The Black Revolts: Racial Stratification in the U.S.a

Dr. Scott has taken a unique perspective on racism in the United States, considering it as an outgrowth of a set of legal-political institutions, and the "estates" following from these institutions. He suggests that economic determinism cannot account for the nature of racist institutions in America, nor can psychology explain the structures that are designed to insure that whites will defeat blacks in every possible area of competition. Following the history of the white and black estates, the author describes their origin and the tactics that blacks have used in attempting to overturn or modify a society that systematically oppresses them. Far from striking out blindly, blacks have developed a set of strategies, and have applied them consistently throughout their history. At the same time, the author finds, racist institutions have often been adapted into forms less vulnerable to a particular type of attack, while perpetuating the advantages of whites over blacks. "Perhaps we will... find out that what blacks ought to be about is studying the conditions and the timing appropriate for the use of various strategies instead of trying to settle on one strategy for all times." Or, Scott points out that it is inconceivable that there will be no further revolts, until the institutions of white society are subjected to a "revolutionary openism,." This book provides an original analysis and far-reaching over-view of the past, present, and future of black revolts. While the perspective is unquestionably that of a committed writer, the depth of the author's research and insight surpasses dogmatism, making this book of value to all who are concerned with this crucial American problem. 'The Black Revolts' may do much to clarify the dynamics of racism m the United States, and is a sig-nificant contribution to the ongoing debate over anti-racist strat-egies and their implications.