The Empire Strikes Back (Book Note)

 

The primary objective of The Empire Strikes Back is to delve into the evolution of racism in Britain, illustrating its deep-seated connections to the country's imperialistic history. It demonstrates how racism undergoes transformations within the context of economic and political decline, becoming interwoven into the fabric of our present institutions and culture. The inaugural chapter not only establishes the framework but also asserts the authors' belief that this ambitious endeavor necessitates a materialistic perspective, one that distances itself from conventional academic sociology.

 

Furthermore, the initial chapter introduces a recurring theme: the contention that contemporary manifestations of racism largely stem from the resistance and struggles of black individuals against oppression. This theme is indeed deserving of attention, as there appears to be a dearth of serious and comprehensive discussions on this matter within available literature. The prevalence of racism in our society often obscures the fact that resistance has persistently existed, whether in colonial territories or within the factories and communities of Britain. Even when recognized, it is seldom thoroughly examined.

 

Among the standout sections, Paul Gilroy contributes two particularly noteworthy chapters. In the first, titled 'Police and Thieves,' Gilroy astutely explores not only how racist assumptions shape police perspectives on criminality but also how prominent left-wing figures like E. P. Thompson remain conspicuously silent on the civil rights of black individuals. Similarly, critical criminologist Jock Young fails to delve into the racial undertones of crimes labeled as 'mugging.' In the concluding chapter, Gilroy touches on various topics, including a facet of cultural resistance that warrants further scrutiny. He emphasizes that those who have experienced colonialism bring with them to Britain a unique perception of their struggle and their interactions with whites. This understanding, preserved in their neighborhoods and communal organizations in Britain, informs their responses here. It would be valuable to conduct a more comprehensive examination of these radical traditions.

 

Approximately a third of the volume is dedicated to two chapters by Errol Lawrence: one on the origins of racism and prevailing racist ideologies, and the other on sociology and the concept of black pathology. While the former offers limited novel insights into our comprehension of racism, the latter raises valid points about the often-overlooked cultural contributions of Afro-Caribbean and Asian communities, as well as their endeavors to resist white colonial dominance. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of this chapter critiques sociologists, alleging that those engaged in the study of ethnicity or race relations have failed to uncover anything beyond the most evident forms of common-sense racism. Additionally, it contends that they have constructed distorted and inadequate representations of black people and their cultures, which in turn influence public policies across all levels, exacerbating their racist dimensions. Regrettably, this section's tone and mode of argumentation make it challenging to take entirely seriously. The sweeping condemnation and selective quotations undermine the credibility of the critique. This is unfortunate, as a more meticulous and penetrating examination of recent studies would undeniably advance our comprehension of the subject matter.

 

 

The authors emphatically draw our attention, in various passages, to the glaring neglect or absurd caricatures of the role of black women in sociological discourse. There is certainly validity in this assertion, as the contributions of women in movements or instances of black resistance have often been overlooked. Pratibha Parmar, in her chapter on 'Gender, race, and class: Asian women in resistance,' takes commendable steps towards redressing this imbalance. She effectively dispels the notion of Asian women as passive and subjugated figures, a mischaracterization prevalent in both popular and academic representations. Parmar provides compelling arguments and substantial evidence in support of her perspective. Her piece is persuasive and thought-provoking.

 

In contrast, Hazel Carby's chapter titled 'White women listen! Black feminism and the boundaries of sisterhood' leaves me skeptical. It is difficult for me to believe that this essay will significantly encourage a predominantly white feminist movement to genuinely acknowledge the lives, narratives, and experiences of black women, as desirable as that may be.

 

"The Empire Strikes Back" engages with several crucial issues, offering timely critiques of established beliefs within various sociological branches. It also introduces genuinely original and insightful passages. However, to unearth these treasures, one must navigate through layers of complex language and concepts.