Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Nice book - well written - exciting..., 16 Apr 2007
This is a great book, and is a great story.
It is strong most of the way through, until he gets a bit too religious and starts preaching his religious philiosphy.
It is extremely clear and easy to read, and the story keeps moving at a swift pace.
Give the intro a miss though, and dive straight into Olaudah's book.

Equiano's Interesting Narrative, 25 Dec 2006
A seminal work, and a highly accessible one. The narrative covers the author's life from his kidnapping in west Africa at an early age, through is experiences as a slave-commodity, to his settlement in England as a free human being.
Although he could be accused of egotism in calling the account of his life 'The Interesting Narrative' this description is well merited. More than this though, this is a carefully paced political pamphlet in the struggle against the slave trade and against slavery itself. Speaking in the most engaging of voices (Equiano is, one feels, a man whose company in coffee house or tavern would be sought after; he comes across as a likeable man) we are taken through the arguments around slavery, but always in a very human dimension i.e. we become aware of the personal cost of slavery and not only of it as a political issue. He takes into account the then current view that a benevolent owner is possible, then firmly knocks that half-way view on the head by exposing slavery in any form as against all that is civilised.
The Narrative can be read on a number of levels: anti-slavery tract; adventure story; Black history; naval history; social history. Incidentally, as a white Englishman I should not like to see this Narrative parcelled up and pigeon-holed as exclusively Black History; this is part of my history as an Englishman and should be on the school national curriculum. The anti-slavery movement was the first recognisably modern political pressure grouping, in that it comprised politicians (Wilberforce etc), supporters (Wedgwood etc), and those who were most directly affected by it (slaves and former slaves). Their alliance held strongly enough and long enough for anti-slavery laws to be passed, albeit over an agonisingly long period. This text is central to that struggle, not least by reminding us that the well-fed Wilberforce was only the Establishment tip of the iceberg, and that alongside such Establishment figures was a vocal, intelligent body of former slaves who had risen against the most formidable odds to positions of influence.

My only reservation about this Penguin edition relates to the notes at the end. For a number of years now, Penguin have been publishing editions (and indeed, translations) for English speakers on the premise that addressing the lowest common denominator (American readers) will satisfy everyone. This results in some deeply patronising explanations of the blindingly obvious for example does an adult really need to be told:
Plantain: a type of banana
Stout: strong or powerful
Teneriffe: largest of the Canary Islands
...and so on.
As ever with notes prepared by an apparently American academic, I would urge readers to ignore the notes and just read the Narrative itself.

A look through a real slaves eyes, 01 Nov 2006
Whilst this was a fascinating book, and the authors account vivid, I feel that it lacked its focus towards the end due to his conversion to Christianity. It seemed to make the author forget his horrors and at some parts he was almost thankful to have been a slave because he found God!! I feel this was probably a tactical approach to make readers at the time favour his story and help to abolish slavery, but i felt that it distracted from what it was really about which was the horrors of slavery. I would have loved to seen what became of him, as I felt the book ended rather abruptly. In particular his marriage to a white lady at that period in time. However, it was a good read and a must for all those interested in that period in history. Another book to read would be about Mary Prince, which I feel is more frank.

Well-written account of the life of an ex-slave, 02 May 2002
Olaudah Equiano provides an excellent account not just of his life as a slave, but also how an ex-slave was treated in the eighteenth century. He led an extremely eventful life, but had a luckier start than most because he was bought by owners who actually treated their slaves as humans rather than animals. It is made plain in this an other first hand accounts (eg Mary Prince) that these were the exception rather than the rule.
There is always the impression that once a slave obtained his freedom his troubles were over, but Equiano shows us that that was not in fact the case. In many instances he had goods stolen from him by white men in the West Indies and had no recourse to the law in those islands.
He had an adventurous life as a sailor, travelling at one stage on a British Arctic expedition in the bomb-ketch Racehorse, not realising that an obscure midshipman in the companion ship Carcass was to go on to be known as Admiral Lord Nelson!
I was riveted through much of the narrative, but it became turgid at the end as Equiano discovered religion in a big way and the final chapters largely consist of biblical extracts, prayers, and poems about his religious feelings. In his description of his attitude to Christianity, he became insufferable, with an attitude of superiority to his less Christian brethren and an overwhelming concern for the fate of his immortal soul.
I would rate this book more highly if it were not for the final chapters which I consider tedious to all but the extremely religious. Nevertheless, the book is enjoyable and highly educational. I would recommend it to the private reader and as a text for a school history class.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Nice book - well written - exciting..., 16 Apr 2007
This is a great book, and is a great story.
It is strong most of the way through, until he gets a bit too religious and starts preaching his religious philiosphy.
It is extremely clear and easy to read, and the story keeps moving at a swift pace.
Give the intro a miss though, and dive straight into Olaudah's book.

