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Run Racist Run: Journeys Into The Heart Of Racism
· Can we sometimes assume a racist motive? · Is there place for anger in dialogue on racism? · Can liberals be racist? · Should black people help white people understand racism? · Is white wealth because of racism, or hard work and good genes? · Should coloured people just call themselves black? In Run Racist Run , Eusebius McKaiser explores the non-bloody aspects of contemporary South African racism. While vigorous public debates about racism rage on, McKaiser tackles questions about the true and complete nature of racism with the rigour and honesty we have come to expect from his writing. In a year when South African students have protested against colonialism’s continued presence on university campuses, when acts of racism continue to erupt in social spaces, when brutal racism is witnessed in the United States and elsewhere, it’s clear that we urgently need to journey into the heart of racism. McKaiser takes that journey in this new collection – raising new questions about race and racism, and offering original, provocative meditations on these themes.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2016
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145 people want to read
About the author
Eusebius McKaiser
8 books35 followersEusebius McKaiser was a political and social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics. He was also a popular radio talk show host, a top international debate coach, a master of ceremonies and a public speaker of note.
He loved nothing more than a good argument, having been both former National South African Debate Champion and the 2011 World Masters Debate Champion. His analytic articles and columns have been widely published in South African newspapers and the New York Times. McKaiser studied law and philosophy. He taught philosophy in South Africa and England.
He loved nothing more than a good argument, having been both former National South African Debate Champion and the 2011 World Masters Debate Champion. His analytic articles and columns have been widely published in South African newspapers and the New York Times. McKaiser studied law and philosophy. He taught philosophy in South Africa and England.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 24, 2016
Simple, clear and unpretentious language take nothing from the personal honesty, deep and incisive thinking, and direct challenges to racism in this book. I am grateful to Eusebius McKaiser for taking time off from another equally valuable project to write Run Racist Run because, as he so clearly demonstrates, racism is alive as a cancer in our society and he is brilliant in dissecting the way it hides and denies itself.
For those who would deny unearned privilege, or claim that our struggle credentials give us a kind of "get out of jail free" card on racism, McKaiser is blunt: consciously or unconsciously denying unearned privilege in a society that was actively designed to privilege every white skinned person for centuries, is itself a racist act. For those who think it is too harsh to come down this hard on unconsciousness, he makes a valid point: we no longer condone unconscious sexism or misogyny, why should it be any different with race?
One of the great strengths for me of this book is the way the author uses examples from other forms of social inequality to illuminate racism. Some of his examples are hilarious, like the one in a corporate boardroom where he points out his unfair advantages as a male in the debating world. Most are painfully sharp - for example he points out that it is fair enough for a woman to be wary of a man against whom other women have laid claims of sexual abuse, even though he hasn't been convicted in a court of law. He argues that when white South Africans behave in a way that mirrors patterns of past racism, black people don't need a court of law before they take precautions against such people for their (our!) probable racism.
It's a series of essays, familiar in style to readers of previous books by the same author: colloquial language, razor sharp arguments. To engage the debate I urge you to read the book. Meantime here are snapshots of a few of his key points:
* Telling black people "it's time to get over racism" is like telling a woman to get over being raped.
* Premature focus on "going beyond race" amounts to denying racism and the direct impact of growing up black not just in the past but also the present
* Emotion has a place in debate. Anger is appropriate when confronting racism.
* Those who have unearned privilege can be allies of those impacted by racism/sexism/homophobia but it is not OK for the allies to take over or ask the victims to solve the problems of the privileged.
* Being too quick to say "me too" as a potential ally listening to black people's problems can sound like you are denying the impact of racism. Not seeing difference when there is structural racism is itself a form of racism.
This book is useful to read in partnership with Black Brain, White Brain because it helps us be clear that when we see differences in performance between black and white people it is not the result of genetic racial differences. It is a result of the social and economic construction of race. We all have both opportunity and responsibility to work for change towards the genuine inclusive humane society that McKaiser so eloquently demands.
One place where I would have liked more clarity is on the systemic nature of racism. Not to condone or overlook the personal nature of racism that is the subject of the book, but to situate it within the racist system that actually damages all of us. This can help people acknowledge unearned privilege without drowning in shame.
For those white liberals who are offended by this book, there are a number of statements that might mitigate their indignation if they are able to read to the end including "white people don't have a monopoly on racism," the observation that victims can also become perpetrators, and the ultimate hopeful conclusion that all of us caught up in this system can choose to behave differently, with a focus on having the proper regard for each other as fellow human beings.
For those who would deny unearned privilege, or claim that our struggle credentials give us a kind of "get out of jail free" card on racism, McKaiser is blunt: consciously or unconsciously denying unearned privilege in a society that was actively designed to privilege every white skinned person for centuries, is itself a racist act. For those who think it is too harsh to come down this hard on unconsciousness, he makes a valid point: we no longer condone unconscious sexism or misogyny, why should it be any different with race?
