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

by Christopher Alan Bracey (Author)
Key Phrases: black conservative thought, early black conservatives, black conservative tradition, African American, Nation of Islam, Black Power (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What exactly is a black conservative, and why would anyone choose to be one? This question, deemed largely irrelevant in years past, is one that liberals can no longer afford to leave unanswered. While the 2006 midterm elections buoyed liberals, Democrats have in fact been losing ground with their African American base. In 1972, fewer than 10 percent of African Americans identified themselves as conservative; today nearly 30 percent—11.2 million—do. By contrast, the number of blacks who self-identify as liberal continues to decline, reaching a low of 13 percent in 2004. In this groundbreaking book, Bracey explains black conservatism’s growing appeal and traces its hidden and underappreciated history.

Though black conservatives are becoming the most visible voices within African American politics and culture, few realize that the black conservative tradition predates the Civil War and is an intellectual movement with deep historical roots. Bracey takes his readers on a remarkable journey, tracing the evolution of black conservative thought from its origins in antebellum Christian evangelism and petty entrepreneurialism to its contemporary expression in policy debates over affirmative action, law enforcement practices, and the corrosive effects of urban African American artistic and cultural expression.

Bracey examines black neoconservatives like Shelby Steele and John McWhorter and reveals the philosophies of prominent political conservatives such as Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell, and Condoleezza Rice. With a revealing chapter on the infotainment effect of Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, pundits, and bloggers, Bracey analyzes the tradeoffs made by conservatives—many of which raise serious questions about whether conservatives today are effectively protecting the interests of blacks. Original and penetrating, Saviors or Sellouts is the first account of why conservatism remains a coherent and compelling alternative for African Americans today.

"This marvelous book is required reading for all who want to understand the phenomenon of conservatism in the most progressive group of Americans-Black people." —Cornel West, author of Race Matters

“This important and fascinating engagement with the growing black conservative movement illuminates one of the most vexing political trends of our time. Written by a leading African American liberal, it powerfully traces the intellectual character and practical appeal of this growing movement, and offers a realistic and empathetic, yet sharply critical, appraisal.” —Ira Katznelson, author of When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America and Ruggles Professor of Political Science and History, Columbia University

“Bold and provocative, Saviors or Sellouts challenges us to rethink longstanding political labels as part of larger quest for social justice and black community empowerment in the 21st century. —Peniel E. Joseph, author of Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America

“In seeking to chart the topography of black conservatism, Bracey undertakes a task not only necessary to the new millenium’s politics of blackness but also brave. Neither black liberals nor conservatives have a monopoly on the truth, nor does either group have an innate right to the hearts and minds of the community; it is only by respecting each other enough to engage in a respectful debate that blacks can heal themselves and fight for their preferences in the body politic. This work will aid immeasurably in achieving that goal. It is long overdue.” —Debra J. Dickerson, author of The End of Blackness: Returning the Souls of Black Folk to their Rightful Owners

“Saviors or Sellouts is a must read—not only to identify black conservatives but, indeed, to understand them.” —Mary Frances Berry, author of My Face is Black is True: Callie House and thhe Struggle for Ex-slave Reparations and Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania

About the Author

Christopher Alan Bracey is Associate Professor of Law and Associate Professor of African & African American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, where he teaches and researches in the areas of the constitutional law, civil rights, and the history of American race relations.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Law School, Professor Bracey is quickly becoming a leading public intellectual on matters of race, law and politics. His comments on the criminal trial of pop icon Michael Jackson have appeared in various news and media outlets, including CBS Early Morning Show, MSNBC, ABC News Radio, Associated Press, Salon Magazine, San Jose Mercury News, and Campbell Live, TV-3 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Professor Bracey is the administrator and a regular contributor on www.blackprof.com, one of the most widely read law-oriented internet blogs, and the preeminent African American academic blog. His academic writings, which focus on the intersection of race, law, and American politics, have appeared in a variety of leading law journals. He has previously taught at George Washington University and Northwestern University, where he received the 2000-2001 Northwestern Outstanding Law Faculty Award. He lives in St. Louis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press (February 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807083755
• ISBN-13: 978-0807083758
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #705,985 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars "Selling Out" or "Staying In" Black Conservatives, August 11, 2008

By	M. Beavers - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leftist 4-Ever!, May 3, 2008

By	T. Mckee (NYC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.