Equiano's Interesting Narrative, 25 Dec 2006
A seminal work, and a highly accessible one. The narrative covers the author's life from his kidnapping in west Africa at an early age, through is experiences as a slave-commodity, to his settlement in England as a free human being.
Although he could be accused of egotism in calling the account of his life 'The Interesting Narrative' this description is well merited. More than this though, this is a carefully paced political pamphlet in the struggle against the slave trade and against slavery itself. Speaking in the most engaging of voices (Equiano is, one feels, a man whose company in coffee house or tavern would be sought after; he comes across as a likeable man) we are taken through the arguments around slavery, but always in a very human dimension i.e. we become aware of the personal cost of slavery and not only of it as a political issue. He takes into account the then current view that a benevolent owner is possible, then firmly knocks that half-way view on the head by exposing slavery in any form as against all that is civilised.
The Narrative can be read on a number of levels: anti-slavery tract; adventure story; Black history; naval history; social history. Incidentally, as a white Englishman I should not like to see this Narrative parcelled up and pigeon-holed as exclusively Black History; this is part of my history as an Englishman and should be on the school national curriculum. The anti-slavery movement was the first recognisably modern political pressure grouping, in that it comprised politicians (Wilberforce etc), supporters (Wedgwood etc), and those who were most directly affected by it (slaves and former slaves). Their alliance held strongly enough and long enough for anti-slavery laws to be passed, albeit over an agonisingly long period. This text is central to that struggle, not least by reminding us that the well-fed Wilberforce was only the Establishment tip of the iceberg, and that alongside such Establishment figures was a vocal, intelligent body of former slaves who had risen against the most formidable odds to positions of influence.

My only reservation about this Penguin edition relates to the notes at the end. For a number of years now, Penguin have been publishing editions (and indeed, translations) for English speakers on the premise that addressing the lowest common denominator (American readers) will satisfy everyone. This results in some deeply patronising explanations of the blindingly obvious for example does an adult really need to be told:
Plantain: a type of banana
Stout: strong or powerful
Teneriffe: largest of the Canary Islands
...and so on.
As ever with notes prepared by an apparently American academic, I would urge readers to ignore the notes and just read the Narrative itself.

A look through a real slaves eyes, 01 Nov 2006
Whilst this was a fascinating book, and the authors account vivid, I feel that it lacked its focus towards the end due to his conversion to Christianity. It seemed to make the author forget his horrors and at some parts he was almost thankful to have been a slave because he found God!! I feel this was probably a tactical approach to make readers at the time favour his story and help to abolish slavery, but i felt that it distracted from what it was really about which was the horrors of slavery. I would have loved to seen what became of him, as I felt the book ended rather abruptly. In particular his marriage to a white lady at that period in time. However, it was a good read and a must for all those interested in that period in history. Another book to read would be about Mary Prince, which I feel is more frank.

Well-written account of the life of an ex-slave, 02 May 2002
Olaudah Equiano provides an excellent account not just of his life as a slave, but also how an ex-slave was treated in the eighteenth century. He led an extremely eventful life, but had a luckier start than most because he was bought by owners who actually treated their slaves as humans rather than animals. It is made plain in this an other first hand accounts (eg Mary Prince) that these were the exception rather than the rule.
There is always the impression that once a slave obtained his freedom his troubles were over, but Equiano shows us that that was not in fact the case. In many instances he had goods stolen from him by white men in the West Indies and had no recourse to the law in those islands.
He had an adventurous life as a sailor, travelling at one stage on a British Arctic expedition in the bomb-ketch Racehorse, not realising that an obscure midshipman in the companion ship Carcass was to go on to be known as Admiral Lord Nelson!
I was riveted through much of the narrative, but it became turgid at the end as Equiano discovered religion in a big way and the final chapters largely consist of biblical extracts, prayers, and poems about his religious feelings. In his description of his attitude to Christianity, he became insufferable, with an attitude of superiority to his less Christian brethren and an overwhelming concern for the fate of his immortal soul.
I would rate this book more highly if it were not for the final chapters which I consider tedious to all but the extremely religious. Nevertheless, the book is enjoyable and highly educational. I would recommend it to the private reader and as a text for a school history class.

willie lynchs physchological abuse and creation of slaves!, 26 Sep 2008
I came across this books as one of the books to read to understand how blacks were psychologically forced to be slaves, about a year and half ago.
I then also saw a mention of willie lynch in the recent film the great debaters when the school teacher, played by denzel, was explaining about willie lynch and i had to get it.
After reading this book, which is only 30pages but the quickest 30pages in a book i have read, I have come to see how psychologically the slaves were broken down and the planning that the slave owners went through to keep the slaves slaves.

willie lynch even thanked god in his speech which is weird as what he was doing was the most anti-god action a man could do to another being, but it shows to go how lost and evil this people were.

The Spell, 26 Aug 2008
If you have ever heard of there being a spell cast on melenated people so as they could not rise then this is it. Willie Lynch Himself states this tactic is so brilliant as it will continue to fund and run itself on its own without any help. Which said to say is true and has BUT he also states it can only last 300 years when a renewal will be needed.
If you are melanated and studying this is an ESSENTIAL piece of the puzzle and will bring you insite on how to UNLOCK the spell for freedom.
Hotep


Good for basic Understanding, 31 Jul 2008
This book contains the full willie lynch letter and gives a good basic understanding, it doesnt disect the meaning behind the letter or how it's affect still exists today. Its think and you can read it in an hour or so. Its a good introduction to the wicked mind of willie lynch.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Nice book - well written - exciting..., 16 Apr 2007
This is a great book, and is a great story.
It is strong most of the way through, until he gets a bit too religious and starts preaching his religious philiosphy.
It is extremely clear and easy to read, and the story keeps moving at a swift pace.
Give the intro a miss though, and dive straight into Olaudah's book.

