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Books by J.
Angelo Corlett
Analyzing
Social Knowledge (1996) /
Responsibility and Punishment
(2001, 2004) /
Race, Racism & Reparations (2003)
Terrorism:
A Philosophical Analysis (2003) /
Interpreting Plato's Dialogues
(2007)
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Race, Racism & Reparations
By J. Angelo Corlett
Reviews
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/a?" 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
--Publisher
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
W. 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, Chapter Hill, author of Blacks
and Social Justice
In
this provocative book, J. Angelo Corlett brings the debate about
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 Cornell University Press / Sage House /
512 East State Street / Ithaca, New York 14850 |
