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Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America's Campuses
From Lawrence Ross, author of The Divine Nine and the leading expert on sororities and fraternities, Blackballed is an explosive and controversial book that rips the veil off America's hidden America's colleges have fostered a racist environment that makes them a hostile space for African American students. Blackballed exposes the white fraternity and sorority system, with traditions of racist parties, songs, and assaults on black students; and the universities themselves, who name campus buildings after racist men and women.
"College" is a word that means many things to many a space for knowledge, a place to gain lifelong friends, and an opportunity to transcend one's socioeconomic station. Today, though, this word also recalls a slew of headlines that have revealed a dark and persistent world of racial politics on campus. Does this association disturb our idealized visions of what happens behind the ivied walls of higher learning? It should - because campus racism on college campuses is as American as college football on Fall Saturdays.
It also takes a deep dive into anti-affirmative action policies, and how they effectively segregate predominately white universities, providing ample room for white privilege. A bold mix of history and the current climate, Blackballed is a call to action for universities to make radical changes to their policies and standards to foster a better legacy for all students.
"College" is a word that means many things to many a space for knowledge, a place to gain lifelong friends, and an opportunity to transcend one's socioeconomic station. Today, though, this word also recalls a slew of headlines that have revealed a dark and persistent world of racial politics on campus. Does this association disturb our idealized visions of what happens behind the ivied walls of higher learning? It should - because campus racism on college campuses is as American as college football on Fall Saturdays.
It also takes a deep dive into anti-affirmative action policies, and how they effectively segregate predominately white universities, providing ample room for white privilege. A bold mix of history and the current climate, Blackballed is a call to action for universities to make radical changes to their policies and standards to foster a better legacy for all students.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
33 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence C. Ross
8 books35 followersLawrence Ross attended both the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History. Ross also has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in screenwriting from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Ross began his writing career in the mid 1990s as the managing editor of Rap Sheet magazine, the west coast’s first hip hop magazine. He’d then move to the Los Angeles Independent newspapers, where as a reporter, he covered city government and community issues in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Culver City, and West Hollywood.
Ross’s first book, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, was published by Kensington Books in 2000. The first book written about all nine African American fraternities and sororities, the Divine Nine is a Los Angeles Times, and Essence magazine best seller. As a result, Ross has lectured at over 500 colleges and universities, speaking on issues of fraternalism, student development, and fraternity and sorority hazing. He’s written commentaries, and has been interviewed, by The Root, The Grio, Los Angeles Times, the BBC, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MSNBC, CNN, and other publications.
In 2001, Ross’ second book, The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People was selected as a “Fall Must Read” by the National Association of Black Journalists. The Ways of Black Folks chronicled Ross’ travels to England, France, Ghana, Brazil, Jamaica, and Canada, as he searched for the commonalities in the African diaspora experience. His two novels, Friends With Benefits and Skin Game, were both chosen by Doubleday’s Black Expressions Book Club. And Ross’ fifth book, Money Shot: The Wild Nights and Lonely Days in the Black Porn Industry was published by Running Press, and is the first book written about African Americans in the adult film industry.
In early 2016, Ross’s sixth book, Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses is being published by St. Martin’s Press. Blackballed explores the present and historical issues of racism on hundreds of American college campuses, and how that ties into today’s #BlackLivesMatter campaign.
Ross lives in Los Angeles with his wife, April, and their son Langston.
Ross began his writing career in the mid 1990s as the managing editor of Rap Sheet magazine, the west coast’s first hip hop magazine. He’d then move to the Los Angeles Independent newspapers, where as a reporter, he covered city government and community issues in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Culver City, and West Hollywood.
Ross’s first book, The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, was published by Kensington Books in 2000. The first book written about all nine African American fraternities and sororities, the Divine Nine is a Los Angeles Times, and Essence magazine best seller. As a result, Ross has lectured at over 500 colleges and universities, speaking on issues of fraternalism, student development, and fraternity and sorority hazing. He’s written commentaries, and has been interviewed, by The Root, The Grio, Los Angeles Times, the BBC, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MSNBC, CNN, and other publications.
In 2001, Ross’ second book, The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People was selected as a “Fall Must Read” by the National Association of Black Journalists. The Ways of Black Folks chronicled Ross’ travels to England, France, Ghana, Brazil, Jamaica, and Canada, as he searched for the commonalities in the African diaspora experience. His two novels, Friends With Benefits and Skin Game, were both chosen by Doubleday’s Black Expressions Book Club. And Ross’ fifth book, Money Shot: The Wild Nights and Lonely Days in the Black Porn Industry was published by Running Press, and is the first book written about African Americans in the adult film industry.
In early 2016, Ross’s sixth book, Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses is being published by St. Martin’s Press. Blackballed explores the present and historical issues of racism on hundreds of American college campuses, and how that ties into today’s #BlackLivesMatter campaign.
Ross lives in Los Angeles with his wife, April, and their son Langston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 21, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I teach at two community colleges, and, therefore, have an interest in this timely book. If you haven’t heard about all the protests about racism on college campuses then you haven’t been watching any news. Congrats on having your head in sand.
Ross’ book is something that anyone associated with any college in any way should read; however, there are some problems with the book.
On the one hand, Ross’ book does shed light on the issues of racism on major college campuses, and that is something that should be addressed. It’s more than just a debate over admissions policies. There are documented instances of black students being asked if a white student can touch their hair, of liberal uses of the “n” word, of a host of micro-aggressions. Ross makes an excellent case of racism still existing on campuses and how little colleges, at least some colleges, do to deal with the issue. The reasons for this non-action seem to run from lack of knowledge to lack of care about the situation. Ross does a good job of analyzing how some racial incidents on campus are played out. The book, for instance, opens with a detailed analysis of the fraternity that made the news after chanting a racist song on a bus. Ross’ analysis is far more in depth, in part because of the book, but also it makes the reader realize how little the news actually really covers such things (for instance, the connection such groups have to the Confederate south).