Equiano's Interesting Narrative, 25 Dec 2006
A seminal work, and a highly accessible one. The narrative covers the author's life from his kidnapping in west Africa at an early age, through is experiences as a slave-commodity, to his settlement in England as a free human being.
Although he could be accused of egotism in calling the account of his life 'The Interesting Narrative' this description is well merited. More than this though, this is a carefully paced political pamphlet in the struggle against the slave trade and against slavery itself. Speaking in the most engaging of voices (Equiano is, one feels, a man whose company in coffee house or tavern would be sought after; he comes across as a likeable man) we are taken through the arguments around slavery, but always in a very human dimension i.e. we become aware of the personal cost of slavery and not only of it as a political issue. He takes into account the then current view that a benevolent owner is possible, then firmly knocks that half-way view on the head by exposing slavery in any form as against all that is civilised.
The Narrative can be read on a number of levels: anti-slavery tract; adventure story; Black history; naval history; social history. Incidentally, as a white Englishman I should not like to see this Narrative parcelled up and pigeon-holed as exclusively Black History; this is part of my history as an Englishman and should be on the school national curriculum. The anti-slavery movement was the first recognisably modern political pressure grouping, in that it comprised politicians (Wilberforce etc), supporters (Wedgwood etc), and those who were most directly affected by it (slaves and former slaves). Their alliance held strongly enough and long enough for anti-slavery laws to be passed, albeit over an agonisingly long period. This text is central to that struggle, not least by reminding us that the well-fed Wilberforce was only the Establishment tip of the iceberg, and that alongside such Establishment figures was a vocal, intelligent body of former slaves who had risen against the most formidable odds to positions of influence.

My only reservation about this Penguin edition relates to the notes at the end. For a number of years now, Penguin have been publishing editions (and indeed, translations) for English speakers on the premise that addressing the lowest common denominator (American readers) will satisfy everyone. This results in some deeply patronising explanations of the blindingly obvious for example does an adult really need to be told:
Plantain: a type of banana
Stout: strong or powerful
Teneriffe: largest of the Canary Islands
...and so on.
As ever with notes prepared by an apparently American academic, I would urge readers to ignore the notes and just read the Narrative itself.

A look through a real slaves eyes, 01 Nov 2006
Whilst this was a fascinating book, and the authors account vivid, I feel that it lacked its focus towards the end due to his conversion to Christianity. It seemed to make the author forget his horrors and at some parts he was almost thankful to have been a slave because he found God!! I feel this was probably a tactical approach to make readers at the time favour his story and help to abolish slavery, but i felt that it distracted from what it was really about which was the horrors of slavery. I would have loved to seen what became of him, as I felt the book ended rather abruptly. In particular his marriage to a white lady at that period in time. However, it was a good read and a must for all those interested in that period in history. Another book to read would be about Mary Prince, which I feel is more frank.

Well-written account of the life of an ex-slave, 02 May 2002
Olaudah Equiano provides an excellent account not just of his life as a slave, but also how an ex-slave was treated in the eighteenth century. He led an extremely eventful life, but had a luckier start than most because he was bought by owners who actually treated their slaves as humans rather than animals. It is made plain in this an other first hand accounts (eg Mary Prince) that these were the exception rather than the rule.
There is always the impression that once a slave obtained his freedom his troubles were over, but Equiano shows us that that was not in fact the case. In many instances he had goods stolen from him by white men in the West Indies and had no recourse to the law in those islands.
He had an adventurous life as a sailor, travelling at one stage on a British Arctic expedition in the bomb-ketch Racehorse, not realising that an obscure midshipman in the companion ship Carcass was to go on to be known as Admiral Lord Nelson!
I was riveted through much of the narrative, but it became turgid at the end as Equiano discovered religion in a big way and the final chapters largely consist of biblical extracts, prayers, and poems about his religious feelings. In his description of his attitude to Christianity, he became insufferable, with an attitude of superiority to his less Christian brethren and an overwhelming concern for the fate of his immortal soul.
I would rate this book more highly if it were not for the final chapters which I consider tedious to all but the extremely religious. Nevertheless, the book is enjoyable and highly educational. I would recommend it to the private reader and as a text for a school history class.

willie lynchs physchological abuse and creation of slaves!, 26 Sep 2008
I came across this books as one of the books to read to understand how blacks were psychologically forced to be slaves, about a year and half ago.
I then also saw a mention of willie lynch in the recent film the great debaters when the school teacher, played by denzel, was explaining about willie lynch and i had to get it.
After reading this book, which is only 30pages but the quickest 30pages in a book i have read, I have come to see how psychologically the slaves were broken down and the planning that the slave owners went through to keep the slaves slaves.

willie lynch even thanked god in his speech which is weird as what he was doing was the most anti-god action a man could do to another being, but it shows to go how lost and evil this people were.

