Race Code War

Rating:
Summary: Bitingly insightful and an articulate warning
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Bitingly insightful and an articulate warning
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: You've got to be kidding!
Review: 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.