Jim > Recent Status Updates

Klinkner, Philip A., and Rogers M. Smith. The Unsteady March: the Rise and Decline of Racial Equality in America. University of Chicago Press, 2002.
It is refreshing to read a study written before Obama and Trump, and this one is a jewel. The book is a superb and detailed review of American racial history.

An excellent look at some of the more divisive moments of American history—mostly focused on various presidents. He is, perhaps, overly optimistic. He insists, somewhat correctly, that the battle for “the better angels of our nature” is moving erratically forward and remains a battle worse fighting. Although seldom mentioned, the specter of Donald Trump hangs over the book.

An excellent look at some of the more divisive moments of American history—mostly focused on various presidents. He is, perhaps, overly optimistic. He insists, somewhat correctly, that the battle for “the better angels of our nature” is moving erratically forward and remains a battle worse fighting. Although seldom mentioned, the specter of Donald Trump hangs over the book.

An excellent take on the “competing facts” phenomenon. Their focus is on the role of psychological factors, especially values, in shaping what people believe to be true. They are quite pessimistic—insisting, probably correctly, that this will be with us for a long time and will probably get worse. They do point out that traditional remedies, like education and fact-checking, simply do (and will) not work.

Excellent if somewhat tedious account of government mandated housing segregation.