The Spell, 26 Aug 2008
If you have ever heard of there being a spell cast on melenated people so as they could not rise then this is it. Willie Lynch Himself states this tactic is so brilliant as it will continue to fund and run itself on its own without any help. Which said to say is true and has BUT he also states it can only last 300 years when a renewal will be needed.
If you are melanated and studying this is an ESSENTIAL piece of the puzzle and will bring you insite on how to UNLOCK the spell for freedom.
Hotep


Good for basic Understanding, 31 Jul 2008
This book contains the full willie lynch letter and gives a good basic understanding, it doesnt disect the meaning behind the letter or how it's affect still exists today. Its think and you can read it in an hour or so. Its a good introduction to the wicked mind of willie lynch.

Understanding concepts of equality, 10 Nov 2004
This book has more information than expected. Many issues considered to bring theory and practice together. Although it is suggested as useful to social workers, I find it invaluable to my nursing studies as a 3rd year student. I would recommend it to to support practice and invaluable while studying interprofessional and collaborative working. A must have without a doubt!.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Nice book - well written - exciting..., 16 Apr 2007
This is a great book, and is a great story.
It is strong most of the way through, until he gets a bit too religious and starts preaching his religious philiosphy.
It is extremely clear and easy to read, and the story keeps moving at a swift pace.
Give the intro a miss though, and dive straight into Olaudah's book.

Equiano's Interesting Narrative, 25 Dec 2006
A seminal work, and a highly accessible one. The narrative covers the author's life from his kidnapping in west Africa at an early age, through is experiences as a slave-commodity, to his settlement in England as a free human being.
Although he could be accused of egotism in calling the account of his life 'The Interesting Narrative' this description is well merited. More than this though, this is a carefully paced political pamphlet in the struggle against the slave trade and against slavery itself. Speaking in the most engaging of voices (Equiano is, one feels, a man whose company in coffee house or tavern would be sought after; he comes across as a likeable man) we are taken through the arguments around slavery, but always in a very human dimension i.e. we become aware of the personal cost of slavery and not only of it as a political issue. He takes into account the then current view that a benevolent owner is possible, then firmly knocks that half-way view on the head by exposing slavery in any form as against all that is civilised.
The Narrative can be read on a number of levels: anti-slavery tract; adventure story; Black history; naval history; social history. Incidentally, as a white Englishman I should not like to see this Narrative parcelled up and pigeon-holed as exclusively Black History; this is part of my history as an Englishman and should be on the school national curriculum. The anti-slavery movement was the first recognisably modern political pressure grouping, in that it comprised politicians (Wilberforce etc), supporters (Wedgwood etc), and those who were most directly affected by it (slaves and former slaves). Their alliance held strongly enough and long enough for anti-slavery laws to be passed, albeit over an agonisingly long period. This text is central to that struggle, not least by reminding us that the well-fed Wilberforce was only the Establishment tip of the iceberg, and that alongside such Establishment figures was a vocal, intelligent body of former slaves who had risen against the most formidable odds to positions of influence.

My only reservation about this Penguin edition relates to the notes at the end. For a number of years now, Penguin have been publishing editions (and indeed, translations) for English speakers on the premise that addressing the lowest common denominator (American readers) will satisfy everyone. This results in some deeply patronising explanations of the blindingly obvious for example does an adult really need to be told:
Plantain: a type of banana
Stout: strong or powerful
Teneriffe: largest of the Canary Islands
...and so on.
As ever with notes prepared by an apparently American academic, I would urge readers to ignore the notes and just read the Narrative itself.

A look through a real slaves eyes, 01 Nov 2006
Whilst this was a fascinating book, and the authors account vivid, I feel that it lacked its focus towards the end due to his conversion to Christianity. It seemed to make the author forget his horrors and at some parts he was almost thankful to have been a slave because he found God!! I feel this was probably a tactical approach to make readers at the time favour his story and help to abolish slavery, but i felt that it distracted from what it was really about which was the horrors of slavery. I would have loved to seen what became of him, as I felt the book ended rather abruptly. In particular his marriage to a white lady at that period in time. However, it was a good read and a must for all those interested in that period in history. Another book to read would be about Mary Prince, which I feel is more frank.

