“In Homeland, Maharidge breaks new ground in the genre of 9/11 journalism by heading into heartland America . . . . The tales Maharidge relates expose the synergy between economics and racism in Rust Belt communities, whose residents are the victims of post-industrial collapse and what he describes as a ‘30-year war against the working class.’”—In These Times “This book emerges as a sensitive, heartfelt examination of a wounded America whose wounds exist… More >>
This book offers a good look at the rise of nationalism in this country after 9/11. The stories of dissenters offer a peak into this country’s fear of non-Christian foreigners. Couple this fear with racial prejudice, ignorance of history, ignorance of non-Christian religions and an economic shift from middle class paying manufacturing jobs to low paying service jobs and you get a society primed to follow an authoritarian leadership that offers a source for the public to vent it’s anger. Non-Christian foreigners become the enemy and anyone that does not blindly follow the government’s message becomes ostracized from the society with labels like “liberal” or “unpatriotic”.
The author also makes comparisons between post 9/11 America and the period before the rise of Hitler. His theme is: when a country faces economic uncertainty they tend to follow more authoritarian leadership and an event like 9/11 can be exploited by the authoritarian leadership to instill fear and a sense of security through blind faith and loyalty to the government. Many call it patriotism because it makes them feel good, but it is more accurately defined as nationalism. The real stories of teachers, students, lawyers, etc. offer some unique insight into the post 9/11 culture and what “freedom” means to many American’s when they feel threatened.
Rating: 5 / 5
I read most of the book last night and was disturbed by several things – The author deliberately blurs the line between “Arab” and “Muslim.” He calls non-Arabs “whites,” and makes whites sound like low class, trailer trash, uneducated red necks. Aren’t Arabs white? I was offended that he mentioned Danny Thomas as an example of all the fine Arab people who have come to US to find a better life. Yes, Danny Thomas was Arab, but not a Muslim. Maharidge quotes an Arab comedian as saying that there’s so much discrimination against Arabs. But unless they point out that they are an Arab, how would one even know? How can you treat someone different, unless they point out how different they are?
I have personal involvement in two of the stories quoted in the book, and know that facts presented are incorrect. I think it’s grossly incompetent and irresponsible for an author to present a work of nonfiction without verifying his information.
Knowing that some of the facts are wrong, I would look at the rest of the book with reservation. Maharidge treats those he perceives to be the underdog with sympathy, but paints those who speak against them as ignorant, uneducated bigots.
Maharidge’s premise that contemporary America dangerously resembles the Weimar Republic, or “Heimat,” that led to Nazi Germany is an oversimplification of the current government of the US. This proposition is deliberately anti-administration, inflamatory, and a grab for publicity.
Rating: 1 / 5
I can’t add to the superlatives of the other reviewers of this book. I learned about this book by accident; C-SPAN had taped a talk with the author and photographer. Somehow, my edition (received from Amazon) was actually signed by the author!
I will say this: It ought to be required reading for anyone seeking public office in the US or, for that matter, anyone who plans to vote in this nation. The stakes are simply too high and Americans are dangerously veering towards Fascism.
My only hope is that this year’s election results will mean that I need not buy a stack of these books to give as holiday gifts!
Rating: 5 / 5
“Homeland” is Dale Maharidge’s best work to date, and he’s done a lot of wonderful work over the years. His research is thorough-going, his connection with his subjects is spot-on, and his anecdotes are insightful. “Homeland” is much more than a prosaic string of interviews. Maharidge threads them masterfully and meaningfully to draw revealing and often frightening conclusions. His notes at the end illustrate the energy and determination of an enterprising and resourceful journalist. Maharidge is a master craftsman of the heartland.
Rating: 5 / 5
Dale Maharidge and Michael Williamson’s “Homeland” is the best book of 2004, and one of the most important nonfiction works ever published about the United States.
Maharidge travels through the United States observing the ways in which the attacks of 9/11/2001 have changed America and Americans. Many of these changes are obvious, but others are more subtle. With the seasoned eye of a trained reporter, Maharidge picks up on these changes and analyzes them with an amazing degree of insight. His conversations with ordinary Americans around the country reveal the different ways — many of them downright scary — in which the USA has changed over the last few years.
Much of the book deals with neo-McCarthyism and the distressing willingness of many Americans to give up their constitutionally-protected freedoms after 9/11. Maharidge chronicles many recent attacks on the Bill of Rights by local governments, the federal government, and “concerned citizens” alike. He also details the ways in which the 9/11 attacks fueled the latent racism that many Americans feel toward Muslims, resulting in tragedies like the white mob that attacked a Chicago-area mosque on the evening after the attacks.
Maharidge makes no secret of his left-wing perspective, but that doesn’t mean this book is a political tract. On the contrary, he bends over backwards to be fair and non-judgmental toward the people he interviews, even when he’s talking with white supremacists and other unsavory characters. Maharidge has his own opinion, but thankfully, he also has a genuine desire to understand events from the perspective of those who differ from him politically.
Michael Williamson’s photographs are also superb, as usual. Whether it’s a telling shot of weary workers riding home in a subway car, or a shot of racist white motel owners trumpeting that their establishment is “owned by Americans,” Williamson’s photos poignantly capture the America that exists today.
This book takes you to places where the places mainstream media refuses to go, and covers issues that most so-called “reporters” would never touch with a 10-foot pole. With the 2004 election coming up, now is the most important time for Americans to understand and act upon the issues Maharidge discusses in this book. Do yourself a favor: If you read only one book this year, make it this one. Few more important works have ever been published.
Rating: 5 / 5