But the story also showcases the book’s weak side. Too much of the book is focused on the racism in sororities and fraternities. Now, there are good reasons for this, and Ross, to his credit, makes these reasons clear. The primary is the connection that such organizations have to the running of the college as well as the status in the college – in some classes such groups basically control student governments (and boy, the history of some of these groups). Therefore, Ross’ focus does make sense, yet it also can be limiting. No doubt there will be some readers who will dismiss much of the racism described in the book as simply the fault of the Greek system. While the book does cover micro aggressions and other incidents, the predominance of examples always come back the organizations.
Another flaw is the focus on an only a select number of schools, and no community colleges are discussed, though state colleges are. Considering that a number of minorities attend community colleges, I would be curious to see if the experiences are similar.
Despite the emphasis on the Greek groups as well as the lack of community colleges, this book is still a must read for anyone connected to a college in anyway. You don’t believe me? Ask any minority student. I double dog dare you. There is also a frank discussion about the names of certain college buildings, a topic that is also recently in the news.
Thank you, Mr. Ross. As always, you have given me some food for thought. (On a side note, I brought up some of the issues addressed in this book in one of my classes. It was a pretty good discussion).
work
I teach at two community colleges, and, therefore, have an interest in this timely book. If you haven’t heard about all the protests about racism on college campuses then you haven’t been watching any news. Congrats on having your head in sand.
Ross’ book is something that anyone associated with any college in any way should read; however, there are some problems with the book.
On the one hand, Ross’ book does shed light on the issues of racism on major college campuses, and that is something that should be addressed. It’s more than just a debate over admissions policies. There are documented instances of black students being asked if a white student can touch their hair, of liberal uses of the “n” word, of a host of micro-aggressions. Ross makes an excellent case of racism still existing on campuses and how little colleges, at least some colleges, do to deal with the issue. The reasons for this non-action seem to run from lack of knowledge to lack of care about the situation. Ross does a good job of analyzing how some racial incidents on campus are played out. The book, for instance, opens with a detailed analysis of the fraternity that made the news after chanting a racist song on a bus. Ross’ analysis is far more in depth, in part because of the book, but also it makes the reader realize how little the news actually really covers such things (for instance, the connection such groups have to the Confederate south).
But the story also showcases the book’s weak side. Too much of the book is focused on the racism in sororities and fraternities. Now, there are good reasons for this, and Ross, to his credit, makes these reasons clear. The primary is the connection that such organizations have to the running of the college as well as the status in the college – in some classes such groups basically control student governments (and boy, the history of some of these groups). Therefore, Ross’ focus does make sense, yet it also can be limiting. No doubt there will be some readers who will dismiss much of the racism described in the book as simply the fault of the Greek system. While the book does cover micro aggressions and other incidents, the predominance of examples always come back the organizations.
Another flaw is the focus on an only a select number of schools, and no community colleges are discussed, though state colleges are. Considering that a number of minorities attend community colleges, I would be curious to see if the experiences are similar.
Despite the emphasis on the Greek groups as well as the lack of community colleges, this book is still a must read for anyone connected to a college in anyway. You don’t believe me? Ask any minority student. I double dog dare you. There is also a frank discussion about the names of certain college buildings, a topic that is also recently in the news.
Thank you, Mr. Ross. As always, you have given me some food for thought. (On a side note, I brought up some of the issues addressed in this book in one of my classes. It was a pretty good discussion).
work
May 16, 2016
Grim topic, excellent read - informative but not bland, it does not aim for some kind of wishy-washy faux-neutrality but makes a firm stand for the rights of Black students on campus. Very good writing, with dynamism and pace - I want to read the author's other books now!
Blackballed is mostly about predominantly white state universities - it has a few details about HBCUs, but basically nothing about community colleges. This replicates what many Americans think of as "the college experience", so I understand this focus, and as I am at a predominantly white state university, it was personally useful. Lawrence C. Ross also has a book about African American fraternities and sororities, which I immediately put into my TBR, and I think it will be a great companion to this one. As someone from very far away, who was never an undergrad in the US, these books are exceedingly helpful. I truly learned a lot from Blackballed and I am grateful.
Note: The following paragraph is not meant as a derail, but more like a plea NOT to see this book as only particular to the time and place, as opposed to something with truly universal appeal - in my country of origin, I see people often dismiss American activisms as something remote and distant and not applicable. (Often with added anti-Blackness.)
The book made me think a lot about parallels in other countries I have lived and studied in, even though it doesn't talk about other countries at all; simply because it is very insightful about mechanisms of oppression. (Just one example: both Hungary and to a lesser extent Austria also do the 'oh we have a memorial of a bloodthirsty racist, but we can compensate for this by constructing a new memorial of a minority person while leaving the memorial of the racist in place' - and I never previously thought of it in quite this way despite being personally impacted.) I feel it is very worthwhile reading even if you do not live in the US but have to do with minority activism - especially campus minority activism - elsewhere both inside and outside the West, because it really describes underlying processes of racism and active marginalization well, and also the actions students and faculty have taken against these trends in a higher education context.
Blackballed is mostly about predominantly white state universities - it has a few details about HBCUs, but basically nothing about community colleges. This replicates what many Americans think of as "the college experience", so I understand this focus, and as I am at a predominantly white state university, it was personally useful. Lawrence C. Ross also has a book about African American fraternities and sororities, which I immediately put into my TBR, and I think it will be a great companion to this one. As someone from very far away, who was never an undergrad in the US, these books are exceedingly helpful. I truly learned a lot from Blackballed and I am grateful.
Note: The following paragraph is not meant as a derail, but more like a plea NOT to see this book as only particular to the time and place, as opposed to something with truly universal appeal - in my country of origin, I see people often dismiss American activisms as something remote and distant and not applicable. (Often with added anti-Blackness.)
