Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
AuthorIbram X. Kendi
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectRacism in the United States
GenreNon-fiction
Published2016
PublisherNation Books
Pages582 pp[1]
AwardsNational Book Award for Nonfiction (2016)
TextStamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America at Internet Archive

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America is a non-fiction book about race in the United States by the American historian Ibram X. Kendi, published April 12, 2016 by Bold Type Books, an imprint of PublicAffairs. The book won the National Book Award for Nonfiction.[1][2][3]

The book also has two "remixes" for children, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You and Stamped (For Teens ): Racism, Antiracism, and You. A graphic novel version, adapted and illustrated by Joel Christian Gill, was published in June 2023.

Critical reception

Stamped from the Beginning was generally well-received by critics, including a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, who called the book "ambitious" and "magisterial."[4]

Library Journal's Thomas J. Davis concluded that Stamped from the Beginning "is a must for serious readers of American history, politics, or social thought."[5]

The Guardian's David Olusoga called the book "brilliant and disturbing" and explained that some readers find the book disturbing "because of the author’s fearless reappraisals of the words, actions and philosophies of some of the more revered heroes of American abolitionism and civil rights – including African American heroes," including William Lloyd Garrison and W. E. B. Du Bois.[3] He further states, "Perhaps what is most disturbing about Kendi’s work is that it shows how the same racial ideas, dressed in different period costumes, have been repeatedly used to explain away the deaths of generations of African Americans, slaves, victims of Jim Crow lynchings and, in the 21st-century, casualties of police shootings."[3]

Also writing for The Guardian, Mark Anthony Neal writes, "I can’t say whether Ibram X Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning will offend most white people (though I’m willing to bet it will offend some), but he damn sure names white supremacy for what it is."[6]

Sadiah Qureshi, writing for New Statesman, referred to the book as "a lucid, accessible survey of how 'the people' were racialised over 500 years." She further stated, "One might expect Kendi to be despondent, but he believes that eradicating discriminatory policies will consign racist ideas to the past ... an un-yielding narrative of racist ideas, violence and harm. However, the book is also a history of refusals."[7]

Booklist's Rebecca Vnuk commented on Kendi's writing, highlighting how the book is "heavily researched yet easily readable."[8] She further explains, "The hope here is that by studying and remembering the lessons of history, we may be able to move forward to an equitable society."[8]

The Washington Post's Carlos Lozada provided a mixed review, writing, "The greatest service Kendi and provide[s] is the ruthless prosecution of American ideas about race for their tensions, contradictions and unintended consequences. And yet I have greater difficulty embracing the notion that, as Kendi argues, progress on race is inevitably stalked by the advance of racism and that, on an individual level, falling short in specific instances somehow taints the whole of a person ... The old one-drop rule for determining race was based on prejudice and pseudoscience. A one-drop rule for determining racism seems only slightly less unfair, no matter how well-intentioned."[9]

Political scientist and activist Norman Finkelstein locates the book within Kendi's broader body of work, which he describes as "fatuous, almost juvenile," dependent upon "binary, wooden labels" in the absence of a critical framework, "more fashion statement than political manifesto," and frequently "bizarre."[10]

Awards and honors

Kirkus Reviews named Stamped from the Beginning one of the best books of 2016.[4]

Awards for Stamped from the Beginning
Year Award Result Ref.
2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction Winner [11][2]
National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction Finalist [12]
2017 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Nonfiction Nominee [13]
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction Finalist [14]

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
First edition cover of Stamped
AuthorIbram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectRacism in the United States
GenreNon-fiction
PublisherLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
March 10, 2020
Pages294
Awards
ISBN978-0-3164-5369-1 Hardcover

Kendi wrote Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You with Jason Reynolds, "remixing" Stamped from the Beginning for a younger audience.[15] The book was published March 10, 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Origins

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You is adapted from Stamped: From the Beginning, originally written by Kendi.[16] The first book, published in 2016, focuses on historical figures.[17] However, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You follows a chronological format.[16] Kendi reached out to Reynolds to collaborate on a chronological version after seeing success with his first book. Reynolds first declined Kendi's proposal, adamant that he was a fiction writer. It took a writing style that made Stamped "not a history book" to get Reynolds on board with the idea.[17]

Structure

Kendi and Reynolds insist throughout the book that "it is not a history book" and writes in a casual, easy-to-understand manner, using slang and pop culture references to cater to the younger audience. There are five sections split by time periods: 1415–1728, 1743–1826, 1826–1879, 1868–1963, and 1963-today. The chapters vary in length and there are 28 in total. In these chapters, Kendi and Reynolds focus on important, often overlooked figures and events to illustrate the development of racist ideas throughout the history of the United States. Throughout the book, Kendi and Reynolds return to the themes of racists, assimilationists, and antiracists, and the book ends by encouraging readers to take what they have learned from the book and to become antiracist.

