Roots: Reflections from the Classroom

Abstract

Alex Haley's book, may well be one of the most significant works of this century. Doubleday published a record 200,000 hardback copies in the first printing. Roots went on to sell 1,500,000 copies in hardback, and the paperback version is expected to set records also. Presently, the book is being translated into twentyfour languages and is a best-seller throughout the world.2 Aside from the millions of people who have read Roots, the television series, or sections of it, was seen by an estimated 130 million Americans from January 23-30, 1977. Various claims have been made about the impact of Roots on Americans, both black and white. Stephens, for example, claimed Roots was successful in changing attitudes, promoting an interest in black history, and developing strong positive self images.3 Time also predicted that the television series would enhance race relations.4 Specifically, Time felt whites would develop a more empathetic view of blacks and a greater appreciation of black history. Additionally, there has been considerable speculation that Roots would interest people of all races in examining their own family history. Apparently, Roots has caused at least some individuals to recognize that their own identity is somehow tied to the 'roots of family history. Roots examined the concept of slavery from the black's point of view. Haley's effort to show the broad spectrum of life styles of blacks within the slavery system was undoubtedly challenging to many Americans who have only been exposed to black history through the public school system. Although blacks are not invisible in current history books as they were before the civil rights movement, textbook analysts have continued to report that