The book made me think a lot about parallels in other countries I have lived and studied in, even though it doesn't talk about other countries at all; simply because it is very insightful about mechanisms of oppression. (Just one example: both Hungary and to a lesser extent Austria also do the 'oh we have a memorial of a bloodthirsty racist, but we can compensate for this by constructing a new memorial of a minority person while leaving the memorial of the racist in place' - and I never previously thought of it in quite this way despite being personally impacted.) I feel it is very worthwhile reading even if you do not live in the US but have to do with minority activism - especially campus minority activism - elsewhere both inside and outside the West, because it really describes underlying processes of racism and active marginalization well, and also the actions students and faculty have taken against these trends in a higher education context.
February 12, 2016
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lawrence C. Ross delivers a well-researched, timely, and critical call-to-action message in his latest: BLACKBALLED: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses --harsh truths--universities must make radical changes to their policies and standards, in order to continue to provide education and a better college life environment, for both black and whites--no longer can they bury their head in the sand. Be proactive, versus reactive.
Campus racism crisis has been at epidemic proportions for decades, and it is time for predominately white colleges and universities to start looking for effective solutions, before a tragic event erupts., which is already happening. Blackballed rips the scab off the open secret; predominately white college campuses, are hostile spaces for black students.
Racism isn’t just something that you overcome. Ross proposes the question: Is racism simply in the eyes and ears of many, an unfortunate but inconsequential aspect of life?
If you have kept abreast with the headline news, it has already begun. In his controversial and insightful book, Ross stresses, every college and university in the US is a ticking time bomb. The first step is to address racism on campus-- "Admit the sickness" and work towards getting healthy—as a societal cancer. What is the treatment?
Blackballed points out how colleges and universities have historically either been complicit in fostering a campus environment that was friendly to racist behavior, or reacted so superficially that they made the conditions worse. Why do programs not succeed?
For the same reason why anti-racism efforts tend to fail in general society; we don’t address them honestly, with the full resources available. Ross brings up some thought-provoking points:
Creating a racism-free environment on college and university campus isn’t as large a priority, as making sure the donors are happy, the football team is winning, and the tuition money keeps flowing.
Everything else is superfluous, and a result, the black students suffer. Black athletes are recruited for their schools. Football is more important than culture of diversity and positive changes to the campus. Everyone wants the football team to do well. African American football players---their place is on the field--not in the frat house. Injustice. This could be used as leverage.
Similar to Jeanne Marie Laskas' Concussion Dr. Bennet Omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twenty-first century. Everyone pimps out the football players from pop warner to the NFL, and leaves them to deal with CTE, mental illness, and the fallout--all with a blind eye. Sadly, America is about power and greed.
Blackballed addresses public policy, anti-affirmative action, black history, civil rights, and specifically, the injustice of fraternities and sororities. As Blackballed shows, “it may be easier for a black man to sit in the White House, than in a University of Alabama fraternity house.”
While most of the campus racist incidents involve white fraternities and sororities, the question proposed: How could white millennials (a post-racial) generation who never experienced the separate-but-equal world of Jim Crow segregation, know the racial songs designed to dehumanize and humiliate African Americans? When it comes to racism at colleges and universities, we are not a generation moving closer to a nation without racism. This is sad.
“Racism is as common at America’s universities as pretty cheerleaders.”
Have things really changed since the 1920s-1950’s? The question: Where did all of these racist incidents come from? Did they ever stop in the first place?
Not isolated incidents, but longstanding traditions. Greek row, and how they function on college campuses. Some blame on society itself. Parents spend thousands of dollars to send their children to college, and many of them are subject to daily humiliation. Not only blacks, there are other minorities, injustice—and some say social media has made it more prominent.
Ross has chronicled a two-year journey —he believes discussing these issues is important, a platform, and a means for voices to be heard. Changes have to be made.
Blackballed is not about predominately white institutions (PWis) not having a role in educating black college students. For over a century, black students have received invaluable educations at these white colleges and universities have gone on to change American and the world. Black students will continue to enroll, graduate, and change lives while influenced by their educations at these schools.
By providing these opportunities to African American college students, does not mitigate the racism that these students will face on nearly every campus in the US. Ross stresses we should not confuse the coping mechanisms black students use to survive on these campuses with long-lasting solutions.
However, at the root of Blackballed is a cry for help --These students are under attack in a hostile environment. A critical need to move campus racism from the backwaters of their administrators to the forefront. Triple budgets for diversity education. Radical change within the fraternity and sorority systems with comprehensive anti-racism plans from national headquarters to teach organizations and hold them accountable. No more excuses, “we didn’t know”. Making students and leaders cognizant of the complexities of race and racism.
In the end, a complex question---given all the racial obstacles, going to a predominately white institution-- is it really worth it for African Americans? Of course, their education is valuable; however, more importantly every parent and student may ask, “is it worth the psychological damage due to racism?” The book is not saying blacks should not go to college; however, should they give up going to predominately white universities and instead attend black schools, or should they fight it out and demand a racism-free environment?
Powerful and timely. Highly recommend for administrators, students, and parents of all students—regardless of color. Education on the subject is critical. We are not powerless. Confront campus racism. Making the comfortable, uncomfortable.
In further reading, most say the racial harassment is not unprecedented. Take young men and women living away from home the first time, off to college; no parental control or supervision, combined with racially divided campuses, fueled with alcohol and drugs, plus thrown together with other unfamiliar ethnic groups, hormones, social media, added peer pressure, and lack of education in the social world---all compound the problem.
Being aware of these issues, classes, or further education is needed to address the problems. Administrators, colleges, universities, and students have to be held accountable. After all folks, this is year 2016, not the 1950's. We are leaving these students hanging--not a great foundation for adulthood, the workplace and future generations—if not addressed at this level or before, it will only multiple.
JDCMustReadBooks
Lawrence C. Ross delivers a well-researched, timely, and critical call-to-action message in his latest: BLACKBALLED: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses --harsh truths--universities must make radical changes to their policies and standards, in order to continue to provide education and a better college life environment, for both black and whites--no longer can they bury their head in the sand. Be proactive, versus reactive.
