The Legitimization of Violence

David E. Apter is the Henry J. Heinz Professor of Comparative Political and Social Development at Yale University and the Director of the Program for Comparative Development at the Center for Area and International Studies at Yale. He also serves as the Director of the Legitimization of Violence Project of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, Geneva.

-, "A very rich, organized, and theoretically interesting ethnographic case study of environmental activism. Checker beautifully recounts how the issues of race emerged and were manipulated in social organizing against environmental poisoning." -George E. Marcus, author of "Ethnography through Thick and Thin" "I hope that (this book) doesn't get pidgeonholed as a dry, academic treatise, because it is anything but that. It is a wonderfully written account of the struggles by the residents of Hyde Park, a neighborhood in Augusta, Georgia, to undo decades of...environmental racism." -"In Brief", "In this highly readable account . . . Checker has written a fine book. Assigned to students interested in urbanism, science and technology studies, race relations in the United States, environment, or social movements, the book is sure to spark thoughtful conversation." -"American Anthropologist", "Melissa Checker's absorbing story is a portrait of America. "Polluted Promises" showcases the complex links between toxic waste and race, and the hope-filled journeys of environmental activists who are wise, strong, and spiritual in their fight against toxic waste--and for their lives. Checker is doing public anthropology for social justice." -Carol Stack, author of "All Our Kin"