Campaigning for president in 1980; Ronald Reagan told stories of Cadillac-driving "welfare queens" and "strapping young bucks" buying T-bone steaks with food stamps. In trumpeting these tales of welfare run amok; Reagan never needed to mention race; because he was blowing a dog whistle: sending a message about racial minorities inaudible on one level; but clearly heard on another. In doing so; he tapped into a long political tradition that started with George Wallace and Richard Nixon; and is more relevant than ever in the age of the Tea Party and the first black president. In Dog Whistle Politics; Ian Haney López offers a sweeping account of how politicians and plutocrats deploy veiled racial appeals to persuade white voters to support policies that favor the extremely rich yet threaten their own interests. Dog whistle appeals generate middle-class enthusiasm for political candidates who promise to crack down on crime; curb undocumented immigration; and protect the heartland against Islamic infiltration; but ultimately vote to slash taxes for the rich; give corporations regulatory control over industry and financial markets; and aggressively curtail social services. White voters; convinced by powerful interests that minorities are their true enemies; fail to see the connection between the political agendas they support and the surging wealth inequality that takes an increasing toll on their lives. The tactic continues at full force; with the Republican Party using racial provocations to drum up enthusiasm for weakening unions and public pensions; defunding public schools; and opposing health care reform.Rejecting any simple story of malevolent and obvious racism; Haney López links as never before the two central themes that dominate American politics today: the decline of the middle class and the Republican Party's increasing reliance on white voters. Dog Whistle Politics will generate a lively and much-needed debate about how racial politics has destabilized the American middle class -- white and nonwhite members alike.
#577100 in Books Ingramcontent 2014-03-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.50 x 1.30 x 9.30l; .0 #File Name: 0199931003352 pagesBelief Without Borders Inside the Minds of the Spiritual But Not Religious
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Church Leaders should be reading this bookBy Rev. Dr. William RandolphThis book is based upon an incredible number of personal interviews and great research methodology to give a really complete picture of who the Spiritual But Not Religious; Non-affiliated; or Nones really are. More than theory; it is a sympathetic review of the voices of many SBNR's and why they are increasing. Other authors might write about them; but few have taken the time to really get to know and present them like this book does. Dr. Mercadante's book should be read by clergy; by those alienated by the church; and cultural anthropologists. Rather than dismissing the SBNR's as being responsible for their own disaffection with the church as an imperfect institution; she challenges church leaders to not only listen to the SBNR's but to explore what they have to offer the church for growth in spirituality. However; she also challenges SBNR's to strip away the baggage and the packaging of much of what is modern day church life; and explore the patterns of spirituality which has been practiced by some in the church for 100's of years; which offer new ways to actually be Spiritual but Not Religious.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. and to better relate toBy RBMVery insightful and revealing of the "nones"; the author has a very accurate understanding of the culture of the population about whom she's writing; Well worth even a 2nd or 3rd reading to understand; and to better relate to; this significant segment of current American society. Besides; Dr. Mercadante is/was a professor at the same graduate school in central OH; of which I am an alumnus. She has brought further honor and distinction to the Methodist Theological School; Delaware; OH; with the publication of this very informative book!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Restored My Hope For the ChurchBy DeeAnne L. LowmanDr. Mercadante has a strong belief that the church that has survived and sustained the faith for so long can and must adapt and remain faithful. Her research and conclusions can help hold the church together; as well as teach it how to embrace; respect and find common ground with those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. My personal faith has always been strong; and now my hope for the church and its future has been restored through her encouraging words. "Belief without Borders" is a must read for any church that desires to be both faithful and relevant.
