Olúfẹ́mi O. TáíwòElite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics (And Everything Else)

I read it in a book club with the audio book follow along. In three hours and 17 mins. And truly it’s one of the most important books we could probably read in modern times to elevate our social movements and stop leftist in fighting that wastes energy on each other over identity politics. When we need to be unified and fighting against those who wish to truly do us harm.

Finally a history of identity politics, where it came from, its political purpose, and where we went wrong. The text ends with a powerful call to action and thus fulfills Marx's notion of immanent critique--the idea you have to present alternatives in addition to making a critique.

I usually read the negative reviews before I buy anything. I did not do so here, but I'm glad that I read them after the fact because what I learned there helped me crystallize my struggle with this book to find something tangible for my current state of understanding this problem of elite capture.It IS an excellent book, and the writing style and approach are useful and well-considered.But it is only one book and a broad brush is used. If you want to really invest yourself in knowing how to think about this problem don't make it the last book you read on the matter or you will be left with a fuzzy Cliff notes version of history and ill-prepared to engage in a heavy discussion on the matter.You will, however, be more inclined to tackle psychosocial elements of the debate that are a bit too frustrating for many current pundits to give serious attention to... so consider Elite Capture worth merit, ultimately.

A call to action - thoughtful action - and to de emphasise the performance of caring and grievance. Short and well argued with sole great historical analogies and examples.

A great book I wish everyone in academia would read.

I was excited to read this book but it unfortunately basically fails at talking about elite capture in any real way. The book contains a lot of historical content from radical African anti-colonial movements, but the book is far too short to do any justice to actually talking about elite capture in the modern world.