Well-written account of the life of an ex-slave, 02 May 2002
Olaudah Equiano provides an excellent account not just of his life as a slave, but also how an ex-slave was treated in the eighteenth century. He led an extremely eventful life, but had a luckier start than most because he was bought by owners who actually treated their slaves as humans rather than animals. It is made plain in this an other first hand accounts (eg Mary Prince) that these were the exception rather than the rule.
There is always the impression that once a slave obtained his freedom his troubles were over, but Equiano shows us that that was not in fact the case. In many instances he had goods stolen from him by white men in the West Indies and had no recourse to the law in those islands.
He had an adventurous life as a sailor, travelling at one stage on a British Arctic expedition in the bomb-ketch Racehorse, not realising that an obscure midshipman in the companion ship Carcass was to go on to be known as Admiral Lord Nelson!
I was riveted through much of the narrative, but it became turgid at the end as Equiano discovered religion in a big way and the final chapters largely consist of biblical extracts, prayers, and poems about his religious feelings. In his description of his attitude to Christianity, he became insufferable, with an attitude of superiority to his less Christian brethren and an overwhelming concern for the fate of his immortal soul.
I would rate this book more highly if it were not for the final chapters which I consider tedious to all but the extremely religious. Nevertheless, the book is enjoyable and highly educational. I would recommend it to the private reader and as a text for a school history class.

willie lynchs physchological abuse and creation of slaves!, 26 Sep 2008
I came across this books as one of the books to read to understand how blacks were psychologically forced to be slaves, about a year and half ago.
I then also saw a mention of willie lynch in the recent film the great debaters when the school teacher, played by denzel, was explaining about willie lynch and i had to get it.
After reading this book, which is only 30pages but the quickest 30pages in a book i have read, I have come to see how psychologically the slaves were broken down and the planning that the slave owners went through to keep the slaves slaves.

willie lynch even thanked god in his speech which is weird as what he was doing was the most anti-god action a man could do to another being, but it shows to go how lost and evil this people were.

The Spell, 26 Aug 2008
If you have ever heard of there being a spell cast on melenated people so as they could not rise then this is it. Willie Lynch Himself states this tactic is so brilliant as it will continue to fund and run itself on its own without any help. Which said to say is true and has BUT he also states it can only last 300 years when a renewal will be needed.
If you are melanated and studying this is an ESSENTIAL piece of the puzzle and will bring you insite on how to UNLOCK the spell for freedom.
Hotep


Good for basic Understanding, 31 Jul 2008
This book contains the full willie lynch letter and gives a good basic understanding, it doesnt disect the meaning behind the letter or how it's affect still exists today. Its think and you can read it in an hour or so. Its a good introduction to the wicked mind of willie lynch.

Understanding concepts of equality, 10 Nov 2004
This book has more information than expected. Many issues considered to bring theory and practice together. Although it is suggested as useful to social workers, I find it invaluable to my nursing studies as a 3rd year student. I would recommend it to to support practice and invaluable while studying interprofessional and collaborative working. A must have without a doubt!.

Excellent. Gets to grips with complex and changing ideas., 11 Apr 2008
Ali Rattansi's `Very Short Introduction to Racism' is an excellent overview and update on some of the latest social scientific understandings of racism, it's history and the evolution of racist ideas. Rattansi also tackles issues which many people will find difficult, such as why there isn't actually any such thing as race and, therefore, how can there be racism if there is no race? It's excellent, although I do have a few quibbles.

Rattansi starts with an understanding of what racism is rather than a precise definition of racism, which he regards as unhelpful in attempting to understand an ever evolving phenomenon. He also offers an overview of the history of racism, confirming that such notions are not present throughout most of human history and are the product of the modern era, beginning, according to Rattansi, with the age of discovery and the start of European colonialism in Africa and the New World.

Here's a quibble, Rattansi says; "The question of exactly how much slavery contributed to doctrines of race is a matter of dispute." True. But he could mention that the idea that it is not is very much a minority position. Rattansi does not deal, for example, with the change in slavery's `racial' practice in the period after Bacon's Rebellion.

The role of the Enlightenment is neatly dealt with by reference to Linnaeus' `scientific' categorisation of humanity and the further development of scientific racism in the nineteenth century.

The role of nationalism in the development of racist ideas is explored and the complexity and confusion of national and racial notions are shown in the coalescence of ideas of race, nation, people, citizen, culture and class. Rattansi shows the paradox of the British working class and the Irish being portrayed as `negroid' in the early part of the nineteenth century, only to be admitted to the ranks of the `white race' at the height of the imperial age and the scramble for Africa.

Rattansi then discusses the Holocaust and the consequent loss of credibility for scientific racism that occurred as a result. A second blow is delivered to scientific racism by science itself, by biology and genetics - the fact that, as individuals genetically vary more than the supposed racial groups into which they have been categorised - race does not, actually, exist.

We are thus left with the conundrum of racism without races. Rattansi tackles this well at the start of the book by pointing out that the Nazi definition of `Who is a Jew?' always contained a cultural as well as a supposed biological element. He goes on to demonstrate, through the speeches of people like Enoch Powell and Margaret Thatcher, how the process of racialisation works; an acknowledgement of a wide spectrum and confusion of views with a myriad of taken for granted assumptions regarding race, nation, ethnicity and `way of life'.

Understanding this process enables Rattansi to see Islamophobia as racism. He, rightly, dislikes the term `Islamophobia' - it is not, after all, a psychological condition - but does not offer the obvious alternative of `anti-Muslim racism'. Rattansi also misses a chance to demonstrate the continuity between `Islamophobia' and previous racist ideas: the Powell/Thatcher notion that New Commonwealth (ie black) immigrants are culturally inferior due to their `race', the notions of the Eurabia conspiracy theory and how that borrows from traditional anti-semitism. Rattansi does give an excellent example in the opposition to Turkish membership of the EU on the basis that Turks can never be European because they are Muslim but, again, misses the continuity here from Enlightenment ideas that `Europe ended at the mind of the Turk'.

