Synopses & Reviews
The book traces the legacy of racism across three continents, from its origins to the present day. With a wide-ranging yet closely-argued style, it brings a sophisticated neo-Marxist analysis to bear on controversial political issues.
Mike Cole tackles three countries in-depth: the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. In the United Kingdom, he focuses on the effects of colonialism as well as looking at non-colour-coded racism, such as anti-Gipsy, Roma, and Traveller racism and xeno-racism directed at Eastern Europeans. Turning to the United States, Cole charts the dual legacies of indigenous genocide and slavery, as well as exploring anti-Latina/o and anti-Asian racism. Finally, in Australia, he interrogates the idea of "Terra Nullius" and its ongoing impact on the indigenous peoples, as well as other forms of racism, such as that experienced by South Sea Islanders, anti-Asian racism, and that which targets migrants. The Pauline Hanson phenomenon is also addressed. Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Irish racism are also dealt with in the book, as is that aimed at asylum-seekers.
Cole demonstrates that racism is both endemic and multifaceted. This book will undoubtedly establish itself as required reading for students and other critical readers looking for a comprehensive, critical overview of the study of racism in Anglophone countries.
Synopsis
The book traces the legacy of racism across three continents, from its origins to the present day, bringing a sophisticated neo-Marxist analysis to bear on a muti-faceted and endemic topic. Mike Cole takes us through the racial histories of the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. In the UK, he focuses on the effects of colonialism, anti-Gipsy, Roma and Traveller and xeno-racism. Turning to the United States, he charts the legacies of indigenous genocide and slavery, as well as exploring anti-Latina/o racism. Finally, in Australia, he interrogates the idea of 'Terra Nullius' and its ongoing impact on the indigenous peoples, as well as racism experienced by South Sea Islanders and Asians. International forms are also covered, including Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Irish racism.
Synopsis
This book traces the legacy of racism across three continents and countless years, from its origins to the present. Mike Cole presents in-depth studies of racism in three countries: the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, showing how each nation has experienced racism in different ways and through different periods. In the United States, he maps the continuing dual legacies of slavery and genocide, and he also details racism against Latinos and Asians. In the UK, he highlights the effects of colonialism and also looks at racism against Gypsies, Roma, Travellers, and Eastern Europeans. Finally, in Australia, he explores the idea of “Terra Nullius” and the devastating effect of the state interpretation of land law on its indigenous peoples.
These detailed analyses result in a powerful portrait of global racism that shows it to be both endemic and multifaceted. Racism: A Critical Analysis marks a crucial step in both understanding racism and developing strategies to combat it.
About the Author
Mike Cole is professor of education at the University of East London and emeritus research professor in education and equality at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln.