ATLANTA, Jan. 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Black and white Americans share the common belief that African Americans are the most victimized by racism in the U.S., claims Mary Norman Tillman, but in her new book, A Common Sense Approach to Racism and Other Exclusivities (now available through AuthorHouse) she presents a compelling argument that positions whites as the most victimized. Tillman identifies the systemic roots of this noxious cultural mindset and shows how black and white readers can eliminate it from their lives.
"A Common Sense Approach to Racism and Other Exclusivities will encourage all people to step outside of their culturally defined parameters, remove preconceived blinders and understand the negative systemic nature of their cultural systems," writes Tillman.
She begins by discussing cultural development of racism on a global scale and introduces "The Tillman Philosophy." First published in the Minnesota Journal of Education in 1965, it asserts that every society has conditioned its citizens to accept normalized values, ideas and beliefs or, as she phrases it, "idol gods." Tillman explains how, by adherence to these unwritten cultural guidelines, people can easily fall victim to an "Exclusivity Syndrome." This syndrome, she says, is the insecurity that causes a person to measure their self worth by placing others at a level of lesser worth. "Those who wield power have systemically manipulated this syndrome among their constituents," she writes. "Nationalism, classicism, racism ... and other 'isms' are used as tools that keep humans boxed in, separate from ... and hostile toward other human beings."
Tillman then applies her philosophy to racism in this country and challenges all citizens to rise above the Exclusivity Syndrome and recognize the value of every human life, regardless of class, color or creed.
Perfect for students, education leaders, the clergy and the community, A Common Sense Approach to Racism and Other Exclusivities enlightens readers on the problem so they can start working toward a solution.
Tillman received her master's degree in urban studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and taught as an adjunct professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. In 1962, she pioneered a successful campaign that ensured multiracial photographs were included in American textbooks. A consultant to the Baptist Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, she conducted seminars for administrators, clergy and lay teachers throughout the United States. Other published works by Tillman are Why America Needs Racism and Poverty, What Is Your Racism Quotient? and What Is Your Exclusivity Quotient?
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