Roots, meaning the beginning, captures the essence of an African people. It is the cultural history laid bare upon the canvas of time devoid of the misconceptions and misinter-pretations of a people rationalizing their sins against humanity. It sutures the wounds that European and American historical scalpers presented to Blacks as the truth about their heritage in an effort to enslave their minds as well as their bodies…. [This] psychological warfare was the most grevious of all crimes wrought upon a people. Haley, with his seminal work, Roots, has helped mightily to destroy the chilling terror of ignorance of who we are as a people. He has given our proud heritage back to us. He has given us back our ancestors and our land. He has made us less fearful of white reprisals for we have seen them displayed in all of their ugliness, both in the book and on the screen, reaching the masses of Black people as well as the scholars. He has done this not once but twice—first with The Autobiography of Malcolm X …, and now with Roots, an epic work of classical dimensions. (p. 367)
[The cultural history of African people] is vividly told. It is electrifying in its imagery. The descriptions are rooted in historical truth culled from meticulous research…. (p. 368)
This is a free excerpt of 217 words. There are 444 words (approx.
1 page at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Haley, Alex 1921–: Critical Essay by Nancy L. Arnez Access Pass.