One of the great strengths for me of this book is the way the author uses examples from other forms of social inequality to illuminate racism. Some of his examples are hilarious, like the one in a corporate boardroom where he points out his unfair advantages as a male in the debating world. Most are painfully sharp - for example he points out that it is fair enough for a woman to be wary of a man against whom other women have laid claims of sexual abuse, even though he hasn't been convicted in a court of law. He argues that when white South Africans behave in a way that mirrors patterns of past racism, black people don't need a court of law before they take precautions against such people for their (our!) probable racism.
It's a series of essays, familiar in style to readers of previous books by the same author: colloquial language, razor sharp arguments. To engage the debate I urge you to read the book. Meantime here are snapshots of a few of his key points:
* Telling black people "it's time to get over racism" is like telling a woman to get over being raped.
* Premature focus on "going beyond race" amounts to denying racism and the direct impact of growing up black not just in the past but also the present
* Emotion has a place in debate. Anger is appropriate when confronting racism.
* Those who have unearned privilege can be allies of those impacted by racism/sexism/homophobia but it is not OK for the allies to take over or ask the victims to solve the problems of the privileged.
* Being too quick to say "me too" as a potential ally listening to black people's problems can sound like you are denying the impact of racism. Not seeing difference when there is structural racism is itself a form of racism.
This book is useful to read in partnership with Black Brain, White Brain because it helps us be clear that when we see differences in performance between black and white people it is not the result of genetic racial differences. It is a result of the social and economic construction of race. We all have both opportunity and responsibility to work for change towards the genuine inclusive humane society that McKaiser so eloquently demands.
One place where I would have liked more clarity is on the systemic nature of racism. Not to condone or overlook the personal nature of racism that is the subject of the book, but to situate it within the racist system that actually damages all of us. This can help people acknowledge unearned privilege without drowning in shame.
For those white liberals who are offended by this book, there are a number of statements that might mitigate their indignation if they are able to read to the end including "white people don't have a monopoly on racism," the observation that victims can also become perpetrators, and the ultimate hopeful conclusion that all of us caught up in this system can choose to behave differently, with a focus on having the proper regard for each other as fellow human beings.
January 4, 2016
While this book made me squirm, I am so grateful to have read it. Eusebius writes with honesty without sacrificing rigor or taking liberties by being unaware of his own subjectivity. I found that this book addressed so many uncertainties and internal conflicts that I deal with every day as a result of living in an unequal world and in an unequal, ravaged country. Eusebius doesn't simplify the issues of racism or untangle the complexities faced by South Africans, but his honesty around his thoughts and observations in this shared context felt distilling for me. He makes statements, asks questions and provokes discomfort in a way that feels both uncomfortable as well as essential - rather like the pain/pleasure of wiggling a baby tooth that has to come out bleeding in order to make way for the adult tooth. I hope that this book is read far and wide.
May 21, 2017
An informative timeless read which delves into serious yet awkward topics which South Africans battle to come to terms with.
A compulsory read for everyone!
A compulsory read for everyone!
June 14, 2020
The author is a quite well known radio presenter in South Africa, whose views are often considered off the wall and perhaps deliberately controversial. Personally, I have always considered him to be a racist fool, desperate for attention. Nevertheless, he has a following and after some years, I decided to read this book as a challenge to myself to try and see his alternative perspectives.
This book is unquestionably the biggest load of nonsense that I have read. It's tone of victimhood and loathing of whites could be considered amusing to people more tolerant than me I suppose, but I found the messages vulgar, divisive and unsubstantiated. His blaming of whites for all racism without any introspection, to me, represents a populist approach to an audience of limited intelligence. If you feel you belong to this audience, only then do I recommend this book.
This book is unquestionably the biggest load of nonsense that I have read. It's tone of victimhood and loathing of whites could be considered amusing to people more tolerant than me I suppose, but I found the messages vulgar, divisive and unsubstantiated. His blaming of whites for all racism without any introspection, to me, represents a populist approach to an audience of limited intelligence. If you feel you belong to this audience, only then do I recommend this book.
February 13, 2016
Brilliantly written. Expected nothing less from a debating champ of his calibre. Thought provoking and made me dig deep into my psyche.
"Racism receipts", ja neh! Black tax??? Can't reconcile it as a "thing"! Corporates call it " Social Responsibility". Social entrepreneurs/philanthropists use the "Pay It Forward" phrase. I refuse to believe that one will over-in debt oneself in order to pave one's parents' yard. Haai no! You cannot give what you don't have.
So much to say but do not want to spoil it for my fellow book clubbers. Will post a comprehensive review once we've met with Eusebius.
Looking forward to a hearty engagement with the author.
5 phat stars for a stellar read.
"Racism receipts", ja neh! Black tax??? Can't reconcile it as a "thing"! Corporates call it " Social Responsibility". Social entrepreneurs/philanthropists use the "Pay It Forward" phrase. I refuse to believe that one will over-in debt oneself in order to pave one's parents' yard. Haai no! You cannot give what you don't have.
So much to say but do not want to spoil it for my fellow book clubbers. Will post a comprehensive review once we've met with Eusebius.
Looking forward to a hearty engagement with the author.
5 phat stars for a stellar read.