Campus racism crisis has been at epidemic proportions for decades, and it is time for predominately white colleges and universities to start looking for effective solutions, before a tragic event erupts., which is already happening. Blackballed rips the scab off the open secret; predominately white college campuses, are hostile spaces for black students.
From the great Nigerian Novelist Chinua Achebe—an African proverb: “Until the lions have their own historian, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Blackballed is written from the lion's point. A change is critical and the truth must be told.
Racism isn’t just something that you overcome. Ross proposes the question: Is racism simply in the eyes and ears of many, an unfortunate but inconsequential aspect of life?
If you have kept abreast with the headline news, it has already begun. In his controversial and insightful book, Ross stresses, every college and university in the US is a ticking time bomb. The first step is to address racism on campus-- "Admit the sickness" and work towards getting healthy—as a societal cancer. What is the treatment?
Blackballed points out how colleges and universities have historically either been complicit in fostering a campus environment that was friendly to racist behavior, or reacted so superficially that they made the conditions worse. Why do programs not succeed?
For the same reason why anti-racism efforts tend to fail in general society; we don’t address them honestly, with the full resources available. Ross brings up some thought-provoking points:
Creating a racism-free environment on college and university campus isn’t as large a priority, as making sure the donors are happy, the football team is winning, and the tuition money keeps flowing.
Everything else is superfluous, and a result, the black students suffer. Black athletes are recruited for their schools. Football is more important than culture of diversity and positive changes to the campus. Everyone wants the football team to do well. African American football players---their place is on the field--not in the frat house. Injustice. This could be used as leverage.
Similar to Jeanne Marie Laskas' Concussion Dr. Bennet Omalu, the pathologist who made one of the most significant medical discoveries of the twenty-first century. Everyone pimps out the football players from pop warner to the NFL, and leaves them to deal with CTE, mental illness, and the fallout--all with a blind eye. Sadly, America is about power and greed.
Blackballed addresses public policy, anti-affirmative action, black history, civil rights, and specifically, the injustice of fraternities and sororities. As Blackballed shows, “it may be easier for a black man to sit in the White House, than in a University of Alabama fraternity house.”
While most of the campus racist incidents involve white fraternities and sororities, the question proposed: How could white millennials (a post-racial) generation who never experienced the separate-but-equal world of Jim Crow segregation, know the racial songs designed to dehumanize and humiliate African Americans? When it comes to racism at colleges and universities, we are not a generation moving closer to a nation without racism. This is sad.
“Racism is as common at America’s universities as pretty cheerleaders.”
Have things really changed since the 1920s-1950’s? The question: Where did all of these racist incidents come from? Did they ever stop in the first place?
Not isolated incidents, but longstanding traditions. Greek row, and how they function on college campuses. Some blame on society itself. Parents spend thousands of dollars to send their children to college, and many of them are subject to daily humiliation. Not only blacks, there are other minorities, injustice—and some say social media has made it more prominent.
Ross has chronicled a two-year journey —he believes discussing these issues is important, a platform, and a means for voices to be heard. Changes have to be made.
Blackballed is not about predominately white institutions (PWis) not having a role in educating black college students. For over a century, black students have received invaluable educations at these white colleges and universities have gone on to change American and the world. Black students will continue to enroll, graduate, and change lives while influenced by their educations at these schools.
By providing these opportunities to African American college students, does not mitigate the racism that these students will face on nearly every campus in the US. Ross stresses we should not confuse the coping mechanisms black students use to survive on these campuses with long-lasting solutions.
However, at the root of Blackballed is a cry for help --These students are under attack in a hostile environment. A critical need to move campus racism from the backwaters of their administrators to the forefront. Triple budgets for diversity education. Radical change within the fraternity and sorority systems with comprehensive anti-racism plans from national headquarters to teach organizations and hold them accountable. No more excuses, “we didn’t know”. Making students and leaders cognizant of the complexities of race and racism.
In the end, a complex question---given all the racial obstacles, going to a predominately white institution-- is it really worth it for African Americans? Of course, their education is valuable; however, more importantly every parent and student may ask, “is it worth the psychological damage due to racism?” The book is not saying blacks should not go to college; however, should they give up going to predominately white universities and instead attend black schools, or should they fight it out and demand a racism-free environment?
Powerful and timely. Highly recommend for administrators, students, and parents of all students—regardless of color. Education on the subject is critical. We are not powerless. Confront campus racism. Making the comfortable, uncomfortable.
In further reading, most say the racial harassment is not unprecedented. Take young men and women living away from home the first time, off to college; no parental control or supervision, combined with racially divided campuses, fueled with alcohol and drugs, plus thrown together with other unfamiliar ethnic groups, hormones, social media, added peer pressure, and lack of education in the social world---all compound the problem.
Being aware of these issues, classes, or further education is needed to address the problems. Administrators, colleges, universities, and students have to be held accountable. After all folks, this is year 2016, not the 1950's. We are leaving these students hanging--not a great foundation for adulthood, the workplace and future generations—if not addressed at this level or before, it will only multiple.
JDCMustReadBooks
February 29, 2016
People need to understand that we do not live in a post-racial society. Racism is still prevalent in every aspect of our culture. Blackballed takes a look at it on college campuses.
I don't believe in white liberal guilt. I just think white liberals are the only whites that care to look around and see and see reality for what it is and that racism still exists and that all people don't have the same opportunities.
And if you read chapter 2, you will be appalled and want to call for the end of all fraternities everywhere. And if you live in Alabama like I do, holy shit.
The organization that is behind the sororities and fraternities at Alabama (“The Machine”) has a goal to "control as much of the campus as possible, by being as conservative as possible. Controlling student government is only the tip of the spear, as the [organization's] main goal is keeping greek row as white as possible."
When I see how much colleges support these organizations it's gross. Especially when I know people that give thousands of dollars for their kids for fraternity dues. It's all the investment of a massive white privileged machine that gives more power and privilege to those that already have it.
