Book

Fear of black consciousness / Lewis R. Gordon.

Gordon, Lewis R. (Lewis Ricardo), 1962- (author.).

Summary:

"In this original and penetrating work, Lewis R. Gordon, one of the leading scholars of Black existentialism and anti-Blackness, takes the reader on a journey through the historical development of racialized Blackness, the problems this kind of consciousness produces, and the many creative responses from Black and non-Black communities in contemporary struggles for dignity and freedom"--Publisher's description.

In this original and penetrating work, Lewis R. Gordon, one of the leading scholars of Black existentialism and anti-Blackness, takes the reader on a journey through the historical development of racialized Blackness, the problems this kind of consciousness produces, and the many creative responses from Black and non-Black communities in contemporary struggles for dignity and freedom. Skillfully navigating a difficult and traumatic terrain, Gordon cuts through the mist of white narcissism and the versions of consciousness it perpetuates. He exposes the bad faith at the heart of many discussions about race and racism not only in America but across the globe, including those who think of themselves as "color blind." As Gordon reveals, these lies offer many white people an inherited sense of being extraordinary, a license to do as they please. But for many if not most Blacks, to live an ordinary life in a white-dominated society is an extraordinary achievement--Publisher's description.

Record details

ISBN: 9780374159023
ISBN: 0374159025
ISBN: 1250862914
ISBN: 9781250862914
Physical Description: 276 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022.
Copyright: ©2022

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-256) and index (pages 259-276).
Formatted Contents Note:	Introduction: Struggling to breathe -- Bound. Feared -- Blackened -- Erased; or, "I don't see race" -- Race-Making and Racism. Race-making -- Racism intersected -- Privilege, luxury, license -- Trans but not transcended -- Political Realities. Five kinds of invisibility -- Black consciousness is political -- Black consciousness in Wakanda -- Even When Black and Blue. Blue -- Valued.