Review of White Allies: Bending The Scales of Justice
- Pablo Josue Mendia
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Review of White Allies: Bending The Scales of Justice
White Allies: Bending the Scales of Justice by Beatrice Stewart is a book that emphasizes introspection and active (not silent) participation in combating racism. The book discusses nineteen white allies from 1562 to the present: (1) John Newton, (2) Benjamin Franklin, (3) Abraham Lincoln, (4) John Brown, (5) Saint Katharine, (6) Mary White Ovington, (7-8) Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, (9) John F. Kennedy, (10) Lyndon B. Johnson, (11) C.P. Ellis, (12) Morris Dees, (13) Ralph Emerson McGill, (14) Sarah Patton Boyle, (15-16) Carl and Anne Braden, (17) Nancy Cunard, (18) Charlotte Osgood Mason, and (19) Arden Eversmeyer (note: the book says eighteen allies, but when I counted them it was nineteen).
Stewart begins with a personal account of her spiritual transformation, which led her to recognize and confront systemic racism. Her transformation parallels the experiences of many white allies, such as Lincoln and Ovington. Each ally's story is unique, and Stewart shows how white men and women challenged racial injustices, often at risk for their lives.
In addition, Stewart shows how white allies recognized the inherent wrongs of racism and took tangible steps to address them. In this aspect, I believe that Sarah Patton Boyle’s story shines because (despite the generational indoctrination of racist views and prejudices) she found a way to learn about racism and become an ally. In addition, the book includes a white ally who was formerly a Ku Klux Klan leader. This radical change can give readers hope that everyone in this world has the potential to transform their views and become allies.
Moreover, Stewart shows us how political advocacy and educational initiatives show the impact of white allyship on the fight for civil rights. In addition, Stewart also gives us reflective passages, such as the debate whether the Wanderer or the Clotilda was the last black cargo ship.
Stewart also shows us the ongoing challenges of racism in modern society, emphasizing the disproportionate incarceration rates of Black Americans and the historical atrocities committed against them after they became freed Americans.
I like that Stewart included white allies who exchanged correspondence with Martin Luther King Jr. I also liked that she included Eversmeyer, whom she met and interviewed. In addition, I liked that the book contained some historical figures (like Saint Katharine and Ovington), which I discovered as I read the book. I deducted a star, however, because the book contained at least ten grammatical errors, including proper nouns in lowercase. In addition, I disliked that some figures were not in chronological order. However, this did not justify deducting a second star. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.
I recommend it to readers interested in social justice and racial equality and those seeking to broaden their understanding of allyship and its role in promoting social change.
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White Allies: Bending The Scales of Justice
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The reviewer finds the inclusion of figures like Sarah Patton Boyle, who transformed their views despite generational indoctrination, inspiring. They also appreciate how the book sheds light on ongoing challenges faced by Black Americans, such as disproportionate incarceration rates.
However, the reviewer deducts a star due to grammatical errors and the lack of chronological order for some figures. Overall, they rate the book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers interested in social justice and racial equality.
In summary, "White Allies: Bending the Scales of Justice" appears to be a compelling read for those seeking a deeper understanding of allyship and its role in promoting social justice. Compelling characters, felt fully developed and multidimensional.
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