So, as recently as the 1950s, fraternities and sororities fought to keep themselves "racially pure". I'm sure that has all been erased by now and there are no racist aftershocks. So, the story at the beginning of the book is such an anomaly.
The thing is, people use their contacts at fraternities and sororities all their lives. This just shows how this type of racism extends from college to the worlds of business and politics. The privileged do everything they can to get more privilege.
The book spends a lot of time discussing racism in the fraternity system, but also discusses it as an aspect of college campuses in general.
Because, of course, it doesn’t stop with fraternities and sororities. There’s a push to limit diversity on college campuses with anti-affirmative action campaigns.
Then, of course, there are the statues built and buildings named after confederate heroes and racists.
When reading about the massive number of racist incidents on college campuses, it boggles the mind that people suggest that racism isn't an issue in our society or that when people of color bring up these atrocities, they're "playing the race card".
And where do we go from here?
The question is, do people care enough to accomplish this?
There’s so much good in this book. Read it if you want to know what’s really happening with racism on college campuses.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
Today, systemic and institutional racism still plagues African Americans, long after the “colored only” signs have been taken down. african americans are primarily the ones burdened with the task of fixing a race problem they didn’t produce or perpetuate, while white America continues to say, “I don’t see it.”
Pointing out the realities of white racism to America as a black person who lives them, and then having that reality dismissed unheard, logically makes black people question their sanity. How can we live in a world where, for African Americans, the racial inequities around housing, education, jobs, wealth, health care, and a thousand other categories are quantifiably tilted toward the benefit of white americans, often because of overtly racist public policy, when a 2013 Rasmussen poll shows that 49 percent of white Republicans viewed African Americans, and not themselves or other white Americans, as racist?
For most white Americans, the delusion begins with the idea that every child in America begins on an equal footing with every other child, regardless of race. That formula for success, and the formula most often preached to African Americans, is work hard, carry on with your life as though you believe wholeheartedly in the American dream, and with a little bit of pluck and ambition, you too can go far. And for many, including African Americans, you can go far. Failure isn’t a fait accompli when it comes to an african american’s life destiny.
But it’s also important to note that racism isn’t just some “thing” that you overcome. it’s omnipresent, like a sea of shit in which you swim, always stinking no matter how many showers you take. But to white America, the inequities of society created by racism are trivial when compared with the opportunities America allows everyone. Racism is simply, in the eyes and ears of white America, an unfortunate but inconsequential aspect of life, like being short or losing one’s hair at an early age. An aspect of life to be discounted where the presence of racism is more than balanced by the multitude of mitigating factors.
I don't believe in white liberal guilt. I just think white liberals are the only whites that care to look around and see and see reality for what it is and that racism still exists and that all people don't have the same opportunities.
And if you read chapter 2, you will be appalled and want to call for the end of all fraternities everywhere. And if you live in Alabama like I do, holy shit.
The organization that is behind the sororities and fraternities at Alabama (“The Machine”) has a goal to "control as much of the campus as possible, by being as conservative as possible. Controlling student government is only the tip of the spear, as the [organization's] main goal is keeping greek row as white as possible."
When I see how much colleges support these organizations it's gross. Especially when I know people that give thousands of dollars for their kids for fraternity dues. It's all the investment of a massive white privileged machine that gives more power and privilege to those that already have it.
By 1946 the greek system had solidified around strict segregation lines, with blacks almost exclusively joining black fraternities and sororities and whites joining white fraternities and sororities. In fact, white fraternities and sororities tried their best to exclude other whites, including Catholics, Jews, and non-Christians. Most included in their constitutions restriction clauses for membership, including Phi Delta Theta, founded in 1912, which required that “Only white persons of full aryan blood, not less than sixteen years of age, should be eligible.” Others specified that students had be “christian caucasians” while banning “the black, Malay, Mongolian or Semitic races.”
So, as recently as the 1950s, fraternities and sororities fought to keep themselves "racially pure". I'm sure that has all been erased by now and there are no racist aftershocks. So, the story at the beginning of the book is such an anomaly.
According to Cornell University, only 2 percent of america’s population is involved in fraternities, yet 80 percent of Fortune 500 executives, 76 percent of U.S. senators and congressmen, 85 percent of Supreme Court justices, and all but two presidents since 1825 have been fraternity men. To have influence that extensive, you need to have an greek organization that starts on the undergraduate level and then operates as a powerful network once you’ve graduated.
The thing is, people use their contacts at fraternities and sororities all their lives. This just shows how this type of racism extends from college to the worlds of business and politics. The privileged do everything they can to get more privilege.
The book spends a lot of time discussing racism in the fraternity system, but also discusses it as an aspect of college campuses in general.
Because, of course, it doesn’t stop with fraternities and sororities. There’s a push to limit diversity on college campuses with anti-affirmative action campaigns.
Then, of course, there are the statues built and buildings named after confederate heroes and racists.
When reading about the massive number of racist incidents on college campuses, it boggles the mind that people suggest that racism isn't an issue in our society or that when people of color bring up these atrocities, they're "playing the race card".
And where do we go from here?
Not one black student on a college campus should have to spend one second dealing with the scourge of racism or its symbols. It goes beyond the idea of zero tolerance; it means creating such a level of proactive antiracism that white high school students think twice before applying to your school. Universities need to move campus racism from the backwaters of their administrations to the forefront. They need to triple their current budgets for diversity education. The programs they create for white students should not just be a one-off during freshman orientation but a process that continues through each year of attendance. And for students, this shouldn’t just involve listening to lectures.
The question is, do people care enough to accomplish this?
There’s so much good in this book. Read it if you want to know what’s really happening with racism on college campuses.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
Highly recommend for everyone working in higher education & all fraternity and sorority members!! Starting a discussion group with students based on this book, it's that good, and I think it is most impactful in how it points out the cyclical nature of university responses to campus racism and makes sure you can recognize racism as a deeply institutionalized pattern of behavior, not just isolated incidents by individuals who don't know any better. The specificity of the examples used - like Delta Gamma being called out for exclusionary practices, or students and faculty who commit microaggressions being directly quoted by name - help illustrate the ongoing racialized power dynamics and the full history of white supremacy on college campuses. The later chapters are very well done in particular, referencing Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, and Dream Defenders in order to help readers reflect on their own positionality and see that we can, and MUST, all enact change from where we already are.
