Book Review: Race trouble: race identity and inequality in post-apartheid South Africa: how we grew to understand the world

Abstract

Let me say this upfront. When Race trouble was launched I was the guest speaker. Others may think it a flattering gesture to get invited to speak at a book launch, but it brings with it all manner of trouble. There may be a feeling on such an occasion for the guest, having agreed to talk, to praise the authors while crossing fingers behind one's back. You can't be too critical. As I was to say, I don't know why Professor Durrheim and his colleagues and UKZN Press invited me in the first place to talk at the launch of their book. Except, perhaps, I said, I think Professor Durrheim imagined I would say something along the lines that if someone is going to say something interesting about race and racism in South Africa today, or racism anywhere in the world, Kevin is. I think he thinks I regard his work with respect. And so I do, which means I found little cause to flatter back.