An inciteful look at why public education has failes American Blacks January 7, 2007 4 out of 9 found this review helpful
This book, althoough written some 70 years ago, is more relevant now than when it was writtem. It points out the falilures in African American society, at all levels, as their failure to look honestly and objectively,at American life, in general, and how the promise of the American dream has failed all of its citizens. Rather than point to this main failure, it is easier for everybody to point at African Americans and see their so-called failures instead of looking at the entire general falilures with its crime, greed, lack of morality, thirst for money, etc. Until Black people take this book to heart we will be a lost people in this land of iniquity. Our promised land or dream will be realized the moment we have elevated Carter Woodson's book "The Mis-Education of the Negro" as our main battle cry.
Classic August 28, 2006 7 out of 12 found this review helpful
This is a classic ethnographical study on the nature of the American educational system as it relates to the African American. The title also examines the depth of the pathology that has limited the educational success of the African American. The African American has in essence been taught to "not" think. It is this not thinking that has held the African American captive. Even African Americans who have found success in higher education have done so by copying, not by innovation. That is not to say that no innovation has come out of the thinking of the African American. To say that would surely be a lie. The irony is that in 2006, the United States has become the home of the non-thinker regardless of race. The thinkers and innovators in the world are coming from abroad, and the United States would be wise not to rest on her laurels.
Mis-education of the Negro in Proper Perspective March 16, 2006 15 out of 23 found this review helpful
THE MIS-EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE
When we reprinted the first edition of The Mis-Education of the Negro, back in the early 90's, it created a great stir in the Black community. It was not as dynamic as was the uproar about my reprinting Stolen Legacy, by George G. M. James, but the message was clear: "you have no right to print these books without permission." While I was of no doubt that I had a perfect legal right to republish the books, the moral right caused me to take a good look at my motives. The first motive was that both books, `Miseducation...' and `Stolen Legacy' were priceless as for as the information needs of Black people. Even today, there are few books on a par with them, that can pull the covers that hide the facts about our true history. When the Reparations Movement moved into high gear, these two books, along with Message to the Blackman, by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Reparations, Yes, by Dr. Imari Obadele, Atty. Chokwe Lumumba and Professor/Atty Nketchi Taifa were essential for a thorough understanding of why we were demanding to be paid Reparations, now. These books tell in the clearest language and context possible about the evidence of what was taken/stolen from Black people. And of course, there is yet to be any book that outlines the legal case for reparations, like Reparations, Yes! When one adds the essence of The Message to the Blackman, The Spiritual Dynamic, you then have the three major component aspects of the what the Liberation Struggle of Afrikan people is all about. The true Black history that is taught in Mis-education of the Negro & Stolen Legacy is essential to fully understanding Black history. Mis-Education of the Negro is easily one of the most important book of all time. Now that Post Traumatic Slavery Disorder (PTSlaveryD) has been properly diagnosed, there has also been an increase in the demand for Mis-education of the Negro. This is for good reason; some 75 years before the phase PTSlaveryD) was coined, Carter G. Woodson wrote the book that told in the clearest language possible, how Black people were `educated' to live in contradiction to their own best interest. This is what the disorder called Post Traumatic Slavery is: a mental condition that cause a people to be other than of sound mind - especially when it comes to their own interest, or the interest of their own kind. Carter G. Woodson tell clearly that this was by design and purpose: Black people were "mideducated" to behavior in our best interest. The book explains the behavior that caused him to title his book "The Miseducation of the Negro. Number one is the fact that our people acquire the education, proscribed by other people, that openly slants the educational processes to their own self interest. And they do so in total disregard to how it injures Black people. For while there is much in the processes that benefit the truly educated, the mixture of falsehoods, lies, distortions, omissions & etc. poisons the minds of the unsuspecting. Simply saying that Black people are a subject people so have no choice, is not a sufficient answer. It was not sufficient in 1934. And it is not sufficient in 2006. In this book, Carter G. Woodson lays the blame for our behavior squarely at the feet of the Black professional. Time after time he gives examples of the ill behavior that is because of the Miseducation of the Negro. Number one, here, is that the professional Black man and woman, for the most part, do not take personal responsible to come back to the community and help in the processes to lift this people. Instead, he takes jobs in the poisonous systems, where he presides over the continued Mis-education of his own kind. Carter G. Woodson, today would lambaste super rich black people who build football and basketball stadiums, rather than institutions that would help in the "Re-education of Black people. H. Khalif Khalifah Khalifah2@khalifah
More of the Blame Game February 10, 2006 31 out of 51 found this review helpful
When first published, I'm sure this book was an eye-opener. At that time, we still had segregation and blatant and in the open discrimination. I'm not saying we are past all of that now, but this book's thesis that Africans-in-America need a separate education system and that going to schools run by whites is designed to keep them subservient doesn't hold water today. For one thing, the board of education in many cities of the USA has many Africans on them. And how can we expect African education to come from public school? We don't live in Africa- we live in America, whether we like it or not.
I believe our kids MUST learn about Africa, but don't blame the school system for that. We can educate them by revitalizing something called THE COMMUNITY! Through it, we can have education centers, where our community elders bestow wisdom and learning on the youth, just like in Africa. Parents and clergy can help too. Provide kids with African media- books and videos. The internet is an amazing resource as well.
We have so many ways to supplement the education kids get from the public schools. Maybe some of us are too lazy to do it, and we like to grouse about Whitey keeping us down. I say stand up! Educate yourself first, so you can educate the children later- that is how we will start our rebirth as African people!
must read for today's seeking "social & political" solutions January 28, 2006 10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Incredible book. I routinely recommend this book to my colleagues, family, friends and church members.
Important to note that the book was first copyright in 1933! 70+ years ago!
I would guess that the book was written last year if not for the terms used and writing style. What does this say about the productive cultural changes in the AA community. It ain't politics that are the problem. It is the culture and values.
Let's be INTROSPECTIVE. Look in the mirror my people. Change starts with me and you. Not HIM.
All rights reserved. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Caribbean Travel Books does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
