The Kerner Report: The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (The James Madison Library in American Politics Book 10)

__The Kerner Report__ is a powerful window into the roots of racism and inequality in the United States. Hailed by Martin Luther King Jr. as a "physician's warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life," this historic study was produced by a presidential commission established by Lyndon Johnson, chaired by former Illinois governor Otto Kerner, and provides a riveting account of the riots that shook 1960s America. The commission pointed to the polarization of American society, white racism, economic inopportunity, and other factors, arguing that only "a compassionate, massive, and sustained" effort could reverse the troubling reality of a racially divided, separate, and unequal society. Conservatives criticized the report as a justification of lawless violence while leftist radicals complained that Kerner didn’t go far enough. But for most Americans, this report was an eye-opening account of what was wrong in race relations. Drawing together decades of scholarship showing the widespread and ingrained nature of racism, __The Kerner Report__ provided an important set of arguments about what the nation needs to do to achieve racial justice, one that is familiar in today’s climate. Presented here with an introduction by historian Julian Zelizer, __The Kerner Report__ deserves renewed attention in America’s continuing struggle to achieve true parity in race relations, income, employment, education, and other critical areas. A landmark study of racism, inequality, and police violence that continues to hold important lessons today The Kerner Report is a powerful window into the roots of racism and inequality in the United States. Hailed by Martin Luther King Jr. as a "physician's warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life," this historic study was produced by a presidential commission established by Lyndon Johnson, chaired by former Illinois governor Otto Kerner, and provides a riveting account of the riots that shook 1960s America. The commission pointed to the polarization of American society, white racism, economic inopportunity, and other factors, arguing that only "a compassionate, massive, and sustained" effort could reverse the troubling reality of a racially divided, separate, and unequal society. Conservatives criticized the report as a justification of lawless violence while leftist radicals complained that Kerner didn't go far enough. But for most Americans, this report was an eye-opening account of what was wrong in race relations. Drawing together decades of scholarship showing the widespread and ingrained nature of racism, The Kerner Report provided an important set of arguments about what the nation needs to do to achieve racial justice, one that is familiar in today's climate. Presented here with an introduction by historian Julian Zelizer, The Kerner Report deserves renewed attention in America's continuing struggle to achieve true parity in race relations, income, employment, education, and other critical areas. "The Kerner Report is a powerful window into the roots of racism and inequality in the United States. Hailed by Martin Luther King Jr. as a "physician's warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life," this historic study was produced by a presidential commission established by Lyndon Johnson, chaired by former Illinois governor Otto Kerner, and provides a riveting account of the riots that shook 1960s America. The commission pointed to the polarization of American society, white racism, economic inopportunity, and other factors, arguing that only "a compassionate, massive, and sustained" effort could reverse the troubling reality of a racially divided, separate, and unequal society. Conservatives criticized the report as a justification of lawless violence while leftist radicals complained that Kerner didn't go far enough. But for most Americans, this report was an eye-opening account of what was wrong in race relations. Drawing together decades of scholarship showing the widespread and ingrained nature of racism, The Kerner Report provided an important set of arguments about what the nation needs to do to achieve racial justice, one that is familiar in today's climate. Presented here with an introduction by historian Julian Zelizer, The Kerner Report deserves renewed attention in America's continuing struggle to achieve true parity in race relations, income, employment, education, and other critical areas." -- Provided by the Publisher Contents General Editor’s Introduction Introduction to the 2016 Edition Foreword The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders Summary Preface PART I. WHAT HAPPENED? Chapter 1. Profiles of Disorder Chapter 2. Patterns of Disorder Chapter 3. Organized Activity PART II. WHY DID IT HAPPEN? Chapter 4. The Basic Causes Chapter 5. Rejection and Protest: An Historical Sketch Chapter 6. The Formation of the Racial Ghettos Chapter 7. Unemployment, Family Structure, and Social Disorganization Chapter 8. Conditions of Life in the Racial Ghetto Chapter 9. Comparing the Immigrant and Negro Experiences PART III. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Chapter 10. The Community Response Chapter 11. Police and the Community Chapter 12. Control of Disorder Chapter 13. The Administration of Justice under Emergency Conditions Chapter 14. Damages: Repair and Compensation Chapter 15. The News Media and the Disorders Chapter 16. The Future of the Cities Chapter 17. Recommendations for National Action Conclusion APPENDIXES Remarks of the President upon Issuing an Executive Order Establishing a National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, July 29, 1967 Biographical Materials on Commissioners Index 'the Kerner Report' Is A Powerful Window Into The Roots Of Racism And Inequality In The United States. Drawing Together Decades Of Scholarship Showing The Widespread And Ingrained Nature Of Racism, [the Report] Provided An Important Set Of Arguments About What The Nation Needs To Do To Achieve Racial Justice, One That Is Familiar In Today's Climate--back Cover. Part I. What Happened? -- Part Ii. Why Did It Happen? -- Part Iii. What Can Be Done? -- Appendixes. National Advisory Commission On Civil Disorders ; With An Introduction By Julian E. Zelizer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.