Race, Racism, and Reparations - Hardcover

Corlett, J. Angelo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801441609 ISBN 13: 9780801441608

Publisher: Cornell University Press, 2003

Synopsis

If affirmative action and other ethnicity-based social programs are justified, then J. Angelo Corlett believes it is important to come to an adequate understanding of the nature of ethnicity in general and ethnic group membership in particular. In Race, Racism, and Reparations, Corlett reconceptualizes traditional ideas of race in terms of ethnicity. As he makes clear, the answers to the questions "What is a Native American?" or "What is a Latino?" have important implications for public policy, especially for those programs designed to address historic injustices and economic and social imbalances among different groups in our society.

Having supplanted "race" with a well-defined concept of ethnicity, the author then analyzes the nature and function of racism. Corlett argues for a notion of racism that must encompass not only racist beliefs but also racist actions, omissions, and attempted actions. His aim is to craft a definition of racism that will prove useful in legal and public policy contexts.

Corlett places special emphasis on the broad questions of whether reparations for ethnic groups are desirable and what forms those reparations should take: land, money, social programs? He addresses the need for differential affirmative action programs and reparations policies―the experiences (and oppressors) of different ethnic groups vary greatly. Arguments for reparations to Native and African Americans are considered in light of a variety of objections that are or might be raised against them. Corlett articulates and critically analyzes a number of possible proposals for reparations.

About this title

About the Author

J. Angelo Corlett is Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at San Diego State University. He is the author of Analyzing Social Knowledge; Responsibility and Punishment; and Terrorism: A Philosophical Analysis.

From the Inside Flap

"Until now, most philosophy texts on race have focused narrowly and monochromatically on the black experience. This challenging new book broadens the traditional spectrum to include the neglected browns and reds, Latino and Native American colors, of the American racial palette. The result is a much richer picture of the moral complexities of the ethnic and racial landscape, from the subtleties of how best to analyze Latino identity to the highly contentious issue of reparations to Native Americans." Charles Mills, University of Illinois, author of The Racial Contract

"J. Angelo Corlett's book presents a brilliant case for reparations for African Americans and Native Americans. It is thorough, astute and compelling." Bernard Boxill, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, author of Blacks and Social Justice

"In his provocative book, J. Angelo Corlett brings the debate over reparations for the victims of gross injustices to a new level. Using the skills that are characteristic of a good analytical philosopher, he provides reasons in support of reparations programs that should appeal to sensitive and thoughtful human beings. This book is the most lucid account of this important subject that I have encountered." Howard McGary, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, author of Race and Social Justice

Edition details

• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801441609
• ISBN 13: 9780801441608
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272