Product Description
African Americans and whites differ regarding the extent to which they believe that race impinges upon American institutions.Typically, African Americans state that racism is more of a factor in American society than what whites say.Whites state that race is not much of a factor in contemporary society and that charges of racism made by African Americans are disingenuous, indicating an attempt by some African Americans to exploit a situation for personal benefits.Whatever racism that has existed in society has been long gone, according to many whites.Furthermore, some social commentators state that racial advancement, as it applies to African Americans, has been tremendous, tacitly marking slavery as the beginning and comparing that period to contemporary society.This book acknowledges that, indeed, improvement in racial interaction has occurred, but significant issues still remain.Issues remain in education, employment, social interaction, and the legal system.Framed differently, African Americans receive less justice than whites and other groups.This book delineates the contours of African Americans receiving less justice in several areas.It begins with a discussion of the history of race and justice, laying the roots for a double standard that negatively applies to descendants of Africans.The animus shown towards African Americans is unparallel in comparison to other groups in America. ... Read more

Product Description

Affirmative action remains a hotly contested issue on our political landscape, yet the institutionalized systems of privilege which uphold the status quo remain unchallenged. Many Americans who advocate a merit-based, race-free worldview do not acknowledge the systems of privilege which benefit them. For example, many Americans rely on a social and sometimes even financial inheritance from previous generations. This inheritance, unlikely to be forthcoming if one's ancestors were slaves, privileges whiteness, maleness, and heterosexuality.

Customer Reviews (2)

Provocative and eminently readable
In a series of lively and thought-provoking essays, Wildman and her colleagues shed light on the issue of privilege in America. Though the writers are law professors, the book is very accessible to all readers. I enjoyed it!

.......provocative and insightful
This is a book that keeps on giving long after you put it down.Many of us know we abhor discrimination and intolerance, yet fail to understand our lofty ideals are perched on a wide ledge of privilege.Why do people inthe ghettos burn their domains?Why haven't more cases of equalopportunities for African-Americans been realized? What is a concernedwhite person supposed to do?Which is heterosexuality - a default or achoice? Why does the work of individuals in the caring professions becomedevalued as they strive to meet society's most prominent altruistic goals? This collection of provocative suggestionshas the potential to reframeourdebates about current issues in the American experience. ... Read more