Racecraft
The Soul of Inequality in American Life
By Barbara J. Fields, Karen E. Fields | Publisher: Verso Books
About the book
Tackling the myth of a post-racial society
Praised by a wide variety of people from Ta-Nehisi Coates to Zadie Smith, Racecraft “ought to be positioned,” as Bookforum put it, “at the center of any discussion of race in American life.”
Most people assume racism grows from a perception of human difference: the fact of race gives rise to the practice of racism. Sociologist Karen E. Fields and historian Barbara J. Fields argue otherwise: the practice of racism produces the illusion of race, through what they call “racecraft.” And this phenomenon is intimately entwined with other forms of inequality in American life. So pervasive are the devices of racecraft in American history, economic doctrine, politics, and everyday thinking that the presence of racecraft itself goes unnoticed.
That the promised post-racial age has not dawned, the authors argue, reflects the failure of Americans to develop a legitimate language for thinking about and discussing inequality. That failure should worry everyone who cares about democratic institutions.
Editions of Racecraft
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781844679942
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781839765643
- EBook
- ISBN 9781844679959
Read an Excerpt
Tackling the myth of a post-racial society
Praised by a wide variety of people from Ta-Nehisi Coates to Zadie Smith, Racecraft “ought to be positioned,” as Bookforum put it, “at the center of any discussion of race in American life.”
Most people assume racism grows from a perception of human difference: the fact of race gives rise to the practice of racism. Sociologist Karen E. Fields and historian Barbara J. Fields argue otherwise: the practice of racism produces the illusion of race, through what they call “racecraft.” And this phenomenon is intimately entwined with other forms of inequality in American life. So pervasive are the devices of racecraft in American history, economic doctrine, politics, and everyday thinking that the presence of racecraft itself goes unnoticed.
That the promised post-racial age has not dawned, the authors argue, reflects the failure of Americans to develop a legitimate language for thinking about and discussing inequality. That failure should worry everyone who cares about democratic institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Racecraft about?
Tackling the myth of a post-racial society
Praised by a wide variety of people from Ta-Nehisi Coates to Zadie Smith, Racecraft “ought to be positioned,” as Bookforum put it, “at the center of any discussion of race in American life.”
Most people assume racism grows from a perception of human difference: the fact of race gives rise to the practice of racism. Sociologist Karen E. Fields and historian Barbara J. Fields argue otherwise: the practice of racism produces the illusion of race, through what they call “racecraft.” And this phenomenon is intimately entwined with other forms of inequality in American life. So pervasive are the devices of racecraft in American history, economic doctrine, politics, and everyday thinking that the presence of racecraft itself goes unnoticed.
That the promised post-racial age has not dawned, the authors argue, reflects the failure of Americans to develop a legitimate language for thinking about and discussing inequality. That failure should worry everyone who cares about democratic institutions.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Racecraft?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social and ethical issues > Social discrimination and social justice
Where can I read a sample of Racecraft?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781844679942
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Racecraft?
Barbara J. Fields, Karen E. Fields
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Racecraft is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781844679942) and paperback(ISBN 9781839765643) and ebook(ISBN 9781844679959)
Where can I buy Racecraft online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Racecraft from below
Where can I buy Racecraft?