Black and White: Two Different Perspectives : An Honest Conversation About Race in America Today

Is there a solution to our racial divide? Two friends, one black and one white wrestle with this difficult question.\nIn this book, Bob Bohler and Jamie Scott tell the stories of their lives, one growing up in Middle America, the other growing up in the poverty of the black projects. One of them enjoyed the benefits of being white in America; the other grew up in the ‘hood and got caught up in drugs and crime from an early age. One’s life went through college and into a respected profession. The other spent much of his life in prison for car theft, robbery, assault with a weapon, and drug trafficking.\nThe life stories of Bob and Jamie could not be more different. In that respect, they serve as the perfect vehicle for an honest conversation about race in America today. After telling their stories, they engage in a frank conversation about the differences in their lives, their experience of race, their view of America, their perspectives on policing, and their experience of family. Their conversation together raises questions of –
What effect does family dysfunction have on America today, particularly on the black community? Why is education viewed differently by blacks and whites? Is the educational system biased against blacks? Why are perspectives on work so different in black and white communities? How prevalent is racism in America today? Are all white people racist? Are there forces that keep racial division stirred up in America? What is the state of policing today, especially from the black point of view? Is the criminal justice system biased against blacks? Are the police racist today? What should America do to repair racial injustice? Is there a solution for generational poverty? Why is there such wealth disparity between blacks and whites? What role does God play in healing the divisions in our country?
Jamie and Bob both come from a Christian perspective. They reflect on the impact God has made on their lives and the possible role faith in God can play in healing our national racial distress.