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Derrick Bell on the "Permanence of Racism"

Bell is a writer and professor who made the headlines in 1990 when he refused to return to Harvard Law School after an extended leave of absence. Bell, then the only tenured African American law professor, cited "reasons of conscious" for leaving--he was protesting the school's decision not to hire a woman of color. In 1959 he quit his job in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice rather than give up his membership in the NAACP. In 1977 Bell wrote "And We are Not Saved," a collection of parables about race and class. His most recent book is "Faces At The Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism." It combines fact and fiction to illustrate the obstacles blacks continue to face.

16:26
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Other segments from the episode on October 7, 1992

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 7, 1992: Interview with Mark Perry; Interview with Derrick Bell; Review of the film "1492: Conquest of Paradise."
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22:05

Without a Target, the CIA's Power Declines

Journalist Mark Perry is the Author of "Four Stars: The Joint Chiefs of Staff." His most recent book is "Eclipse: The Last Days of the C.I.A:" It examines the power struggle that took place after William Casey died, and after the fall of the Soviet Union. He also dispells the notion that the C.I.A. is still a highly effective and powerful organization.

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03:50

"1492" is Visually Beautiful but "Stupefying"

Just in time for Columbus Day, Paramount is releasing 1492: Conquest of Paradise, starring Gerard Depardieu as the legendary navigator and directed by Ridley Scott, who made Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma and Louise. Film critic Stephen Schiff has this review.

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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