The Origin of Others (The Charles Eliot Norton Lectures)

Another gem by one of our preeminent authors. Ms. Morrison unabashedly brings her voice to the forefront of America's ongoing shame...racism.

It's a good book about Race and Toni Morrison really know how to disect the literal and figurative meaning behind Race. She is a mastermind and the only thing I didn't like was the actual size of the book. Too tiny lol

Morrison's latest contribution to world literature is a dissertation on racism; it’s origin, usability and detriments. "The Origin of Others" traces the construction of racism and how it permeates all aspects of American institutions and worldwide consciousness. Central to Morrison's critique is the denunciation of the misinformed notion that multiple races - i.e. whiteness and blackness - is a scientific fact (there is only one race – the human race). As the essays deconstructs the formulation of racism readers are exposed to how racism equates to power/control and the ends to which governments, institutions and individuals will go to maintain those benefits."The Origins of Others" is a perfect way to initiate discussions on racism. Book Clubs and classrooms will benefit significantly from the clarity provided this analysis. A bonus for this reader is Morrison's insight on how her body of work is primarily concerned with the exploration of racism and color-ism throughout American history. This is a highly recommended read that begs discussion and reflection.

Toni Morrison is one of the best writers of all times, and her work will stand the test of time. Here, we get a glimpse of her lecture series, seeing how she teaches, weaving her personal experiences with information and perspectives provided by others within an historical context. The subject of race continues to be one, which creates lively discussion because the nation wants to ignore the role it has played and continues to play within society. From slavery to segregation, race has been a motivator behind every facet of progress in the United States. Morrison uses the ethnographical construct of the "other," in order to discuss various aspects of race in the States. Her lectures are carefully constructed, researched, and made memorable by adding her own thoughts, experiences and works to the discussions. This work could easily be included on the reading lists of courses in sociology, history, philosophy and anthropology.

Once again, Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison has helped to sooth my wounded soul during these trying, interesting, bold times of real-time injustice on camera. She's like the prototype cell phone of literature selfies that crosses the generations bringing us American stories that are seldom uncovered for us, capturing images across time of daily life, work, sex, parties, love, abuse, caught on camera for us to see. I used to think cell phones were a century and a half too late! Not anymore. Toni Morrison has somehow retrieved a copy of a file of intimate American selfies of folks who had no idea they were being recorded. I've read all of her books multiple times so these essays were just what I needed right now. And yes, she did whet my appetite by mentioning her next novel. I can't wait!!!As for Origins, GET IT! READ IT!!! It will help you deal with cuarenta y cinco and his antics.

This lecture series in book form has opened my mind to thoughts of the feelings of otherness that I sometimes feel and the feelings i must sometimes make others feel. I often push to the side the uncomfortable feeling of being an other or addressing that I make people as 'others'. I hope to hold this visibility going forward and look beyond the otherness to the unique person staring me in the face.

Timely and relevant, “The Origin of Others” examines the ways in which literature reflects color-coded attitudes in obvious and sometimes oblique ways. It explores the subtle messages that inform our early experiences, shape our sense of identity, and how one’s self is set at odds with our perceptions of others. The book itself is slim, and though I initially wished for a longer read, I was once again impressed with Ms. Morrison’s masterful delivery of a powerful message with the greatest economy of words. She had me at page two with her great-grandmother’s pronouncement that the “children have been tampered with.” “The Origin of Others” helps us understand how our views of one another have defined our culture in deeply significant ways; but it also offers us a path to new understanding that can break down the barriers that prevent us from seeing others more like ourselves than not.

I am shocked at the level of depth contained in such a slim novel. As a white American, I am always seeking to learn more about the black experience in America to be a better ally. This provides an incredibly thoughtful and personal analysis of race in America, the human tendency to construct the concept of "others", and how race has been portrayed in literary themes over time. I don't want to reveal too much because I think everyone should experience it themselves, so I will end with another urge to READ THIS BOOK!

Whenever I want to learn, I reach for Toni Morrison. This book is no different from needing Toni Morrison words just to loving show you how to carry yourself and to sit up tall, strong, and proud. Morrison's words and craft makes you want better. Better at reading, writing, and speaking but even more importantly is how does she get those sentences are thought to be so flavoured, really delicious. That's what I think of Toni Morrison's master craftwomanship, delicious.

Concise enlightening essays. Literary and historical examples illuminate deeply considered observations. Now I want to read her novels! I read this book to try to better understand how and why we 'other' people and it has been helpful, as well as a fascinating and enjoyable read.

I am very pleased with the book. Excellent condition. Thanks very much.

A companion to all of Ms. Morrison's work with an opportunity and direction to study as deeply as one wishes.

Very interesting read.