Disintegration

The Splintering of Black America

By: Eugene Robinson

Narrated by: Alan Bomar Jones

The African American population in the United States has always been seen as a single entity: a "Black America" with unified interests and needs. In his groundbreaking book Disintegration, longtime Washington Post journalist Eugene Robinson argues that, through decades of desegregation, affirmative action, and immigration, the concept of Black America has shattered. Now, instead of one, there are four distinct groups: a Mainstream middle-class majority with a solid stake in society; a large Abandoned minority with less hope than ever of escaping poverty; a small Transcendent elite, whose enormous wealth and power make even whites genuflect; and newly Emergent groups of mixed-race individuals and recent black immigrants who question what black even means.

Using historical research, reporting, census data, and polling, Robinson shows how these groups have become so distinct that they view each other with mistrust and apprehension. And yet all are reluctant to acknowledge division.

Disintegration shines light on crucial debates about affirmative action, the importance of race versus social class, and the ultimate questions of whether and in what form racism and the black community endure.

©2010 Eugene Robinson (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[A] clear-eyed and compassionate study." ( Publishers Weekly)

A must read for all American DOS

This books offers an excellent explanation of who we are in America and how we have split into four sectors fighting for limited resourse three sectors may not be entitled to

Thought Provoking!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It dawned on me that once we learn something, those thoughts and beliefs stay with us and we behave in life based on what we believe at that time. However, our world is constantly changing and what we thought to be true has changed without our consious awareness. This book fundamentally changed how I view "Black America". Great read and the most valued benefit to me is that I now understand my 20-30 year old children better:)

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

How our overall society views (Black America) verses how we see ourselves.

Which character – as performed by Alan Bomar Jones – was your favorite?

No one character stuck out for me. The content was so compelling that it captured all of my attention.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it was so thought provoking that I preferred to digest it a piece at a time.

Any additional comments?

Nice job, good research.

Great historical account

Great historical account of the divergence of black communities. Will definitely keep you attention. Very Detailed.

captivating and an honest look at race

totally appreciate this book...it was mind opening and a quick read. I'd suggest it to anyone looking for perspective as Mr Robinson takes an authentic look at all sides. many will be able to relate.

Great look into an important part of America!

America as a whole should have a conversation about these topics with the purpose of creating a way ahead to solve the issues identified in this book.