Book summary The book “Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed” discusses the negative influence of social policies and legislation on the socio-economic development of African Americans. The author links his arguments to the 50 th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act that was enacted in1964 to promote equality by illegalizing discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, and sex. Throughout the book, the author argues that the liberal initiatives that were aimed at promoting equality and economic development have had the opposite effect. The policies have suppressed all efforts for development and growth. The book covers several topics such as minimum-wage laws, affirmative action, crime laws, occupational licensing requirements, the social-welfare program, and their effects on the wellbeing of African Americans. The author cites the social-welfare program as an example of an initiative that has destroyed the nuclear family and discouraged African Americans from pursuing socio-economic independence because of government’s support that has stifled their desire for progress. Minimum-wage laws have pushed many people out of jobs while poor law enforcement has increased the risk of incarceration for those living in poor and crime-prone neighborhoods. The author argues that liberal policies are ineffective and have not yet attained their desired objectives. For instance, affirmative action either propels African Americas to academic environments that stifle their desire for learning or help those who are already educated. Affirmative action was enacted to address discrimination that had been affecting minority groups in the United States for a long time. However, the small number of African American college graduates is a proof of the policy’s failure to address the problem. Majority of the group’s members have not benefited in any way. The author presents evidence to expel the notion that his arguments are based on hypothetical assumptions that are baseless. The book contains several examples that explain why efforts to help African Americans fail and cause more harm than good. The book discuses the counterproductive outcomes of policies aimed at helping African Americans and other minority groups attain socio-economic development and prosperity. The book links the effects of the aforementioned policies to problems such as rampant unemployment, violence, high rates of incarceration, family disorganization, and educational deficiencies. Strengths The author discusses various social policies in a way that is easy to understand and that expels all confusions and controversies that exist regarding their significance and effect. For instance, the minimum-wage law is a highly controversial legislation that is prone to misinterpretation especially by politicians. However, the author handles the topic in a convincing and clear manner that compels the reader to agree with his argument. In order to support his arguments, the author discusses various polices from different perspectives. In addition, the presentation and depth of arguments give the issues great urgency and importance. The book deals with tough political and social challenges in an open and creative manner that initiates social discourse regarding the way forward. The writing style is straightforward and makes use of anecdotes to