Ellis Cose is a respected author whose work delves into complex social and racial issues. His writing is characterized by sharp analysis and a commitment to exploring the dynamics of privilege and inequality. Cose's insightful commentary challenges readers to confront difficult truths about society. His contributions have shaped public discourse on critical matters of justice and belonging.
The book explores the evolving sentiments of the black middle class, contrasting their previous anger with a newfound optimism despite economic challenges. Cose analyzes the decline of white guilt and changing perceptions between racial groups through interviews and extensive surveys. This work provides a nuanced portrait of contemporary America, reflecting on how aspirations shift as the American dream becomes more attainable for some, marking a transition between historical eras.
Chronicling a century of civil liberties advocacy, this book offers a detailed account of the ACLU's pivotal role in upholding constitutional rights from World War I to contemporary issues like 9/11 and the Trump era. Through a blend of history and journalism, it explores significant ethical challenges, including the Red Scare and Japanese American internment, while highlighting America's ongoing struggle to reclaim rights often overlooked. The narrative serves as both a history of the ACLU and a reflection on the current state of American freedom.
Bestselling author Ellis Cose's groundbreaking work interrogates pivotal decisions from enslavement to the New Deal and the handling of Covid, revealing how these choices established discriminatory practices in the United States for centuries. Key moments, such as race-based slavery and the removal of Indigenous peoples, have shaped the fate of America and its people of color. As the nation emerged as a superpower post-World Wars, discrimination persisted against those who served both overseas and at home, evident in internment camps and voting disenfranchisement. While politicians aimed to enact legislation for national improvement, the question remains: improvement for whom? From Reconstruction to the New Deal and the ongoing struggle for Civil Rights and Voting Rights, decisions consistently reinforced the rights of white Americans. In this analysis, Cose dissects how America's narrative fosters racial resentment, often rooted in conjecture rather than fact. Through rigorous research and detailed insights, he reveals how historical moments have upheld a narrative of "what makes America great," ultimately contributing to one of the most disastrous presidencies in a time of global vulnerability.
Free speech is one of America's most cherished freedoms, yet it faces unprecedented challenges as it reshapes the social and political landscape. Bestselling author and journalist Ellis Cose explores how this Constitutional right has been exploited by the wealthy and politically corrupt, highlighting the correlation between income disparities and the control of political dialogue. In recent years, the rise of "fake news," negative rhetoric towards minorities, "cancel culture," and xenophobia has sparked a national debate about the extent of First Amendment protections. Cose provides a fresh examination of free speech's current state, emphasizing its impact on everyday Americans. While social media was intended to foster connection, it often spreads misinformation, deepening divides among differing political views. The rise of white nationalism, race and gender-based violence, and voter suppression further complicates the landscape, leaving ordinary citizens with little voice. Cose critiques hyper-partisanship and the discriminatory structures within the Senate and electoral college that threaten democracy. He argues that constitutional safeguards meant to protect free speech have become tools of suppression for a politically empowered minority. However, he insists that reclaiming our rights is possible. By analyzing global experiences, landmark court cases, and historical lessons, Cose sheds light on this essential aspect of A