this almighty, superior race. "Forgive him, for he knows not what he does." I enjoyed reading about her life and what she went through that made her into what she is today. This is definitely a book worth reading for all.

First of all, I would like to apoligize for Mr. Alan Wain.....he sounds very bitter. And another thing, Roberts did not get rich. Saying she was at the right place at the right time is by far the biggest BS ever, because she did not go into that position knowingly. But Texaco did hire her knowing that she would not get the promotions due her because of her race. For shame on what Texaco stood for! They had it coming to them big time. And I hope no one forgets about this case and the many horrific details that helped the plaintiffs victor!

After meeting Bari-Ellen at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH. I could not wait to purchase the book. It is to bad that in this day and age such blatant racism still occurs. I think her story was well written and I hope will encourage others to stand up for what they believe is right and act accordingly. Thank you Bari-Ellen it was a pleasure meeting you!

The first 2/3rds of this novel concerns Robert's personal life. The balance of her meanderings reveal no more than one person's opinion. Her frequent use of the expression "white boys" is as offensive to colorless people as the expression "black boys" would be to people of color.

The author devoted entirely too much space to her personal life. The little she knew about Texaco was not very revealing. For what went on behind the scenes, read Texaco: The Rest of the Story, written by the man prosecuted for coming forward with the audio tapes. The tapes gave but a minor glimpse of the ethos cherished and shared by Texaco's management. Texaco: The Rest of the Story, fills in all the gaps.

Bari-Ellen Roberts lived the story and recorded the events remarkably well. This book should be read by employees AND employers alike. It's a reality and we can no longer stick our heads in the sand.

Roberts vs. Texaco,a true story of race and corporate America, started a little slow, depicting Bari-Ellen Roberts' life since childhood. At first, I didn't know why it went into such detail, but as I read along, I understood how all of the pieces in her life connected to the storyline.
Throughout her life, Bari-Ellen was faced with overt, institutional, and implicit racism. As she entered Texaco's workforce, the racist philosophies were the worst she had ever seen. The book depicts the monumental challenges she faced in such a hostile environment. (The glass ceiling and the "good-old-boy" network.) The effects of this, along with hitting the glass ceiling/"brick wall" was enough for her and a core group of others to spark a class action lawsuit which cost the company the largest discrimination settlement in U.S. history. One hundred and seventy-six million dollars!
This book did an excellent job by not focusing solely the lawsuit aspects. Bari-Ellen put a lot of herself into writing this book. I enjoyed reading about her family issues and personal opinions as the case was pending. The outcome was emotionally touching and inspiring.