Official Review: Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid

Post by **Rosemary Wright** » 14 Mar 2019, 14:28

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid" by Dr. Eugene DeFriest Betit.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid, by Dr. Eugene DeFriest Betit, contains the history of racism in the United States. It tells about the racial prejudice against African Americans since 1619. It shows the protracted war fought to eliminate the scourge of chattel slavery from America. In addition, it unveils how the racism prevalent in the society prevailed in the U.S. Army, and how, through bravery and discipline, Black Americans made significant contributions to the liberation of their race. It describes the difficulties they have experienced while trying to survive in the white society.

Discussing sensitive and controversial topics, this book is intriguing and enlightening. The subjects it deals with are difficult, but Eugene succeeded in presenting the historical facts in a coherent and an engaging manner. Full of gripping stories, this nonfictional read gives much insight into slavery in America. Furthermore, it consists of black and white photos, maps, and figures, which will enable readers to relate to the stories easily.

Comprising twelve stand-alone chapters, the book discuses the effects of white supremacy, service of the United States Colored Troops in the Civil War, evolution of emancipation, Reconstruction era, Freemen's Bureau, Lost Cause, Jim Crow laws, Great Migration, civil rights movement and so on. It contains some descriptions of vicious acts of violence. Focusing on the trials and tribulations experienced by Black Americans, it shows how random violence was being used against them. So, if you are fainthearted or don't like reading books about racism and slavery, you can pass this one.

Telling about the bitter war caused by slavery in 1861, the narrative consists of thought-provoking quotes by prominent persons. My favorite is the one by Marquise de Lafayette, which states that "I would never have drawn my sword in the cause of America if I could have conceived thereby that I was founding a land of slavery." The book comprises 502 pages, and at the end of each chapter, there is an endnote. Also, at the end of the narration, the author included a bibliography for those interested in pursuing the topics in depth and an index for easy reading.

In conclusion, I rate Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid 4 out of 4 stars. I couldn't rate it lower because it's engaging and informative. It was exceptionally well edited; I didn't find any grammar or typographical errors. I recommend it to anyone who is courageous enough to face facts and learn more about the history of racism and slavery in the United States.

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Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid
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IamShing · Post by **IamShing** » 23 Mar 2019, 08:33

As far as I can tell, the author is a genius in his field of work as you have mentioned that he was able to provide evidences & facts about history.

It seems that the book is a great pick for a weekend read since I am not reading any new material now.

I appreciate your honesty in the review, you gave me a good hint kf what to read today.

Alicia09 · Post by **Alicia09** » 23 Mar 2019, 10:27

I would love to get a copy of this book to read to some of my students. Just out of curiosity, has the author also written about racism against Hispanic/Latino people in the United States?

Crazyreader01 · Post by **Crazyreader01** » 23 Mar 2019, 11:10

Sounds like the history book we all wish we had in school. Factual, but presented in a comprehensive and intriguing way. I also like that there are photographs, maps, etc included in the book. Thanks for the insightful review!

Post by **Rosemary Wright** » 24 Mar 2019, 10:18

Alicia09 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2019, 10:27 I would love to get a copy of this book to read to some of my students. Just out of curiosity, has the author also written about racism against Hispanic/Latino people in the United States?
[/quote

Hello, Alicia09, thanks for commenting. Did you mean in this book? If yes, while narrating about racism, the author included some situations involving Latinos/Hispanics, but his focus was on Black Americans.

omppuli · Post by **omppuli** » 24 Mar 2019, 13:24

Thank you for the review, it sounds like the kind of book I just have to read. Excellent review as well! The topic is extremely hard to write well about, but since you have rated the book 4 out of 4, I don't think it'll be a disappointment.

Nyambura Githui · Post by **Nyambura Githui** » 24 Mar 2019, 14:14

Crazyreader01 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2019, 11:10 Sounds like the history book we all wish we had in school. Factual, but presented in a comprehensive and intriguing way. I also like that there are photographs, maps, etc included in the book. Thanks for the insightful review!

I totally agree. I will look for a copy of the book.

chiefsimplex · Post by **chiefsimplex** » 25 Mar 2019, 07:50

The struggles of the black American will surely make an engaging read ,most importantly because the story never gets old and in several respects history unfortunately get repeated.The story is so relatable.Thanks for sharing.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 25 Mar 2019, 08:20

I know there are those that would like to forget this period in our history, but it shouldn't be forgotten. It was abominable, and I'm glad the author wrote this history. It sounds engaging and entertaining, yet informative. Thanks!

Amanda Deck · Post by **Amanda Deck** » 25 Mar 2019, 08:34

Slavery existed everywhere in the world. Why we should be ashamed of it being in America makes no sense to me. We can be PROUD that we fought to put an end to it in our country! It was a grand experiment of establishing a society that did NOT include slavery like existed throughout human history. Without it, our country grew to be an economic world power, proving it can work.

IamShing · Post by **IamShing** » 25 Mar 2019, 09:12

I hope that harrassment, seige underpower by big names, and slavery will end at once. I love the book. Thank you for the review.

Alicia09 · Post by **Alicia09** » 27 Mar 2019, 19:21

Rosemary Wright wrote: ↑24 Mar 2019, 10:18
Alicia09 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2019, 10:27 I would love to get a copy of this book to read to some of my students. Just out of curiosity, has the author also written about racism against Hispanic/Latino people in the United States?
[/quote

Hello, Alicia09, thanks for commenting. Did you mean in this book? If yes, while narrating about racism, the author included some situations involving Latinos/Hispanics, but his focus was on Black Americans.
Thanks!