Race Manners

I was fortunate enough to hear an interview with the author in NPR, and was so impressed by the intelligence of his responses to the questions asked that I went out on my lunch break and bought a copy of the book. I'm glad I did. Bruce Jacobs, in his book, deals with several different issues around the subject of race in America, treating boths sides objectively and providing sensible answers to each. His writings on affirmative action and interracial dating are particularly filled with insight, and avoids the stridency so common on both sides of those particular discussions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about the issue of race in America.

Race Manners matters! Bruce A. Jacob's masterful book creates a safe space for readers of all colors to explore their attitudes, assumptions, fears and hopes about this complex topic. Like a daring tightrope walker, Mr. Jacobs sways at times to one side or the other, presenting with insight and compassion the views of whites and blacks on interracial dating, affirmative action, humor, ethnicity, etc. While no one can speak for "all whites" or "all blacks" Mr. Jacobs is an astute observer who collects examples of white and black behaviour and attitudes that ring true in the larger population.When so many voices are howling invective in the racial wilderness, it is soothing to have Mr. Jacobs bring the conversation into the parlor, inviting the reader to discuss this incendiary topic over a nice cup of tea. Do not think for a moment that civility is an excuse for skirting hot issues. It is not. By addressing his readers as adults capable of civil conversation, Mr. Jacobs points to one of our greatest opportunities for healing the cultural warfare.By putting race conversation squarely where it belongs, in our everyday and interractions with the people around us, Mr. Jacobs reminds us that the power to undo the evils of racism come from everyday acts as much as from political policy. Like ripples in a pool, the way we treat each other in elevators and busses, in conversation at home and at work, affect the racial climate in which we all swim.

This book is for everybody! Especially those who think about race relations, social justice issues, have participated in a Study Circle (Conversations on Race) or are considering participating.

The author does an excellent job of walking through the minefields of race. I think his writing makes all races uncomfortabe. The Venusian chapter and his explanation of "ethnic" gave me pause. I didn't always agree with what was said, but it was said with such boldness and conviction until I had to re-read many of the lines. This book should be on the syllabus of all first-year college students. Reading this book wil make anyone realize that we all have racist tendencies. A wonderful read!

This book, as the author states, is really the first of its kind. Mr Jacobs, an African-American, eloquently portrays the feelings of black and white Americans in normal, everyday situations. What makes this book so unique is the unbiased and unbitter perspective he shares from both sides, and how we as Americans can better understand the minefield of race relations. If you are white, read this book. Ditto if you are black. You'll learn a lot, as this white man did.Sad to say, but I found this book ONLY in the African-American section of a bookstore. This is an ironic twist for a book designed for all people, regardless of color.