Interesting discussions follow on the notion of intention in racist ideas, illustrated by well known recent quotes from Robert Kilroy-Silk and Ron Atkinson.

The notion of scapegoating as a Freudian explanation for racism is, rightly, dismissed. Although, here, I feel, Rattansi missed an opportunity to make a point about power and powerlessness in class society and how this feeds racist scapegoating.

The book finishes with interesting discussions on notions of institutional racism, affirmative action, the increasing success of fascist parties such as the BNP and how notions of a Clash of Civilisations also can feed racist ideas.

So, recommended reading. I'd follow this up with Arun Kundnani's excellent `The End of Tolerance'.

Not enough depth, 09 Feb 2008
As a first year student we were recommended this book to complete our first assignments. I felt it gave a basic overview of the whole concept and I was not left satisfied. For example the PCS model was explained, however I found I kept going back to the book to try and gain more knowledge on the whole concept of Anti-Discriminatory Practice-that, simply, wasnt there! I feel this book could have been better if it had explored the more in depth concepts behind Anti Discriminatory Practice, althogether it was too general.

This is only a place to start, 02 May 2007
If seriously considering anti-oppressive or discriminatory practice, perhaps it should have been called an introduction to anti-oppressive or discriminatory practices.

As a result I dont believe that criticisms of epistemological analysis and comparisons with A level sociology are fair, infact I think they indicate the sympathies of the previous reviewer and sociology has really moved on from the epistemological discussions and philosophical debates of Hobbes, Locke et al.

I would say that there are much more interesting and illustrative examples of discrimination, power and oppression in James C Scott's Domination and the Arts of Resistance, however Thompson's model of oppression occuring at the personal, cultural and structural levels should be a spur to further thinking and investigation.

I have only given it three stars since it can only really serve as an introduction to the topic, its written, in the style of the staple of social work practitioner texts, which is less than compelling, has little or no narrative style and reads a lot like DVD player instructions or the continually circulating body of knowledge in all the paper exercises social services training units have invented.

It doesnt tackle the issues of discrimination or oppression of professionals contra other professionals or agencies, which David Howe did in an earlier book which may be out of print now, it does make it appear like oppression is easily defeated and doesnt at all have the health warning that this sort of thing really ought to be accompanied with.

A level sociology revisited, 18 Sep 2003
An at times simplistic account of forms of discrimination which rarely attempts any real depth of analysis. Possibly this is all social work students want to get through their essays with high marks, but the narrative will fail to prepare them for the reality of extreme rationing and endless office based work after qualification. Thompson has certainly got lucky with this best seller that successfully simplifies and packages complex forms of power and domination and presents them as easily confronted and solved. No evidence of epistemological analysis but instead just a new form of A level sociology in drag. Still it sells like hot cakes and so the publishers should be happy, and the career must surely have taken off. Crude, academically lazy and completely out of touch with us the social work practitioners!

Seminal, 24 Mar 2003
An absolute must have for anyone wanting to work in the field of social care. Thompson's grasp of issues around the areas of discrimination is second to none and his ability to describe and analyse potential problems and common pitfalls is first class. Only criticism is that perhaps he is a bit of one trick pony, his PCS model appears all over the place, including in other texts. Nevertheless it makes sense and it works. If you are interested in structral oppression and how endemic it is even within the social care profession buy this book

Not entirely an anti- discriminatory view., 20 Jan 2003
As a social work student I thought that this book would look at examples that occurr everyday when trying to work in an anti-discriminatory way. Unfortunately I did not feel that the book gave any other view than to assume that the social worker will always be the one who discriminates and the examples used became one sided and repetitive. I actually challenge this view with the book - as anyone will know, discrimination cuts both ways. Although a solution may never be reached, what about when users discriminate against each other and towards you, what would be the best way to practice then? After several pages I actually felt that the book was more brain-washing rather than giving some though provoking healthy suggestions for practice.

Better Than First Thought, 10 Sep 2007
At first when I started to read Oroonoko, I was convinced I would not be able to get into the slow of the story. However almost as soon as I thought this, I found myself entralled by the story.
We follow the story of Oroonoko, an enslaved African who is madly in love with a young woman named Imoinda, for whom he would do anything. The story is filled with an enchanting storyline, a number of rich and wholesome characters, and some excellent descriptive writing throughout.

Though a fairly old book, written in the late 1600s, Oroonoko is definitly worth the read.

Pretty sound, 10 Dec 2003
its well written but does tend to be somewhat un exciting. but a good book with loads crammed in and easy to read.

Superb!!, 25 Apr 2003
Faircloughs book offers a suberb discourse on the struggle for equaltity that blacks underwent in 20th century America following the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The accounts of black leaders and organisations are very interesting and authoritative, and extremely useful to anyone interested in this particular historical topic. The only qualm I would have with this book is that the title says 1890-2000, but there is little information supplied on the situtaion of blacks in America after 1970.

