Review of "Democracy in Black"

This is one of those books that one should read with pen in hand. There is so much to learn, so much personal reflection required, and a few things to be challenged. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., author of "Democracy in Black" is currently a professor of Religion and African American studies at Princeton University. From all that I could glean from this book without actually doing any fact checking, he seems to be extremely knowledgeable and experienced on this subject. He often references historical events or presidential policies while throughly discussing their effects on the black community. It's candid and honest. If you're white, read this with an open mind, and read it carefully. It is difficult to have the finger pointed at you for the racial inequality in America. It is difficult to acknowledge that we're privileged because frankly, we are so accustomed to it that we don't even recognize it. I found myself feeling defensive a lot. I remember visiting a black friend's Grandma once, and I felt her hot gaze on me, suspicious. **I don't believe that I am better than black people. I thought that racism was mostly a thing of the past, or at least individual not systemic. I am not racist so why did I feel the anger from my friend's Grandma? Did she not like me just because I am white? Isn't that racist? I can't help that I'm white...** These were (and if I'm being honest, still are to a degree) my thoughts. (It will take more than one book to undo a lifetime of racial habits, but I'm trying.) I was oblivious to the poverty and plight of some black communities. I didn't know. I thought that we should be colorblind,but didn't realize that to do so means asking people of all cultures to give up part of what makes them uniquely them. Being color-blind is not the answer to racism, but I didn't get it. I was oblivious. But that's just it. All of those things are.just.it. White people can be oblivious, whereas black people don't have that luxery. They feel the weight and the consequences of that value gap every day. (Value gap refers to the belief that white people are more valuable than black people.) This value gap, Glaude argues, is THE cause of the rscial problem in America today. My biggest take aways were from his discussion on white fear, a perceived threat of violence or crime without there being any actual danger. It's the belief that black people are dangerous. This white fear keeps black people from speaking openly about their anger over racism. This is something even present within black communities, but Glaude insists that we HAVE to change the negative perception of black people if we are going to close the value gap. Other answers? Changing policies and structural racism and calling attention to white advantage. I did not agree with everything Glaude concludes in his book, specifically on page 89 when he addresses a speech made by Obama regarding anger in white America. I think Obama was right in what he said and the issue he addresses is not an issue of white privelege,in my opinion. There are a few other things that the author says that cause me to tilt my head, but I don't know that I have an opinion that I could even articulate at this time. While I didn't agree with everything, (also this guy is way smarter than I am so I had to Google some things to understand parts) I still learned a lot and appreciated having my worldview rocked a little. Feeling uncomfortable is a good sign, I think. I am thankful for his willingness to be bold and open about racism in our so-called democracy. I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for my honest review.