Illiberal Education the Politics of Race & Sex in Campus

by Dinesh D'Souza

Book Overview

Argues that university affirmative action and related programs have only encouraged divisions and the loss of individual liberty.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0029081009
• ISBN13: 9780029081006
• Release Date: April 1991
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 319 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

University Professors agree

This was a great book, well written and argued. There is nothing at all right wing, or hateful about this book. This work points out the pitfalls of political correctness. It is unfortunately all too true. The arguments made show the weakness and downright racism of affirmative action. The far left can do nothing except try to put this book down as "right wing" or "hate speech". This book really shows that there is no logic to their argument.

Well worth reading

I was hesitant about purchasing this book because I thought it was outdated, but I bought it anyway because I liked the other books I have read by D'Souza. This book is not outdated at all. The incidents and issues described in this book are still prevalent today.D'Souza has a keen grasp of the issues concerning race in America, and he gets to the core. Race is not an easy subject to discuss. We constantly hear about race in America, but, ironically, it is seldom honestly discussed. Most commentators on TV discuss the subject gingerly, staying well within the bounds of political correctness. Most books dealing with race issues are written by white liberals steeped in white-guilt or they are written by black activists steeped in grievances. D'Souza, however, is steeped in history and clear-minded thought, and his books are refreshing to read. He really gets to the heart of the matter; he tackles the subject with candor. If you are looking for an intellectually honest discussion of race in America, then this book as well "The End of Racism" are excellent choices.

Coersion, indoctrination and intolerance in the classroom...

It's an embarrasing prospect to consider: Universities silencing discussion and dissention. But D'Souza mounts a compelling case: Example after example, case after case of faculty bullying students with opposing views, silencing discussion in class, using campus police to keep out students that ask questions. Where? At some of the top schools in the United States. The issue is not about using this or that term -- students pretty much absorb and abide by the vocabulary of Political Correctness. The issue is not about speaking in a polite and civilised manner. The issue is not about raising your hand and waiting for your turn to speak. The issue is about what you think and believe: Apparently, when students take positions that are opposed to the political views and agendas of some of the faculty, it's discipline time!Why are classrooms politicised? Why do professors bring their political agendas into the classroom? Of what value is an education system that holds that some views are above discussion, considertation, challange?The importance of Illiberal Education is in the collection of cases it presents: Victims of intolerance and indoctrination in the classroom can realise that what's happening to them is not an isolated instance but a part of a larger trend. It will also help them respond more effectively.

Relevant and well argued

D'Souza makes a strong case for the proposition that the modern American university, in the name of diversity and multiculturalism, has stifled debate and intimidated everyone into accepting new canons. These canons are race and gender based propositions that one must accept or risk being ostracized as sexist or racist. D'Souza argues that Western thought is self criticising (ie Marxism is a criticism of Western borgois culture) and that teaching method of the typical liberal curriculae was disputation, not indoctrination. The recent gender and ethnic studies programs, however, are based on indoctgrination. You do not dare to debate the ideas espoused in these courses. D'Souza also points out serious inequities in affirmative action programs such as Asian students being discriminated against at Berkley since their achievement was so high, they had a disproportionately large number of applicants qualified for admission. Therefore, white applicants and certainly minority applicants were favored over the Asians. Some claim the author is a right wing idealogue but, in fact, he makes a sound, well reasoned argument that many political liberals, who favor the traditional liberal education, could well embrace.

Sober story of one man's pilgrimmage through academia.

It is a shame that Dinesh D'Souza did not continue his investigations into political correctness in the University. Unfortunately, since this book was first published, nothing has changed. I read this while completing my Ph.D. It rang true then, and still does.