Land of Idols

Booknews

In a clearly stated and accessible series of essays, critical political analyst Parenti confronts the prevailing myths in American society that limit our perception of political reality and constrain progressive reform. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mary Carroll

The prolific Parenti expands the scope of his critique of the state of the nation to "conventional American beliefs" about patriotism, religion, class, race, gender, and the distribution of wealth and power in the U.S. These beliefs, Parenti insists, "serve conservative class interests and keep us from fully pursuing our democratic interests." Unapologetically using a Marxist focus on the conflicting interests of owners and workers, Parenti examines the sources and consequences of popular "myths of political quietism," New Age thought, "superpatriotism," and "religiosity"; institutional obfuscation of class realities and imposition of "monopoly culture"; and the history and effects of racism and sexism in maintaining existing class relationships. A final chapter provides a nuanced defense of the notion of "institutional interests" intrinsic to modern capitalism against the complaints of paranoia and conspiracy-mongering Parenti anticipates, no doubt correctly, his analysis will raise.