March 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and looking at racism on college campuses historically and present day. The first half of the book felt like a deeper dive into some events and topics which I really enjoyed. The latter half sometimes felt like a laundry list of incidents; they were all in support of the context of each chapter, and I wish there was a way to dig deeper and read about the action taking place as well. Overall, a must read for any higher ed and fraternity/sorority life pro. Lawrence does his research and it shows. Very well done.
December 2, 2017
This sobering book details many ways that African American students are harassed, discriminated against, and harmed in today's traditionally white universities. There were a few main categories that the author discusses in depth:
- Greek life: Both keeping black students from fraternities or sororities as well as fraternity and sorority events that appropriate culture or are hostile towards black students
- Buildings and physical spaces: Many university stadiums, buildings, and dorms are named after known Confederate or segregationist "heroes" and most of the time the university is opposed to changing these names.
- Lack of inclusivity in student governance: There is an entire chapter on "The Machine" at the University of Alabama
I found this book to be incredibly distressing. I knew that African-American students experience college differently but to see example after example after example helped me to feel the weight of it.
Two areas I wish the author had explored were faculty representation and what sort of bias exists in the classroom (the latter was briefly touched upon). Perhaps topics for a future tome?
- Greek life: Both keeping black students from fraternities or sororities as well as fraternity and sorority events that appropriate culture or are hostile towards black students
- Buildings and physical spaces: Many university stadiums, buildings, and dorms are named after known Confederate or segregationist "heroes" and most of the time the university is opposed to changing these names.
- Lack of inclusivity in student governance: There is an entire chapter on "The Machine" at the University of Alabama
I found this book to be incredibly distressing. I knew that African-American students experience college differently but to see example after example after example helped me to feel the weight of it.
Two areas I wish the author had explored were faculty representation and what sort of bias exists in the classroom (the latter was briefly touched upon). Perhaps topics for a future tome?
February 1, 2016
I recivied an Advanced edition of this book from NetGalley In Exchange for my honest opinion.
When I saw this book pop up, I'm pretty sure I squealed a little. Like many African American college students I'm familiar with Lawrence C. Ross's Divine Nine and when I saw that he had written a book on race on college campuses I was beyond excited. As a former student and current administrator and employee I have worked/attended an Flagship SEC PWI, a small predominantly Black institution (not an HBCU though) and an institution often lauded as one of the most diverse in the nation. At each of these institutions I have seen and experienced my own share of micro and macro aggressions so I was incredibly intrigued to read Ross's thoughts and see his recommendation for the future.
The book highlights three main issues and focuses on both the history or the current situation on Campuses today ( Use the terms sections because the "chapters" were broken in my ARC). The first is on the segregated Fraternity and Sorority issues. He spends a lot of time on The University of Alabama which is very similar to an institution I attended but not quite as bad. I found the information, especially on The Machine, which i had never heard of fascinating and scary at the same time. The next section focused on the history of racial incident at colleges going back to before was I was born. At first I grew tired and and disheartening reading about incident after incident but then I got mad because here were are and nothing, absolutely nothing has changed. The same incidents after incidents since 1982 ( around) just keep happening- how have these sorority and fraternity's not learned that Blackface IS racist? It just threw the idea of a post racial America right out the window. I also found myself angry when reading about the attempts to change the names on the thousands of university buildings named after murder's, segregationists and others who preached and exhibited hate. Some of the reactions from college Presidents is absolutley astonishing and it just really makes the idea of a post-racial America seems as far off as the moon. Forget about race but you get to live in a building of a man who bragged about murdering 7 black men just because.
The next section and my favorite as a college administrator was the section on Black Student activism- he gave a a history starting in the 1800's until the Current BLM movement. This is a section I will have my Freshman students read and take note of its importance as I feel that it is a great historical context/summary for students entering an institution where they will face the incidents listed in preceding chapters. The last section was Ross' recommendations which I think are most important and the hardest.
I honestly hope that this book sparks a fire in today's students and I plan to add this as a reading assignment for my students.
When I saw this book pop up, I'm pretty sure I squealed a little. Like many African American college students I'm familiar with Lawrence C. Ross's Divine Nine and when I saw that he had written a book on race on college campuses I was beyond excited. As a former student and current administrator and employee I have worked/attended an Flagship SEC PWI, a small predominantly Black institution (not an HBCU though) and an institution often lauded as one of the most diverse in the nation. At each of these institutions I have seen and experienced my own share of micro and macro aggressions so I was incredibly intrigued to read Ross's thoughts and see his recommendation for the future.
The book highlights three main issues and focuses on both the history or the current situation on Campuses today ( Use the terms sections because the "chapters" were broken in my ARC). The first is on the segregated Fraternity and Sorority issues. He spends a lot of time on The University of Alabama which is very similar to an institution I attended but not quite as bad. I found the information, especially on The Machine, which i had never heard of fascinating and scary at the same time. The next section focused on the history of racial incident at colleges going back to before was I was born. At first I grew tired and and disheartening reading about incident after incident but then I got mad because here were are and nothing, absolutely nothing has changed. The same incidents after incidents since 1982 ( around) just keep happening- how have these sorority and fraternity's not learned that Blackface IS racist? It just threw the idea of a post racial America right out the window. I also found myself angry when reading about the attempts to change the names on the thousands of university buildings named after murder's, segregationists and others who preached and exhibited hate. Some of the reactions from college Presidents is absolutley astonishing and it just really makes the idea of a post-racial America seems as far off as the moon. Forget about race but you get to live in a building of a man who bragged about murdering 7 black men just because.
