|
Ifill examines both young and old members of politics who have made breakthroughs in their own right, and leaves one thinking about how race will continue to play out as a factor in politics. Ifill's take on politics in the current age of Obama examines the past, the present, and hints at the future. The breakthrough, she argues, did not happen overnight but rather was the outcome of many long struggles fought by individuals in politics, from the civil rights movement up to recent years. Without pressing a singular opinion throughout the book, Ifill presents interviews and quotes from others that establish ground from which one can form their own opinions and ideas. The book is insightful and interesting, capturing a topic that would surely intrigue anyone living in the age of Obama.
1955). Ifill's book is almost entirely anecdotal. Today, for example, there are over forty black city mayors. The many stories in Ifill's book show that there's no such thing as a monolithic "black politics." Rather, there are multiple layers, nuances, challenges and opportunities. The professional and the personal collided with this book, which was released on Inauguration Day (January 20, 2009), when critics charged her with promoting and in turn benefiting from Obama's election. Obama is only the "leading edge" of radical changes that have redefined the role of blacks in American politics. Few public figures are better positioned to write a book on race and politics than Gwen Ifill (b. She then explores four themes-- the complex relationship of generation change, in which younger black politicians must relate to their older forbears who carried the torch during the days of the civil rights movement when many of them weren't even born; race and gender-- which group is more disadvantaged, and which identity helps or hurts more; legacy politics, in which a younger generation enjoys the advantages and negotiates the disadvantages of a parent politician (eg, Jesse Jackson, Jr).; and then the "politics of identity" that examines how the new generation walks the tightrope of being "too black" for whites and/or "too white" for blacks.
My only complaint about this book is that we learn almost nothing about Ifill's own personal experiences as a highly public black woman. She devotes one chapter each to four "case studies" of the new generation of black politicians-- Obama, Artur Davis, a congressman from Birmingham, Alabama; Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, New Jersey; and then Deval Patrick, mayor of Massachusetts. Rather, the book reads like a version of her television pieces, scrubbed clean of any private reflections of a deeply personal nature. But there are barriers and boundaries everywhere you turn in this house of mirrors. As the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and senior correspondent of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, for thirty years the affable and articulate journalist has reported on the sweeping changes in American politics that culminated in what she calls the "Obama effect." As an African-American woman she has also lived this story. For the up and coming generation of political super stars, some times race helped them, often it hurt them, but for all of them it always mattered.
In 2008, 43% of white Americans voted for Obama, an incredible figure when you consider that John Kerry received only 41% in 2004. Obama did his best to run something like a "post-racial" campaign, but Ifill shows that American society remains far from color blind. Not a single person that Ifill interviewed said that race did not matter. But since this is only Ifill's first book, I'm hoping for more good things from her.
I found the this book a great read. Her dicussion of President Obama's election and the old guard leaders' reaction to his running for the presidency was enlightening. It was also fantastic to read about the up and coming young black politicians that are the current and future leaders that will make a difference in government. Ifill has tremendous insight and I enjoyed reading her book.
If you ever wondered why some black politicians never seem to let go, this book is an excellent read. Ifill does a wonderful job of bringing the various "characters" to life and the book reads almost like a novel in the way it spins the tale of how various young politicians tiptoed through the political minefields of snatching power from the old heads (except for those that inherited offices). And, of course, their arguments were proven wrong. Well, this book has helped me understand his mindset. Obama but rather the struggle between the old guard and the new guard of black politics. It also help me see that my beloved city has absolutely no young (under 50) black political hotshots on the horizon. I live in a city (Memphis) with a 70 year old black mayor who has not shown interest in the job in at least eight years yet continues to run and win just because he knows he has a blind base that will continue to elect him and stroke his ego. This book adds proof to the fact that often times the oppressed easily become the oppressors and civil rights-era black politicians are/were no different.It amuses me now how the Republican party tried to make an issue of this book prior to the VP debate before it even came out.
The guy who is in line to become our next mayor is well past 60. Oh well.Ms. As the book is not really about Pres. Overall, a very good informative read.
He is just as white as black. It reveals a plethora of stories and an eclectic mix of political figures from past, present, as well as those the author prognosticates for leadership positions. While these traits can be instrumental; they are not the only criteria. A refreshing concept for the twenty-first century. My impression from reading the book is that we must stop characterizing him as the Black President. If Barack Obama had heeded these words, John McCain would be President. Frederick Douglas was correct when he said: "Power concedes nothing without a demand".There are several examples how the old guard jealously and defiantly tried to hang onto their power with the archaic mantra: Wait your turn.
There are those who think leadership comes only with age and experience. I respectfully disagree. I highly recommend this book. It reminds the reader why they will survive and prosper: They are motivated, and dedicated to principles and new ideas. not politics and guilt-ridden platitudes. Even though the author shares the spotlight with others; President Obama is still the pervasive presence in the room. The author approaches The Breakthrough from a non-partisan journalistic perspective: She reports, we determine. and perpetuate the very racism which detractors purport to eradicate.
There is an interesting dynamic between the old-guard leadership and those who have recently taken the reins of power. Once we relegate him to skin complexion. Initiative, will power, high self esteem, critical thinking, education, and common sense are just as important.The interesting assortment of leaders mentioned by the author, all have the above character traits. Reading about Cory Booker, Deval Patrick and others, was a revelation. we fall into the abyss of all small-minded people, demean the transcendent aspect of his presidency, separate him from millions of supporters not kissed by the sun. I have decided the book is marvelously written and a good barometer of the times we face and the challenges that lie ahead.Reviewed by Reggie Johnson, author, "How to Close More Customers"
|