Nice book - well written - exciting..., 16 Apr 2007
This is a great book, and is a great story.
It is strong most of the way through, until he gets a bit too religious and starts preaching his religious philiosphy.
It is extremely clear and easy to read, and the story keeps moving at a swift pace.
Give the intro a miss though, and dive straight into Olaudah's book.

Equiano's Interesting Narrative, 25 Dec 2006
A seminal work, and a highly accessible one. The narrative covers the author's life from his kidnapping in west Africa at an early age, through is experiences as a slave-commodity, to his settlement in England as a free human being.
Although he could be accused of egotism in calling the account of his life 'The Interesting Narrative' this description is well merited. More than this though, this is a carefully paced political pamphlet in the struggle against the slave trade and against slavery itself. Speaking in the most engaging of voices (Equiano is, one feels, a man whose company in coffee house or tavern would be sought after; he comes across as a likeable man) we are taken through the arguments around slavery, but always in a very human dimension i.e. we become aware of the personal cost of slavery and not only of it as a political issue. He takes into account the then current view that a benevolent owner is possible, then firmly knocks that half-way view on the head by exposing slavery in any form as against all that is civilised.
The Narrative can be read on a number of levels: anti-slavery tract; adventure story; Black history; naval history; social history. Incidentally, as a white Englishman I should not like to see this Narrative parcelled up and pigeon-holed as exclusively Black History; this is part of my history as an Englishman and should be on the school national curriculum. The anti-slavery movement was the first recognisably modern political pressure grouping, in that it comprised politicians (Wilberforce etc), supporters (Wedgwood etc), and those who were most directly affected by it (slaves and former slaves). Their alliance held strongly enough and long enough for anti-slavery laws to be passed, albeit over an agonisingly long period. This text is central to that struggle, not least by reminding us that the well-fed Wilberforce was only the Establishment tip of the iceberg, and that alongside such Establishment figures was a vocal, intelligent body of former slaves who had risen against the most formidable odds to positions of influence.

My only reservation about this Penguin edition relates to the notes at the end. For a number of years now, Penguin have been publishing editions (and indeed, translations) for English speakers on the premise that addressing the lowest common denominator (American readers) will satisfy everyone. This results in some deeply patronising explanations of the blindingly obvious for example does an adult really need to be told:
Plantain: a type of banana
Stout: strong or powerful
Teneriffe: largest of the Canary Islands
...and so on.
As ever with notes prepared by an apparently American academic, I would urge readers to ignore the notes and just read the Narrative itself.

A look through a real slaves eyes, 01 Nov 2006
Whilst this was a fascinating book, and the authors account vivid, I feel that it lacked its focus towards the end due to his conversion to Christianity. It seemed to make the author forget his horrors and at some parts he was almost thankful to have been a slave because he found God!! I feel this was probably a tactical approach to make readers at the time favour his story and help to abolish slavery, but i felt that it distracted from what it was really about which was the horrors of slavery. I would have loved to seen what became of him, as I felt the book ended rather abruptly. In particular his marriage to a white lady at that period in time. However, it was a good read and a must for all those interested in that period in history. Another book to read would be about Mary Prince, which I feel is more frank.

Well-written account of the life of an ex-slave, 02 May 2002
Olaudah Equiano provides an excellent account not just of his life as a slave, but also how an ex-slave was treated in the eighteenth century. He led an extremely eventful life, but had a luckier start than most because he was bought by owners who actually treated their slaves as humans rather than animals. It is made plain in this an other first hand accounts (eg Mary Prince) that these were the exception rather than the rule.
There is always the impression that once a slave obtained his freedom his troubles were over, but Equiano shows us that that was not in fact the case. In many instances he had goods stolen from him by white men in the West Indies and had no recourse to the law in those islands.
He had an adventurous life as a sailor, travelling at one stage on a British Arctic expedition in the bomb-ketch Racehorse, not realising that an obscure midshipman in the companion ship Carcass was to go on to be known as Admiral Lord Nelson!
I was riveted through much of the narrative, but it became turgid at the end as Equiano discovered religion in a big way and the final chapters largely consist of biblical extracts, prayers, and poems about his religious feelings. In his description of his attitude to Christianity, he became insufferable, with an attitude of superiority to his less Christian brethren and an overwhelming concern for the fate of his immortal soul.
I would rate this book more highly if it were not for the final chapters which I consider tedious to all but the extremely religious. Nevertheless, the book is enjoyable and highly educational. I would recommend it to the private reader and as a text for a school history class.

willie lynchs physchological abuse and creation of slaves!, 26 Sep 2008
I came across this books as one of the books to read to understand how blacks were psychologically forced to be slaves, about a year and half ago.
I then also saw a mention of willie lynch in the recent film the great debaters when the school teacher, played by denzel, was explaining about willie lynch and i had to get it.
After reading this book, which is only 30pages but the quickest 30pages in a book i have read, I have come to see how psychologically the slaves were broken down and the planning that the slave owners went through to keep the slaves slaves.

willie lynch even thanked god in his speech which is weird as what he was doing was the most anti-god action a man could do to another being, but it shows to go how lost and evil this people were.

