A Voice for Independent Authors
― E.A. BUCCHIANERI
REVIEWING TODAY: AN ARENA OF TRUTH BY TERENCE CLARKE
Like so many truly effective techniques for creating realistic solutions to major problems – especially societal – the unusual approach toward dealing effectively with racism in America as broached by Terence Clarke in An Arena of Truth is counter-intuitive, rather messy, and – without skillful implementation – potentially downright dangerous. On the other hand, self-described by one who has directly witnessed its impressive, tangible results, this is “a remarkable tale of how more direct, sometimes even combative, noisy, and very aggressive argument can indeed lead to long-term positive results in the racial divide.” Counter-intuitive, because it goes way beyond the need for an oft-prescribed “conversation about race”; messy, because confrontation is decidedly so; and dangerous, because the origins and history of racism are literally explosive.
At the risk of too much self-reference, I still find Terence Clarke’s own words in An Arena of Truth give the best explanation I can offer: “The important idea in this description is that of full exploration. If the exploration is to be brought about by ‘confrontation’, the results will ipso facto not be calm, vapid, or without intensity.” And yes, he is talking about intentional confrontations between Blacks and Whites, and yes, that word means everything short of physical. Obviously, he mandates a controlled, educational environment for such events, but he is not describing theoretical applications. Mr. Clarke documents clearly a program designed and already proven to excavate the depths of buried anger necessary for any meaningful and productive conversation. Yes, such conversation is the goal, but honest confrontations must first occur. Best they be controlled and managed, but then, this book shows us exactly how to do that.
AN ARENA OF TRUTH
Joel R. Dennstedt – Top Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite
