In 'Racecraft', Karen and Barbara Fields offer a provocative exploration of how race operates as a social construct rather than a biological reality. The authors reveal the insidious ways in which race shapes perceptions and interactions in our society, challenging the myths that underpin racial hierarchies. By intertwining history, sociology, and cultural critique, they invite readers to rethink the concept of race itself. The book skillfully dissects the mechanisms of 'racecraft', a term they coin to describe the processes through which racial identities are fabricated and maintained. This compelling examination leaves readers questioning their own assumptions and encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of race.
By Karen E. Fields, Barbara J. Fields
Published: 2014
"Race is a concept invented to obscure the reality of social inequality, rather than an inherent characteristic of humanity."
Tackling the myth of a post-racial society Praised by a wide variety of people from Ta-Nehisi Coates to Zadie Smith, Racecraft “ought to be positioned,” as Bookforum put it, “at the center of any discussion of race in American life.” Most people assume racism grows from a perception of human difference: the fact of race gives rise to the practice of racism. Sociologist Karen E. Fields and historian Barbara J. Fields argue otherwise: the practice of racism produces the illusion of race, through what they call “racecraft.” And this phenomenon is intimately entwined with other forms of inequality in American life. So pervasive are the devices of racecraft in American history, economic doctrine, politics, and everyday thinking that the presence of racecraft itself goes unnoticed. That the promised post-racial age has not dawned, the authors argue, reflects the failure of Americans to develop a legitimate language for thinking about and discussing inequality. That failure should worry everyone who cares about democratic institutions.
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“Race is a concept invented to obscure the reality of social inequality, rather than an inherent characteristic of humanity.”
Racecraft
By Karen E. Fields, Barbara J. Fields
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Karen E. Fields is an acclaimed author, known for her insightful explorations of social issues and human relationships in contemporary literature. Among her notable works are 'Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life' and 'The First Black Woman in the White House,' both of which reflect her deep understanding of race, identity, and politics. Fields' writing is characterized by its incisive analysis and a compelling narrative style that blends personal anecdotes with broader cultural commentary.
Barbara J. Fields is a distinguished American author and historian, known for her insightful works on race, history, and the social dynamics of the United States. She is best known for her influential writings including 'Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life' (co-authored with Karen E. Fields), which critically examines how concepts of race shape societal structures. Fields' writing style is characterized by its analytical depth, clarity of thought, and a commitment to challenging conventional narratives. With a background in history and sociology, she has contributed significantly to discussions about racial ideology and its implications in American society.
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