Derrick Bell takes bold steps in terms of examining and dissecting, a crucial truth about American society: the oppression of people of color has been, and remains, integral to the progression of this society as we know it. Bell asks some intriguing questions with this book, "How deep are the ties that bind us as a nation?" & "How close to the surface are our grievances and distrusts?"
The problem with Bell's thesis is that it is limited by its complete one-sidedness. To Bell an Irish-American who seeks to live in a predominantly Irish neighborhood, or a Chinese-American who decides to reside in China Town, New York City are suspected racists, while an African-American who decides to reside in Harlem is not. Contrary to Bell's assertions, the fact that most people identify with one ethnic group or another is merely an observation, not an indictment. Accusing people of being racist on the premise of them being surrounding themselves with other likeminded individuals, who also share similar backgrounds, should not be an indictment either. What Derrick Bell is most guilty of special pleading, which as a result his writing takes on a harsh and bitter tone that often makes him appear as guilty…show more content… In fact, as Baldwin phrases it, "This innocent country set you down in a ghetto in which, in fact, it intended that you should perish." Baldwin continues to describe how by being placed in a ghetto, his nephew and all African Americans have had their ambitions limited, have "been told [they were] worthless human being[s], and been told they are "not expected to aspire to excellence" but instead must "make peace with