The next section and my favorite as a college administrator was the section on Black Student activism- he gave a a history starting in the 1800's until the Current BLM movement. This is a section I will have my Freshman students read and take note of its importance as I feel that it is a great historical context/summary for students entering an institution where they will face the incidents listed in preceding chapters. The last section was Ross' recommendations which I think are most important and the hardest.
I honestly hope that this book sparks a fire in today's students and I plan to add this as a reading assignment for my students.
July 23, 2016
I've read Lawrence Ross's work before - he wrote an excellent book about the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities that I used like my bible when I was writing my master's thesis. So, I was thrilled to pick up another book of his, especially since I work in higher education at a predominantly white institution. This book tells us a lot about what we already know about the experiences of black students on predominantly white campuses...but we can't hear these stories enough until real change happens. Ross gives a historical perspective of how black students have been treated on predominantly white campuses, from the very beginnings of institutionalized systemic oppression, and he also spends a good amount of time talking about present-day campuses. From countless microaggressions to racist themed parties at white fraternities or sororities to having to attend class in buildings named after white supremacists, Ross covers the whole spectrum of experiences that black students have on college campuses. This is recommended reading (or should be required reading) for any fellow higher education professionals. We have a lot of work to do so that students feel safe and welcome on our campuses.
April 9, 2017
Ross delves deep into the racial politics on campus at a time when many different campuses are coming up against a generation of students who are calling out institutional racism with the resources to capture them and generate national conversations. Ross captures some of the complicated histories that many institutions and college campuses must grapple with and negotiate as more diverse populations arrive on campuses and refuse to be ignored or devalued. One of his most interesting discussions is around campus fraternities and the ways in which they directly and indirectly instill silence and isolation for African American students. It's a timely book that can help campus leaders consider how to improve their campuses and become more welcoming to populations that have historically been outright denied or exiled on campus.
April 18, 2016
I won this uncorrected proof in a Goodreads Giveaway. Great, deep, thorough, and thoughtful work.
Ross' take on modern age racism and college campuses has me reevaluating my current positions on the many statues and building names honoring historic racists in the US. I still don't agree with mass erasure, many of the statues belong in museums with proper explanations. But, the point that Jewish students wouldn't be forced to go to classes in, or live in dorms, named after Nazi leaders was too real for me to read and not think hard about it...
There is so much more to this power struggle than microaggressions and the people who run things behind the anonymity of organizations like the UGA Machine. It is systemic, historic, and I honestly doubt it will ever go away...
Ross' take on modern age racism and college campuses has me reevaluating my current positions on the many statues and building names honoring historic racists in the US. I still don't agree with mass erasure, many of the statues belong in museums with proper explanations. But, the point that Jewish students wouldn't be forced to go to classes in, or live in dorms, named after Nazi leaders was too real for me to read and not think hard about it...
There is so much more to this power struggle than microaggressions and the people who run things behind the anonymity of organizations like the UGA Machine. It is systemic, historic, and I honestly doubt it will ever go away...
January 27, 2018
This book offers a lot of information on the racism imbedded in our universities, particularly those with legacies of families and racial prejudices in their history, but doesn’t dive into the more diverse aspects of racism and how to fix the problems in universities. Most of the book details incidents relating to Greek life which, while illuminating in many aspects, makes Blackballed feel more like a redux of Ross’ The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. Interesting, but I wish there was more beyond the scope of Greek life.
April 9, 2016
The author takes a hard and needed look at the structures in place on college campuses that enable, and in many ways encourage, racism to flourish. This is particularly true in the world of Greek life at PWIs which he effectively exposes the hate emanating from many of these organizations. True cultural change needs to happen on our campuses which includes administration behaviors and student behaviors.
June 28, 2016
Another book which might help me to know feelings from a different point of view. We live in such an isolated area, and so much want to all *seem* like one that we don't really talk about how another person feels. It feels like cheating, but I just want to concentrate on us all being one in person -- which is why the books can be enlightening. In a larger venue, it would be easier to just have a more diverse group of intimates.
August 21, 2016
Eye opening and well worth the read. This is not an anti-college or anti-sorority/fraternity book. Rather the book discusses how our current refusal to look at educational systems supports and encourages continued racism in this country. Until we willingly admit that our society is built on slavery and keeping people down, we can not move forward. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a way to make a change.
October 22, 2016
A depressing but ultimately hopeful look at racial discrimination on college campuses. The author chronicles the history of racism at the college level from the 19th century to today. One of his most provocative suggestions is for elite athletes and their families to evaluate a school's history of dealing with racism as part of the criteria for selecting a school.
June 10, 2016
I like the anger in the book, and how he clearly works his agenda. I thought he tried to make connections at times that just weren't there, but overall it made me appalled at the current Greek system.
July 30, 2016
A must-read for all students, faculty, and especially administrators. An ideal "common reading" book that will foster conversations and lead to changes in policy, university culture, and everyday realities that render universities campuses hostile to black students. Powerful and important
March 3, 2016
Great book breaking down the historical context of black and white politics on america's campuses! If you work in higher education, you should read this book!
April 3, 2017
Great book that highlights the overwhelming amount of racism on our college campuses. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic!
Read
January 6, 2017378.19829 R8249 2016
August 2, 2020
This is a deep dive into the types racism found on the campuses of predominantly white universities. It is generally against black students, but not exclusively. Cases span the entirety of higher education in America, though there is a focus on the last 60 or so years since personal stories are featured. The chapters cover a particular subject (fraternities, affirmative action, monuments...) so the stories are especially effective when the same situation is reported in the 1950s, 1980s and 2000s.
The personal focus left a lack of statistics though. Some numbers were unavailable, and Ross mentions that, but some were unreported leaving only a footnote to the reference that would contain them. Ross' bio lists him as an author and lecturer (among other fields) so perhaps this is just the difference between a writer and a social (data) scientist.
