The End of Racism

Principles for a Multiracial Society
by Dinesh D'Souza

Explaining How Brilliant People Embraced Stupid, Bad Ideas
December 26, 2001

Prior to September 11, a large number of brillliant people argued that there was no such thing as a superior or inferior culture. All cultures were, despite all evidence to the contrary, equal. Some people ate with forks; others with chopsticks. Some cultures had elections, provided universal public education, and used hi-tech computers. Others persecuted women, celebrated brutal dictators, and praised murder in the name of some religion. All were equal. There was no difference between the backward, primative Afghanistan and modern, democratic United States.

How did this nonsensical, ultra-romantic idea become so widespread - almost unquestioned - "truth" in academic circles? The End of Racism helps answer this puzzling question. First, anthropoligists expand the word "culture" to include all and any behavior. Cannabalism is one culture; shopping at the malls is another cultural activity. In the aftermath of WWII and the Nazi's glorification of Aryans as a superior people, the newly created UNESCO declares that all civilizations/cultures are equal. This diplomatic ideal becomes the foundation for multicultural education across the United States a few decades later.

This thick tome deserves to be read - or at least skimmed - by everyone interested in the terrible legacy of racism. Educators, administrators, and social activists will find D'Souza's discussion of Booker T. Washington and W.B.DuBois to be illuminating. Washington emphasized the need for individuals to become educated, skilled, and moral while W.B.DuBois emphasized the need to change laws, customs, and social structures. While they could have ideally complemented each other, these two men became fierce antagonists. D'Souza tracks the statements - and consequences -of each man's philosophy. Needless to say, W.B.DuBois the Pan Africanist Marxist - despite his brilliant achievements as a writer and activist - provided far more false answers than real responses to the acute suffering of his people.

There are dozens of fascinating snapshots of intellectual debates, over several centuries, in this comprehensive work. The endnotes are an education in themselves.

After celebrating differences between civilizations for three decades in academia, perhaps people are ready to hear some hard, cold, and uncomfortable truths.

We can only hope that the distinction between moral and immoral, rational and irrational, just and unjust, modern and primative, will again be considered relevant.

 

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