Critical reception

Stamped received numerous positive reviews, including starred reviews from Booklist,[18] Kirkus,[19] and Publishers Weekly.[20]

Kirkus Reviews called the book "impressive and much needed."[19]

Publishers Weekly comments on the book's writing style, stating, "Short chapters, lively phrasing..., and intentional breaks ... help maintain a brisk, compelling pace. Told impressively economically, loaded with historical details that connect clearly to current experiences, and bolstered with suggested reading and listening selected specifically for young readers, Kendi and Reynolds’s volume is essential, meaningfully accessible reading."[20]

Booklist's Jessica Agudel write a mixture of feelings... to emerge as critical thinkers who can decipher coded language and harmful imagery stemming from racist ideas, which still linger in modern society and popular culture, will be the most empowering result."[21] She concludes that Stamped should be "required reading for everyone especially those invested in the future of" young people in America."[21]

Shelf Awareness's Siân Gaetano highlights how "Reynolds.. makes Stamped a conversation with the reader," saying, "This approach, in less capable hands, could go horribly wrong ... But it is what makes Reynolds's interpretation so successful. Stamped is approachable: his tone is welcoming, helpful, easygoing and informal, even though--because--his topic is the shameful, disgusting and brutal history and present of racism."[22]

The audiobook edition, narrated by Jason Reynolds, also received a starred review from Booklist's Terry Hong, who stated, Stamped—both printed and aural—is an undeniable gift to lucky audiences; either/both must be required reading for all.[23] Hong also highlighted how Reynolds "transform[ed Kendi's] illuminating words into something akin to a riveting open-mic, poetry-slam performance," stating, "Listeners’ heads will undoubtedly be bobbing in absorbed agreement."[23] Hong's "only complaint throughout" are "the between-chapter gameshow-esque cacophonous interruptions."[23]

Awards and honors

Stamped was a New York Times Bestseller.[19] Kirkus Reviews named it one of the best books of 2020.[19]

Awards for Stamped
Year Award Result Ref.
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Teens Nominee [24]
2019 Kirkus Prize Finalist [19]
2020 Barnes & Noble Book of the Year Award Finalist [25]
2020 Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth Selection [26]
2020 Booklist Editors' Choice: Youth Audio Selection [27]
2020 Cybils Award for Senior High Nonfiction Winner [28]
2020 Goodreads Choice Award for Nonfiction Winner [29]
2021 ALSC Notable Children's Books Selection [30]
2021 ALSC Notable Children's Recordings Selection [31]
2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Top 10 [32]
2021 Odyssey Award Honor [33][34]

Censorship

In 2020, Stamped landed the second position on the American Library Association's list of the most commonly banned and challenged books in the United States.[35] The book was banned, challenged, and/or restricted "because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains 'selective storytelling incidents' and does not encompass racism against all people."[35]

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
First edition cover of Stamped (For Kids)
AuthorSonja Cherry-Paul, Ibram X. Kendi, and Jason Reynolds
IllustratorsRachelle Baker
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectRacism in the United States
GenreNon-fiction
PublisherLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
May 11, 2021
Pages163

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You was published May 11, 2021 by Little, Brown Young Readers. The book was written by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Rachelle Baker, and adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul.

Critical reception

Stamped (For Kids) received a starred review from Kirkus, who called the books "exhilarating, excellent, [and] necessary."[36]

Booklist's Jessica Agudelo highlighted how Cherry-Paul "skillfully carried over" the "conservational tone" created in the previous installments of the book.[37] She also discussed the book's artistry, saying, "Baker’s gray-scale illustrations provide an effective visual language for the intended audience and are featured varyingly as spot art and full-page depictions."[37]

Common Sense Media gave Stamped (For Kids) three out of five stars, who noted that the book's concepts and language "[seem] inaccessible to 6- to 8-year-old children at the younger end of the publisher's target audience."[38] They explain their position by stating, "The content veers between young-kid-friendly discussions ... to very adult-oriented, abstract language and concepts."[38]

Awards and honors

Stamped (for Kids) is a New York Times Bestseller.[36] Kirkus Reviews named it one of the best books of 2021.[36] In 2022, the Association for Library Service to Children included it on their "Notable Children's Books" list.[39]

Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America

Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America
First edition cover of the graphic edition of Stamped from the Beginning
AuthorIbram X. Kendi, and Joel Christian Gill
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectRacism in the United States
GenreNon-fiction
PublisherTen Speed Press
Publication date
June 6, 2023
Pages288
ISBN978-1-9848-5943-3 First edition

Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America, adapted to graphic novel form by Joel Christian Gill, was published June 6, 2023.

