The Color Complex: The Politics of Skin Color among African Americans - Softcover

Russell, Kathy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0385471610 ISBN 13: 9780385471619

Publisher: Anchor Books, 1993

Synopsis

A courageous, humane, and provocative examination of how differences in color and features among African Americans have played and continue to play a role in their professional lives, friendships, romances, and families.

About this title

Review

"Presents a powerful argument, backed by historical fact and anecdotal evidence, that color prejudice remains a devastating divide within Black America."
--The New York Times Book Review

"An exploration of tightly guarded beliefs regarding color and its relationship to status and self-worth . . . This thoughtful work pierces through denial and stereotypes and invites people to look into a mirror, see beyond color and probe the soul."
--Atlanta Constitution

"A serious, scholarly work that tackles an extremely sensitive topic with compassion and objectivity."
--Boston Phoenix

"A clever, disturbing, well-documented examination of the origins and effects . . . of black-on-black bias."
--Chicago Tribune

"The Color Complex is a much needed and insightful examination of color prejudices which persist among African Americans. It illustrates how deeply white racism continues to intrude on the black psyche and behavior."
--Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D., Harvard Medical School

"Should make it easier for artists, writers and thinkers who want to probe deeper, examine new truths, and most of all, heal the wounds."
--Newsday

"The authors--a black woman, a white woman, and a black man--ably survey the highly charged issue of discrimination among blacks on the basis of skin color."
--Publishers Weekly

"Long overdue . . . Far too much time has been spent worrying about what to call ourselves--Afro-America, black, African-Americans, people of color--and not enough time learning how to understand and reconcile the many parts and hues."
--LA Weekly

From the Author

Hidden Meanings in the Title
There are three ways to interpet the title of the book. Complex is short for complexion, the subject is politically and psychologically very complex, and of course, there is a complex of emotions involved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0385471610
• ISBN 13: 9780385471619
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200