Beyond O. J.: Race, Sex and Class Lessons for America FROM OUR EDITORS
The dreaded fear of the big black buck comes center stage when Hutchinson inserts a political history of the Jim Crow laws prohibiting race mixing. The sanctity of white femininity is underscored with examples of biased sentencing in rapes involving white and black women: A ten-year sentence for crimes against white women is the average, versus a two-year penalty for the rape of a black woman. The author spends a great deal of time countering the attacks on Simpson's reputation. Like many black analysts, he also weighs the conspiracy theories that are currently in vogue among African Americans: the use of AIDS as genocide, the use of crack to destabilize black life, and attacks on black celebrities meant to destroy successful role models.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Presents a framework for community economic development, showing community groups and leaders how to develop and promote ideas and actions for development, and how to adapt the framework for several different approaches. Offers strategies for training and organizing volunteers, understanding government regulations and environmental concerns, developing sites to attract visitors, funding projects, and building networks between associations, agencies, and individuals. Includes numerous checklists and tips. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)