In this powerful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with Bruce A. Jacobs—author, poet, musician, and social influencer—to discuss his book Race Manners and its relevance in today’s America. Together, they explore the persistent and shifting landscape of racial and socio-economic tensions, the impact of online hate, extremism across various groups, and the immense challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in the modern information environment. Bruce reflects on the evolution of public discourse, growing dangers posed by economic concentration, and the increasing threats facing marginalized communities, delivering urgent insights for anyone navigating today’s divided society.

Topics Covered:

• The psychological impact of living in a "non truth osphere"
• The numbing effect of constant exposure to trauma and outrage
• The importance of examining who benefits from division
• Reflections on safety, democracy, and the trauma of modern American lif

Key Takeaways:

• Race relations in America are deeply interwoven with issues of class and economic disparity.
• The amplification of hate and misinformation online has made extremist narratives more accessible and pervasive than ever.
• Extremism and hate are not restricted to race—they now target a wider range of differences, harming multiple marginalized groups.
• The perpetuation of division often serves as a distraction from underlying economic injustices.
• Building resilience and critical awareness is crucial in combating the negative effects of misinformation and polarization.

The Best Quotes:

1. “Sadly, [Race Manners] is more relevant now than I would have wished it to be these many years after it was first published.”
2. "The rule of the rich has gotten even more brutal and barbaric socioeconomically across race. This is a matter of class, not race throughout American society."
3. “All of this has become a kind of wraparound morass of alleged facts and alleged events and alleged truths that leave people so overwhelmed that they move in the directions where they're already vulnerable...”

Resources List:

• You can find information about Race Manners on Good Reads
• You can also find Race Manners on Amazon for purchase