This stunning expose does not hesitate to show the hypocrisy of the Founding Fathers in penning the Constitution and yet condoning—and enjoying—slavery. Most controversial is his depiction of Abraham Lincoln. Showing that history is merely the accepted version of the past we have all agreed upon, Napolitano recounts the less-known quotes and events of Lincoln’s presidency, which shows Lincoln’s relative indifference to slavery.
Continuing on in history, Napolitano examines the post Civil War era and the emergence of Jim Crow laws, and concludes that with the election of an African-American as President, maybe America is beginning to forget to hate.
Overall, this book is stunning and eye-opening, especially to someone who has never experienced the pain of racism. It is well-written and well-referenced. My only criticism is that the book is one-sided. Especially as regarding the present, Napolitano fails to mention many of the great advances—even advances that promote “reverse racism” against whites.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting to get an accurate view of the history of racism in America.
