New book unpacks myth of ‘Black dangerousness’ and racism in Canada

How is the Mike Brown shooting relevant to Canadian contemporary politics? Why have race and racism become the central issue of the Toronto mayoral race? 

The Dirty War, a new book in the Our Schools/Our Selves series, paints a chilling picture of life experiences and opportunities for young Black men in our current social, cultural, economic and political circumstances. In drawing from these sources, author charles c. smith conveys the persistent and intended violence and chaos in the lives of Black peoples. 

Whether he references images in popular culture, the impact of mob violence, the constant surveillance of the police and the criminal justice system or the on-again/off-again media portrayals, smith challenges us to think deeply about the origins of this extraordinarily difficult history and the collusion of various social institutions in the perpetuation of the trope of ‘Black dangerousness.’

Preview and order The Dirty War: The making of the myth of Black Dangerousness.

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