The 'R' Word

Kurt Barling

ISBN 10: 1849549427 / ISBN 13: 9781849549424

Published by Biteback Publishing, 2015

About this Item

Race and racism remain an inescapable part of the lives of black people. Daily slights, often rooted in fears and misperceptions of the 'other', still damage lives. But does race matter as much as it used to? Many argue that the post-racial society is upon us and racism is no longer a block on opportunity - Kurt Barling doubts whether things are really that simple.Ever since, at the age of four, he wished for 'blue eyes and blond hair', skin colour has featured prominently as he, like so many others, navigated through a childhood and adolescence in which 'blackness' de-fined and dominated so much of social discourse. But despite the progress that has been made, he argues, the 'R' word is stubbornly resilient.In this powerful polemic, Barling tackles the paradoxes at the heart of anti-racism and asks whether, by adopting the language of the oppressor to liberate the oppressed, we are in fact paralysing ourselves within the false mythologies inherited from raciology, race and racism. Can society escape this socalled 'race-thinking' and re-imagine a Britain that is no longer 'Black' and 'White'? Is it yet possible to step out of our skins and leave the colour behind?Provocations is a groundbreaking new series of short polemics composed by some of the most intriguing voices in contemporary culture. Never less than sharp, intelligent and controversial Provocations is a major new contribution to some of the most vital discussions in society today.

Seller Inventory # 0053878

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The 'R' Word
• Publisher: Biteback Publishing
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849549427
• ISBN 13: 9781849549424
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The 'R' Word explores a changing country in a changing world, and our relationship with notions of race and racism, examining a paradox at the heart of anti-racism. By adopting the language of the oppressor to liberate the oppressed, are we paralyzing ourselves with the language inherited from raciology, race, and racism? Is it yet possible to step out of our skins and leave the color behind?

Kurt Barling is professor of journalism at Middlesex University in London. He was a leading broadcaster for the BBC for twenty-five years, has made dozens of prime-time documentaries and won numerous industry awards for his journalism, filmmaking, and writing.

About the Author

Kurt Barling: Kurt Barling is Professor of Journalism at Middlesex University in London. He was a leading broadcaster for the BBC for twenty-five years. He has made dozens of prime-time documentaries and won numerous industry awards for his journalism, film-making and writing.