Original Sins

by Eve L. Ewing
Original Sins cover
Good Books rating 4.42
History
Technical
  • ID: 2978
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780593243718
  • Publisher: One World
  • Published: 2025-02-11
  • Reviews: 3

Original Sins by Ewing delves into the often-overlooked role of American schools in perpetuating racial hierarchies. The book argues that the U.S. school system was designed to uphold white intellectual superiority and prepare marginalized students for unequal treatment, a legacy that persists today through standardized testing, academic tracking, and unequal resource distribution. Ewing demonstrates how education was intentionally structured by the Founding Fathers to fortify racial inequality, making a compelling case for a profound reevaluation of the purpose and function of schools. This eye-opening analysis reveals the insidious mechanisms that continue to maintain inequality in the United States, offering a path toward a more just future.

Reviews
DeeDi Reads · 2025-03-22
insightful 4.75

This book is meticulously researched and excellently written, offering a vital examination of history that is essential for anyone involved in education.

The reviewer praises the book for its meticulous research and excellent writing, making it a vital examination of history that is essential for anyone involved in education. They highlight the book's importance in understanding the historical context of educational practices and policies, and how these have impacted marginalized communities. The book is seen as a crucial resource for educators, parents, and anyone interested in social justice and educational reform.

Quick quotes

    This is a meticulously researched and excellently written examination of history that everyone who has a child, works in education, or cares about social justice should read.

    Ewing's work is a powerful call to action for educators to examine their own practices and the historical context in which they operate.

    A vital and timely book that challenges us to think critically about the role of education in perpetuating inequality.

The New Yorker · 2025-03-17
critical 4.00

This stark critique of America's schools anchors the current educational system in its historical context, revealing deep-seated issues that persist today.

The reviewer highlights the book's stark critique of America's educational system, anchoring it in historical context to reveal deep-seated issues that continue to affect education today. They appreciate the book's thorough examination of how historical policies and practices have shaped the current system, making it a compelling read for those interested in educational reform. The book is seen as a crucial resource for understanding the roots of educational inequality and the need for systemic change.

Quick quotes

    This stark critique of America's schools anchors our current educational system in eighteenth-century ideologies.

    Ewing's work is a powerful reminder of how historical contexts shape our present-day educational challenges.

    A must-read for anyone looking to understand the foundational flaws in America's educational system.

Chicago Review of Books · 2025-03-03
essential 4.50

This book is timely and crucial, highlighting ongoing efforts to disenfranchise and dismantle systems. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the educational system.

The reviewer emphasizes the importance of this book in today's climate, where actions to disenfranchise and dismantle systems are rampant. They praise the book for its boldness in addressing these issues and its call to action for readers to confront uncomfortable truths. The book is seen as a vital tool for understanding the historical and ongoing struggles within the educational system, making it a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and education.

Quick quotes

    This book would be important in any era, but especially now, with daily—hourly—actions designed to disenfranchise, dismantle and destroy, ...

    Ewing's work is a clarion call to action, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about our educational system.

    A powerful and necessary read that challenges us to think critically about the role of education in perpetuating inequality.

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