The Spell, 26 Aug 2008
If you have ever heard of there being a spell cast on melenated people so as they could not rise then this is it. Willie Lynch Himself states this tactic is so brilliant as it will continue to fund and run itself on its own without any help. Which said to say is true and has BUT he also states it can only last 300 years when a renewal will be needed.
If you are melanated and studying this is an ESSENTIAL piece of the puzzle and will bring you insite on how to UNLOCK the spell for freedom.
Hotep


Good for basic Understanding, 31 Jul 2008
This book contains the full willie lynch letter and gives a good basic understanding, it doesnt disect the meaning behind the letter or how it's affect still exists today. Its think and you can read it in an hour or so. Its a good introduction to the wicked mind of willie lynch.

Understanding concepts of equality, 10 Nov 2004
This book has more information than expected. Many issues considered to bring theory and practice together. Although it is suggested as useful to social workers, I find it invaluable to my nursing studies as a 3rd year student. I would recommend it to to support practice and invaluable while studying interprofessional and collaborative working. A must have without a doubt!.

Excellent. Gets to grips with complex and changing ideas., 11 Apr 2008
Ali Rattansi's `Very Short Introduction to Racism' is an excellent overview and update on some of the latest social scientific understandings of racism, it's history and the evolution of racist ideas. Rattansi also tackles issues which many people will find difficult, such as why there isn't actually any such thing as race and, therefore, how can there be racism if there is no race? It's excellent, although I do have a few quibbles.

Rattansi starts with an understanding of what racism is rather than a precise definition of racism, which he regards as unhelpful in attempting to understand an ever evolving phenomenon. He also offers an overview of the history of racism, confirming that such notions are not present throughout most of human history and are the product of the modern era, beginning, according to Rattansi, with the age of discovery and the start of European colonialism in Africa and the New World.

Here's a quibble, Rattansi says; "The question of exactly how much slavery contributed to doctrines of race is a matter of dispute." True. But he could mention that the idea that it is not is very much a minority position. Rattansi does not deal, for example, with the change in slavery's `racial' practice in the period after Bacon's Rebellion.

The role of the Enlightenment is neatly dealt with by reference to Linnaeus' `scientific' categorisation of humanity and the further development of scientific racism in the nineteenth century.

The role of nationalism in the development of racist ideas is explored and the complexity and confusion of national and racial notions are shown in the coalescence of ideas of race, nation, people, citizen, culture and class. Rattansi shows the paradox of the British working class and the Irish being portrayed as `negroid' in the early part of the nineteenth century, only to be admitted to the ranks of the `white race' at the height of the imperial age and the scramble for Africa.

Rattansi then discusses the Holocaust and the consequent loss of credibility for scientific racism that occurred as a result. A second blow is delivered to scientific racism by science itself, by biology and genetics - the fact that, as individuals genetically vary more than the supposed racial groups into which they have been categorised - race does not, actually, exist.

We are thus left with the conundrum of racism without races. Rattansi tackles this well at the start of the book by pointing out that the Nazi definition of `Who is a Jew?' always contained a cultural as well as a supposed biological element. He goes on to demonstrate, through the speeches of people like Enoch Powell and Margaret Thatcher, how the process of racialisation works; an acknowledgement of a wide spectrum and confusion of views with a myriad of taken for granted assumptions regarding race, nation, ethnicity and `way of life'.

Understanding this process enables Rattansi to see Islamophobia as racism. He, rightly, dislikes the term `Islamophobia' - it is not, after all, a psychological condition - but does not offer the obvious alternative of `anti-Muslim racism'. Rattansi also misses a chance to demonstrate the continuity between `Islamophobia' and previous racist ideas: the Powell/Thatcher notion that New Commonwealth (ie black) immigrants are culturally inferior due to their `race', the notions of the Eurabia conspiracy theory and how that borrows from traditional anti-semitism. Rattansi does give an excellent example in the opposition to Turkish membership of the EU on the basis that Turks can never be European because they are Muslim but, again, misses the continuity here from Enlightenment ideas that `Europe ended at the mind of the Turk'.

Interesting discussions follow on the notion of intention in racist ideas, illustrated by well known recent quotes from Robert Kilroy-Silk and Ron Atkinson.

The notion of scapegoating as a Freudian explanation for racism is, rightly, dismissed. Although, here, I feel, Rattansi missed an opportunity to make a point about power and powerlessness in class society and how this feeds racist scapegoating.

The book finishes with interesting discussions on notions of institutional racism, affirmative action, the increasing success of fascist parties such as the BNP and how notions of a Clash of Civilisations also can feed racist ideas.

So, recommended reading. I'd follow this up with Arun Kundnani's excellent `The End of Tolerance'.



Inspirational reading from a man tested by life, 14 Aug 2001
This is a tremendous collection of Martin Luther King Jr's speeches - some you will remember in part, others you may not have heard