January 17, 2016
A deeply enjoyable at times funny at times perplexing read into the narrative of racial dynamics that grapple the South African psyche. It is the embodiment of the personal is political. Very memorable writing.
December 9, 2019
If one has read Lewis Gordon one will see how McKaiser has contextualize Gordon's understanding of race to the South African context. It's a beautifully written book. It goes deeper on issues of race, notes the complexities and the intersectionality of race with class and gender, even though race is a major focus of the book.
Race being a thorny issue in the country McKaiser expounds on the distinct sociology of thought for different South Africans. And this distinct sociology of thought as far as race is concerned informs how we interpret race or relate to racism. Blacks are seen to be obsessed with race, irrationally preoccupied with race, as it is their daily lived experience. Racial violence is ubitiquitious to black experience, hence what is perceived as obsession it is ineluctably inevitable.
McKaiser further simplifies for the reader the 'complexity' of white privilege and white meritocracy. He has a kind warning to well meaning white liberals 'who get it' to check their privilege and not allow their obsession for sameness to belittle lived black experiences, like black tax which are legacies of the unfortunate evil past.
Much of the book is also on the different forms racism manifests itself, from overt racism, institutional racism and subtle racism. And this helps to us to understand racism as a system that is highly ingrained in people's blood, homes and experiences and institutions.
I read the book when it came out years ago, if I go any further I will end up rewriting the book.
Race being a thorny issue in the country McKaiser expounds on the distinct sociology of thought for different South Africans. And this distinct sociology of thought as far as race is concerned informs how we interpret race or relate to racism. Blacks are seen to be obsessed with race, irrationally preoccupied with race, as it is their daily lived experience. Racial violence is ubitiquitious to black experience, hence what is perceived as obsession it is ineluctably inevitable.
McKaiser further simplifies for the reader the 'complexity' of white privilege and white meritocracy. He has a kind warning to well meaning white liberals 'who get it' to check their privilege and not allow their obsession for sameness to belittle lived black experiences, like black tax which are legacies of the unfortunate evil past.
Much of the book is also on the different forms racism manifests itself, from overt racism, institutional racism and subtle racism. And this helps to us to understand racism as a system that is highly ingrained in people's blood, homes and experiences and institutions.
I read the book when it came out years ago, if I go any further I will end up rewriting the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
This book, which is a collection of well thought essays, will challenge anyone who is willing to be frank regrading the racism question. Eusebius deals with the subject which is really broad and necessary to deal with. Being a world class debater, he will guide you through different forms this evil behavior shows up. There is no better way to get the point I am trying to point out than picking up the book. This is compulsory reading!
December 17, 2018
There’s a very difficult line when it comes to writing about race in modern South Africa, one which risks alienating an audience if you tip to either side of that line. This book successfully walks the tightrope and offers a digestible but raw, truthful account of the racial political climate of South Africa. I’d recommend this for anyone with an interest in the future of the country.
October 11, 2021
Compelling arguments articulated in an accessible way. Still as relevant today in the South African context; the essay on meritocracy fallacy is quite a highlight. I was not convinced of every argument but I enjoy being challenged. Enjoyable read.
February 9, 2018
The first non-fiction book that I struggled to put down!
July 13, 2018
no comment
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2017
This was an interesting and challenging read which answered many questions and created a whole lot more for me.
Beautifully thought out and written by a clearly articulate, intelligent and often very funny man.
My nephew is currently involved in the #feesmustfall campaign in Durban and was articulating about "white privilege" on facebook and I have listened and learned as this young man articulated his ideas on this matter.
Well Eusebius articulates this prickly subject incredibly well in this book and I found information, opinions and ideas I would never have discovered within my own world of experience.
He uses a wide range of examples unrelated to race to make his arguments, ranging from homophobia, feminism and sexism to a wonderful story about Beetroot to illustrate difference in different peoples that I simply loved.
An excellent read that all South Africans should read.
Beautifully thought out and written by a clearly articulate, intelligent and often very funny man.
My nephew is currently involved in the #feesmustfall campaign in Durban and was articulating about "white privilege" on facebook and I have listened and learned as this young man articulated his ideas on this matter.
Well Eusebius articulates this prickly subject incredibly well in this book and I found information, opinions and ideas I would never have discovered within my own world of experience.
He uses a wide range of examples unrelated to race to make his arguments, ranging from homophobia, feminism and sexism to a wonderful story about Beetroot to illustrate difference in different peoples that I simply loved.
An excellent read that all South Africans should read.
April 14, 2016
The book resonated with so many of my thoughts which I could not articulate. The only gripe I have with the book is the pretentious language it is written in. For some of us, gleaning understanding from text that seems set to confuse means that you forge on even when you don't understand because you hope that you will get to a point where the language used will dumb down enough for you to connect the dots to what has already been said.
Talking about people's agency... that threw me every time because I got stuck on the meaning of that word as is commonly used.
Talking about people's agency... that threw me every time because I got stuck on the meaning of that word as is commonly used.
March 22, 2016
let me count the ways
we can be racist today -
check your privilege
we can be racist today -
check your privilege
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews