GHETTO The Invention of a Place, the History of an Idea

The concept of the ghetto began in Venice; the word was taken from an island that Jewish Venetians were forced to call home. W.E.B. DuBois first compared Jewish ghettos in Europe to black areas of the United States in the 1890s. Use of the word took hold only after WWII. The author traces the history of both areas as well as the sociology and opinion that surround them. Prentice Onayemi conveys the information well, ensuring listeners' attention. Listeners are brought up to date on efforts to improve educational opportunities. Duneier also includes cautionary warnings of the harmful societal effects of years of targeting drugs and crime. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2017]