Customer Reviews

Saviors or Sellouts: The Promise and Peril of Black Conservatism, from Booker T. Washington to Condoleezza Rice

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I have never really give enough thought to my political affilation as a liberal or democarat. However, after reading this book, Bracey has made me take an introspectiive look at some of my political thoughts, or maybe even fantasies. Bracey thoroughly traces the history and evolution of African-American political idealogies. He gives his readers plenty of information about individuals in Black history whom might not always get the most attention, but are earnestly deserving. In fact, Bracey spends so much time detailing what and whom prominent Neo-conservative figures are concurrently, that he seems to drop the question his title poses. You really only get an answer in the 3-4 page conclusion. But, understadning the history of black conservatism is just as importnat as any answer you might want this scholar to put forth. If you want a staunch critique of black conservative and neo-conservative values, then I am afraid this book does not really deliver. Instead, it gives somehting more tangible, a look into the minds of some of Black Americas most influential thinkers and why thier views are gaining attention in the Black populas. I believe this book is a must read for anyone interested in the fate of Black America.

This book is well-written and easy to follow. The author goes in chronological order from the birth of the United States to the present. It highlights the different black conservatives; telling the reader about their backgrounds and specific ideologies. My one critique would be that he seemed to be more judgmental/less balanced when discussing present day conservatives--but that could have been my own bias seeping in. Overall, I thought it was a solid read and would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about conservative politics.

Although I haven't finished this book yet it has given me a whole new outlook on conservatism. Why so many black people are embracing this ideology as of late. Let's face it. Liberal politics has failed in black america! Integration is a joke. That we abandoned any attempt to create out own institutions in the past has resulted in a total take over in our own neighborhoods. Economic's, education, politics, you name it. All for not embracing conservative effort's of developement in our own communities. From Booker T. Washington to Malcolm X it has been preached but not practiced enough. Laws and social programs have been a failure. The distinction between "organic conservatism" and today's "neo-conservatism" should open the eye's of many. I haven't finished so I may revise this review. I loved this book so much that I ordered two more for my co-workers. A great read.