Edwards and Polite focus on African American baby-boomers who have grown up possessing something no generation of African Americans has ever before experienced--entitlement. Surprising and often controversial; this groundbreaking book stands as vivid testimony to the increasingly complex world in which African Americans strive to succeed.
#2553818 in Books 1990-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.10 x 5.23 x 7.96l; #File Name: 0380708841480 pages
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. One of the most important books I have read as an American adult male of African decent.By Mississippi MudThis is one of the most important books I have read as an American adult male of African decent. American slavery will forever be a blight on her history. The effects of slavery and Jim Crow can still be seen and felt today. As a young black man from the great state of Mississippi; I was fortunate enough to be raised by parents who were born in the Jim Crow south (Mississippi Alabama) who did not teach me about race. I didn't know I was black until the third grade. The one negative aspect of the upbringing free of color; was the my indifference to my ancestral history. This book brought many things into perspective. It showed me how blessed I am to be alive in this certain time in this country. The pain; joy; sorrow; and laughter of the narrators leap off the page at you. The way they convey their stories show how slavery really was a long lasting curse on this country. I'm glad somebody had the idea to document their stories and record them for all time. Being fortunate enough to know a large portion of my family tree (up to my 3rd great grandparents on both sides); this book has helped me realize my place in the history of America. As the married father of 5 children (who also happen to be black) and a U.S. Marine I hope to continue to be the embodiment of the hope of freedom these slaves had. This book is a must have for all history buffs and those who want to know more about the heritage of this country. This is not a black heritage book neither is it a black history book. It is an American history book.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Should be required American readingBy ChillyBullwhip Days should be required reading for all Americans. Let me share a story: As a graduate student; I took a seminar in American literature. One mature student in the class let it be known early on that he was an MD taking courses in contemplation of a career change. I suppose he thought he might make a better professor. Whatever the case; our readings were diverse and our focus was how American literature represents the nation's growing industrialization and individualism. The MD was pleased with his progress until we read Frederick Douglass's classic slave narrative. At this he sneered--pronounced it beneath his consideration. Among other things; he said; "I don't know why we're wasting time on this." Like Justice Tawny; the MD decided a black man had no ideas; no experience; no humanity that he was bound to respect. Because such racial arrogance yet exists; Bullwhip Days (and Frederick Douglass's Autobiography of an American Slave) should be required reading for all. Any human being who can read these 'as-told-to' Depression era slave narratives without compassion and some measure of intellectual growth should have read them much earlier in life--and most certainly should not be practicing medicine on human beings or professing to others at the front of a classroom.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Karennot finished reading this book but I find it very interesting
