Something everyone has a responsibility to read!

An extremely thorough history of the misuse of the authority of science and the influence of those with power and money to perpetuate empirically poor research and biased and ethically problematic experiments/testing in the support of racist agendas and white supremacy. It is mind-blowing to me that considering how thoroughly anthropologists have disproven the existence of different 'races' within humanity (there is not enough genetic divergence between or within the different ethnic or racial groups for them to even be considered separate races - in fact there is often more genetic variation within one racial/ethnic group than between different racial/ethnic groups. Biologically-speaking we are all one race) the term race is still used so widely. It is a sad reality that as a sociological construct, it has been perpetuated and utilized by men and women with greed, fear of change and a desire for power to cause millennia of dehumanization and harm. The book also, however, showcases those that fought hard - through the use of empirically sound and openly scrutinized research - to explain the truth of race, and the impact of culture and environment on identity formation and behaviour. Franz Boas is my new hero!!! Everyone should read this book to help equip their minds against racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-Other rhetoric that might tempt them to see others around them as less than. Let's enjoy and celebrate the similarities and differences between us, and be as human to each other as possible,

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Simply brilliant

This should be standard reading in schools for all young people today.
Its so interesting to listen to this as a white woman. I felt such rage towards some of the stories here. These stories have no place in today's society...

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everything

everyone should listen to this it is brilliant and will change your mind on how you see the world

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important and eye opening

listening to this book made me realise how little I knew about this subject. it is eye opening, shocking and informative. I wish this was on School syllabus' around the world.

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Magnificent survey of race theory past and present

I can't recommend this book too highly. It is magisterial in scope, tracing the origins of racism from the Renaissance to the election of Barack Obama. I thought I knew a few things about the subject, but I've learned so much from Sussman's masterful account. The underwriting of modern racism and eugenics by wealthy capitalists, from the late nineteenth century to the present day, is a real eye-opener. The author's compassion, humanity and sound common sense shine through. Read it!

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Astonishing

this book should be on the curriculum off every secondary school everywhere. The story of the History of Racism is horrendous, but in short different human races don't exist, so neither does racism. It's just an excuse for bigotry, fuelled for the past 500 by the same thing: a small number of powerful people wanting to keep it that way and scared to death of the power of ordinary people when they work together. so the Elitists work hard to make up shit to try and divide us. We have more in common than any cosmetic prejudice can divide 😍

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Essential reading

I’ve never written a review on here before, but felt if this review encouraged someone else to read The Myth of Race, then it was worth it.

This is a seminal text. Everyone should read this. Wonderfully written, perfectly performed, and one of the most important messages of our time.

Sussman is thorough, accessible, and unflinching in this historic takedown of a rank and rotten philosophy. Another reviewer said this should be taught in schools and you won’t hear disagreement from me.

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Should be taught in every school

I’ve always found it difficult to understand how otherwise intelligent compassionate ordinary people can be so unconsciously racist while insisting racism is only down to a small minority.
This book should be taught in schools, that’s if we really want to get face up to the past and change.

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3 people found this helpful