A documentary film by Roger Ross Williams is also submitted for Oscar consideration.[40]

References

  1. 1 2 Lozada, Carlos (April 15, 2016). "The racism of good intentions". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  2. 1 2 "2016 National Book Award Winner, Nonfiction". National Book Foundation. Retrieved 2017-01-22.
  3. 1 2 3 Olusoga, David (2017-07-03). "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X Kendi – review". The Guardian. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America". Kirkus Reviews. 2016-01-02. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  5. ↑ Davis, Thomas J. (2016-02-15). "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America". Library Journal. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  6. ↑ Neal, Mark Anthony (2017-08-24). "Stamped from the Beginning review – a timely history of racist ideas in America". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  7. ↑ Qureshi, Sadiah (2017-08-14). "Stamped from the Beginning charts the uncomfortable history of American racism". New Statesman. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  8. 1 2 Vnuk, Rebecca (2016-02-01). "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America". Booklist. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  9. ↑ Lozada, Carlos (2016-04-15). "The racism of good intentions". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  10. ↑ Norman Finkelstein (2023). I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It. Sublation Press Book.
  11. ↑ "National Book Award: 2016". Booklist. 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  12. ↑ "2016". National Book Critics Circle. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  13. ↑ Hipkins, Audrey (2017-10-23). "Hurston/Wright Foundation Announces 2017 Legacy Awards". Hurston/Wright Foundation. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  14. ↑ Washington, Hilary Lewis,Arlene; Lewis, Hilary; Washington, Arlene (2017-02-10). "2017 NAACP Image Award Winners: Complete List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2021-09-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ Baker, Jennifer (March 9, 2020). "History Remixed: How Young Adult Authors Are Revisioning History". School Library Journal. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  16. 1 2 Reynolds, Jason (2020). Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316453677.
  17. 1 2 "A History Book That Isn't: Finding A Way To Teach Racism To A New Generation". NPR.
  18. ↑ Agudelo, Jessica (January 1, 2020). "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You". Booklist. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You". Kirkus Reviews. 2019-11-10. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  20. 1 2 "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning 'Stamped from the Beginning' by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X Kendi". Publishers Weekly. 2020-01-23. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  21. 1 2 Agudelo, Jessica (2020-01-01). "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You". Booklist. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  22. ↑ Gaetano, Siân (2020-03-20). "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You". Shelf Awareness. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  23. 1 2 3 Hong, Terry (April 15, 2020). "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You". Booklist. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  24. ↑ Reynolds, Jason; Kendi, Ibram X. (2020-03-10). Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-316-45370-7.
  25. ↑ "Awards: B&N Book of the Year Finalists". Shelf Awareness. 2020-11-17. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  26. ↑ "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2020". Booklist. January 1, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  27. ↑ "Booklist Editors' Choice: Youth Audio, 2020". Booklist. 2021-01-01. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  28. ↑ "2020 Cybils Winners". Archived from the original on 2022-11-05. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  29. ↑ "Stamped". Goodreads. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  30. ↑ "Notable Children's Books: 2021". Booklist. March 15, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  31. ↑ "Notable Children's Recordings: 2021". Booklist. 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  32. ↑ "Top 10 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults: 2021". Booklist. 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  33. ↑ "Odyssey Winner and Honor Audiobooks: 2021". Booklist. 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  34. ↑ "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You | Awards & Grants". American Library Association. April 20, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  35. 1 2 "Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists". Office for Intellectual Freedom. American Library Association. 2013-03-26. Retrieved 2021-05-04.
  36. 1 2 3 "Stamped (for kids)". Kirkus Reviews. April 7, 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  37. 1 2 Agudelo, Jessica (2021-05-21). "Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You". Booklist. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  38. 1 2 Saunders, Barbara. "Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You Book Review". Common Sense Media. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  39. ↑ "Notable Children's Books: 2022". Booklist. 2022-03-15. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  40. ↑ Davis, Clayton (21 December 2023). "Oscar Shortlists Announced for 10 Categories: 'Barbie' Leads the Way". Variety. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
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