Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

Akala

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'This is the book I've been waiting for - for years. It's personal, historical, political, and it speaks to where we are now' Benjamin Zephaniah

'I recommend Natives to everyone' Candice Carty-Williams

From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers - race and class have shaped Akala's life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.

Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right, Nativesspeaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire.

Natives is the searing modern polemic and Sunday Times bestseller from the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning musician and political commentator, Akala.

'The kind of disruptive, aggressive intellect that a new generation is closely watching' Afua Hirsch, Observer

'Part biography, part polemic, this powerful, wide-ranging study picks apart the British myth of meritocracy' David Olusoga, Guardian

'Inspiring' Madani Younis, Guardian

'Lucid, wide-ranging' John Kerrigan, TLS

'A potent combination of autobiography and political history which holds up a mirror to contemporary Britain' Independent

'Trenchant and highly persuasive' Metro

'A history lesson of the kind you should get in school but don't' Stylist

What will you learn from this book

  1. Historical Context: The book provides a historical context for understanding race and class dynamics, particularly in relation to the legacy of imperialism and colonialism.

  2. Intersectionality: Akala explores the intersectionality of race and class, highlighting how these intersecting identities shape individuals' experiences and opportunities.

  3. Structural Inequality: The author discusses systemic and structural inequalities that perpetuate racial and class disparities, shedding light on issues such as institutional racism and economic inequality.

  4. Identity and Belonging: "Natives" delves into questions of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage, examining how these factors influence individuals' sense of self and place in society.

  5. Education and Empowerment: Akala emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge in empowering marginalized communities, advocating for critical thinking and awareness of social issues.

  6. Media Representation: The book addresses media representation and stereotypes, critiquing biased portrayals of race and class and their impact on public perception.

  7. Activism and Social Change: Akala discusses activism and social change movements, highlighting the role of grassroots organizing and collective action in challenging inequality and injustice.

  8. Global Perspectives: While focusing on the UK context, "Natives" also draws connections to global issues of race, class, and imperialism, offering a broader perspective on these interconnected challenges.

  9. Personal Narrative: Through his personal experiences and insights, Akala offers a compelling and relatable narrative that humanizes the broader social and political issues discussed in the book.

  10. Call to Action: The book concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to confront and address issues of race and class in their communities and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Language English
ISBN-10 1473661234
ISBN-13 9781473661233
No of pages 352
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Two Roads
Published Date 21 Mar 2019

About Author

Author : Akala

NA

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