Protecting Our Own: Race, Crime, and African Americans(Perspectives on a Multiracial America)

Inspired by the O.J. Simpson case, Protecting Our Own explores the reasons behind the rise of the "black protectionism" phenomenon and its implications for the future. Comparing the plight of the African American community to the melancholy lyrics but vibrant beat of the blues, Russell-Brown uses the lyrics of these songs to paint a vivid picture of the African American community struggling through the burdens of racial oppression such as second tier status and lynchings solely due to the color of their skins. Russell-Brown explains the feelings of protectionism towards African American celebrities, as many African Americans feel that they have to "protect their own" because no one else will. Many African Americans, Russell-Brown argues, feel that African American are still under siege and that the few lucky African Americans who find a way into the spotlight deserve a break. However, with more and more African Americans in the spotlight, this practice has new consequences. Protecting Our Own considers these issues in detail. The book sets out to accomplish three goals: to define Black protectionism, to explain how it works and how it can be reformulated to work in the best interests of the African American community. The book uses cases such as the infamous O.J. Simpson case to illustrate and explain the motivations behind black protectionism, even if the defendant is accused of grievous moral and ethical wrongdoing. Russell-Brown criticizes the use of black protectionism as a knee jerk reaction and expresses the need to hold African American celebrities accountable for their misdeeds. She suggests a selective approach to black protectionism that will benefit the African American community at large rather than just a lucky few. This book praises black protectionism at its best—a fight that will ensure racial justice in the future.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 "Loving O.J.": An Overview Chapter 2 Deep Roots and Long Branches Chapter 3 Clarence Thomas, O.J. Simpson, Jesse Jackson, and R. Kelly: Strange Bedfellows Chapter 4 Talking Community Chapter 5 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Chapter 6 Critical Black Protectionism Chapter 7 Concluding Thoughts, New Directions

About the Author :
Katheryn Russell-Brown is a Professor of Law and Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. Her most recent work is Underground Codes: Race, Crime, and Related Fires (New York University Press, 2004).

Review :
Protecting Our Own is a compelling analysis of an all too familiar but problematic response on the part of African Americans to persistent racial inequalities. Russell Brown dissects the practice of "Black protectionism," reveals both its flaws and strengths, and offers a useful remedy. Using critical race theory, she suggests how black communities could respond differently to alleged criminal or unethical behavior, especially on the part of high profile black men. Her carefully crafted strategy would put in motion protections for a broader range of Blacks, especially non celebrities and women, and halt the practice of [blanket] race loyalty by any means necessary. Protecting Our Own makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the rather mysterious phenomena of African American support for, and embarrassment with, high profile African Americans accused of crime or wrong doing. It provides a freshperspective on the specific topic as well as insight into the general area of racial group solidarity. The discussion is intellectually provocative and stimulating.... Why do we rise up to defend O.J., a womanizer of White women, and not get group mad about the systematic job bias against Blacks under seemingly neutral racial policies that have a devastating impact on Black employment? Russell-Brown examines and critiques this illogical and unproductive phenomenon that she calls 'Black protectionism.' Russell-Brown brings a novel approach to race theory discourse. Recommended. ...I believe students of Western politics and political theory will benefit immensely from Russell-Brown's use of critical race theory and cost-benefit analysis. Provocative, intelligent, surprising, insightful and rich with cultural references and wry humor, Russell-Brown's analysis is potent and important food for thought. Protecting Our Own makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the rather mysterious phenomena of African American support for, and embarrassment with, high profile African Americans accused of crime or wrong doing. It provides a fresh perspective on the specific topic as well as insight into the general area of racial group solidarity. The discussion is intellectually provocative and stimulating.