Counterrevolution: The Crusade to Roll Back the Gains of the Civil Rights Movement

W.E.B. Du Bois' words reflect the civil rights revolution's gains, which have been steadily and systematically whittled away. This book analyzes the backlash, tracing the reverse flow of history that has led to the current national reckoning on race. Steinberg explores the victim-blaming and colorblind discourses that emerged in the post-segregation era and undermines progress toward racial equality, leading to the gutting of affirmative action.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a period known as Black Reconstruction, W.E.B. Du Bois penned a poignant observation that continues to resonate throughout history. He stated that the formerly enslaved individual had attained freedom but faced a temporary moment of illumination before succumbing once more to the clutches of slavery. These words serve as a haunting reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights, particularly in the context of the civil rights revolution of the 1960s. Despite the passage of landmark civil rights laws, the gains made during this era have gradually eroded over time. As history has demonstrated, revolutions often give rise to their antithetical counterparts, known as counterrevolution.

In his book, "Counterrevolution: How We Got to the Racial Reckoning of the 21st Century," author Eric Steinberg delves into this counterrevolutionary backlash. He traces the backward flow of history that has brought us to the current national reckoning on race. Steinberg offers a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon, exploring the emergence of victim-blaming and colorblind discourses in the post-segregation era. These discourses served to undermine progress toward racial equality and ultimately led to the dismantling of affirmative action policies.

Through his insightful and thought-provoking work, Steinberg places counterrevolution within historical and theoretical contexts. He examines the ways in which these discourses have perpetuated racial inequality and hindered the pursuit of justice. He also highlights the role of individuals and institutions in perpetuating these harmful ideologies.

"Counterrevolution" reflects Steinberg's extensive career as a critical race scholar, culminating in his assessment of our current moment and the potential for political transformation. He offers a sobering reminder of the challenges we face as a society, but also provides hope for a brighter future. By examining the historical roots of our racial reckoning, Steinberg provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of race and society. It challenges us to confront our past and present biases and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future. As Steinberg concludes, "The road to racial reckoning is long and winding, but it is a road we must travel if we are to achieve the kind of society we all deserve."

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503630031