Ross is clearly an expert on fraternities and sororities so most of the stories and data come from that subset of college and the universities where they are prevalent, even in the chapters not explicitly about "greek life." I missed the data most around these cases because I assume they are a particularly traditional subset of college students, in school and family, so wonder how representative the situations are.
The colleges and universities are more representative, though excluding the most common community and commuter colleges in favor of on-campus living situations. The schools were large and public, small and private, some exclusive Ivy League, some athletics focused. They are from the Northeast, South, Midwest and West coast.
I would have recommend this for prospective college students and their parents, and might still, but it was published in 2016 and some of his concerns are already being addressed, hopefully more will as well.
The personal focus left a lack of statistics though. Some numbers were unavailable, and Ross mentions that, but some were unreported leaving only a footnote to the reference that would contain them. Ross' bio lists him as an author and lecturer (among other fields) so perhaps this is just the difference between a writer and a social (data) scientist.
Ross is clearly an expert on fraternities and sororities so most of the stories and data come from that subset of college and the universities where they are prevalent, even in the chapters not explicitly about "greek life." I missed the data most around these cases because I assume they are a particularly traditional subset of college students, in school and family, so wonder how representative the situations are.
The colleges and universities are more representative, though excluding the most common community and commuter colleges in favor of on-campus living situations. The schools were large and public, small and private, some exclusive Ivy League, some athletics focused. They are from the Northeast, South, Midwest and West coast.
I would have recommend this for prospective college students and their parents, and might still, but it was published in 2016 and some of his concerns are already being addressed, hopefully more will as well.
August 27, 2023
An interesting read, especially as someone who is currently working in fraternity & sorority life. Met Mr. Ross at a conference and was incredibly moved by his presentation, so I was excited to jump into his work. I learned a lot about both historically white social organizations& historically African American organizations. Got some deeper context about topics such as affirmative action, student activism & institutional responses, and real life instances of overt & covert racism that had me like 😳😤🤨😡🤬🤯😔 also, “The Machine” at the University of Alabama is Highkey a scary reality tbh. But to know there’s a secret society controlling how things happen on campus? What in the world.
I would’ve loved to get some insight on how these issues show themselves at other types of institutions as this primarily focused on those huge schools you typically think about when you think Greek Life (University of Alabama, University of Virginia, etc) Also, how do these issues reveal themselves within other culturally based orgs outside of the Divine Nine? Overall, I got some interesting information and is a great read for anyone who works on a college campus/with FSL students.
I would’ve loved to get some insight on how these issues show themselves at other types of institutions as this primarily focused on those huge schools you typically think about when you think Greek Life (University of Alabama, University of Virginia, etc) Also, how do these issues reveal themselves within other culturally based orgs outside of the Divine Nine? Overall, I got some interesting information and is a great read for anyone who works on a college campus/with FSL students.
August 8, 2020
This book is an interesting, considered look into the issues of racism that have historically been present on college campuses, and how those issues have persisted into today’s college landscape. I am unfamiliar with the fraternity system, so it was particularly interesting to learn about the issues inherent to those systems, along with seeing how various school administrations willfully overlooked everyday racism on campus as well. I would be interested to read more from a community college perspective, but this gives a really good foundation for how we can critically assess the educational institutions we ourselves are familiar with or participatory in.
November 2, 2018
Author Lawrence Ross draws on empirical studies, data, and biographies to provide a comprehensive picture of the experiences of minority students on college campuses. The book moves very well between the early years of higher education to today’s picture. He devotes a lot of detail to the role that Greek campus organizations in the education of minorities students. (I listened to an oral reading of the book while in a situation that prohibited taking notes. Wish I could give more details and data to share here).
June 3, 2021
Ross' work brings to light many of the issues surrounding racism on college campuses, primarily Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). He touches on real life examples from Greek Letter Organizations, micro-aggressions, the battle over affirmative action, the naming of college buildings and the argument for both sides regarding why or why not the names should be changed, and how colleges, which appear to be liberal breeding grounds, are so entrenched in traditionalism and worried about donors that the majority of colleges are reactive instead of proactive when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and preventing racial incidents. If you are knowledgeable of Greek Letter Organizations (fraternities and sororities) a lot of this information regarding some of their connections to Confederate south is well known. If you're not, it'll be rather enlightening.
The shortcoming of this work is that the research primarily focused on fraternities and sororities. This makes sense because so many racial incidents take place within or by these organizations and oftentimes these organizations hold a lot of power when it comes to student life, campus government, and university politics (both current students and alumni). That said, someone could easily say this is just a "Greek Life problem" when in reality, Greek Life is only a symptom... colleges and universities needs to get the root of the issue.
The shortcoming of this work is that the research primarily focused on fraternities and sororities. This makes sense because so many racial incidents take place within or by these organizations and oftentimes these organizations hold a lot of power when it comes to student life, campus government, and university politics (both current students and alumni). That said, someone could easily say this is just a "Greek Life problem" when in reality, Greek Life is only a symptom... colleges and universities needs to get the root of the issue.
October 12, 2020
Good read. Good use of narrative storytelling to make his points. Only critique: A majority of this book attends to racism in Greek life organizations. While it is clear that these groups perpetuate racism in overt and covert ways, I wonder if this creates a narrative that disproportionately focuses on Greek life as the main culprit and leaves out other, more covert ways that Black students face oppression at PWIs, like curriculum choices and content.
May 10, 2018
The book is definitely informative and scholarly in nature with narratives shared throughout, however, the author is definitely strongly biased in his interpretations (although that does not make them all wrong or false). A helpful read to understand how college campuses are problematic for students of color, specifically black students.
June 15, 2024
Using book to teach myself about the historic discrimination of blacks in education. Knowledgeable, with concepts that are easy to grasp. It is not meant to be a complete history of racism on campuses, but the years it does cover are detailed, including names of people who faced this discrimination. Complete list of detailed sources.
March 16, 2018
This book is definitely required reading. As a future higher ed/student affairs professional, I think it’s important for me and my colleagues to understand the racist history of higher education institutions and how this racist history was fueled through local and national policies
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