Into the Cannibal's Pot: Lessons for America from Post-Apartheid South Africa

In “Into the Cannibal's Pot: Lessons for America from post-Apartheid South Africa,” Ilana Mercer delivers a compelling polemical work anchored in history, reality, fact, and the political philosophy of classical liberalism. “Into the Cannibal's Pot” is a manifesto against mass society, arguing against raw, ripe democracy, here (in the US), there (in South Africa), and everywhere. “Into the Cannibal's Pot” follows Russell Kirk's contention that “true freedom can be found only within the framework of a social order.” It is intended as a reminder that, however imperfect, civilized societies are fragile. They can, and will, crumble in culturally inhospitable climes. Advanced societies don't just die; they either wither from within, or, like South Africa, are finished off by other western societies. And as Ms. Mercer demonstrates, the tyranny of political correctness, so unique to the West—plays a role in their near- collapse.