DOC From Stalinism to Pluralism: A Documentary History of Eastern Europe since 1945 by From Oxford University Press in History

Description

A former welfare father from the ghetto of Detroit; Michael Eric Dyson is today a critic; scholar; and ordained Baptist minister who has forged a unique role: he is a compelling spokesman for the concerns of the black community; and also a leader who has a genuine rapport with that community; particularly with urban youth. In his essays; lectures; sermons; and books; he has emerged as one of the leading African-American voices of our day. Dyson's passion for contemporary black culture informs Between God and Gangsta' Rap; his latest foray into the ongoing debate about African-American identity which embraces the hopes of the church and the cool reality of hip-hop. Bringing together writings on music; religion; politics; and identity; and offering a multi-faceted view of black life; the book charts the progress of Dyson's own soul; from his roots in the Detroit ghetto; to his current status as a Baptist minister; professor; cultural critic; husband; and father. Dyson opens with a letter to his brother; who is serving life in prison on a murder charge. This painful piece reveals a violence in the author's own family that sets the tone for themes that will emerge throughout these writings: violence on the black body and soul; the redemptive power of hope through school; church; and family; sexuality as a source of anguish and of joy; and the struggle with entrenched white racism. There is a section of wonderful profiles Dyson calls "Testimonials"--studies of black men; from O.J. Simpson to Marion Barry; and from Baptist preacher Gardner Taylor to Michael Jordan and Sam Cooke. In "Obsessed with O.J.;" Dyson offers an extremely personal and insightful series of reflections on the case. In "Lessons;" Dyson takes up the subjects of politics and racial identity. Newt Gingrich and moral panic; Quabiliah Shabazz; Carol Moseley Braun; the NAACP; Martin Luther King; Jr.; and Malcolm X all figure in these insightful and accessible pieces. And "Songs of Celebration" draws from Dyson's writings for the popular press such as Rolling Stone and Vibe; and explores the joys and pitfalls of black expression; from the black vernacular bible to gospel music; R B; and hip-hop. Dyson concludes with an essay framed as a letter to his wife; which offers a positive counterbalance to the opening address to his brother. The letter serves as a tribute to the redemptive powers of love; the black family; spirit; and change. Arguing that the richness of black culture today can be found in the interstices--between god and gangsta' rap--Dyson charts the progress and pain of African Americans over the past decade; showing that brilliance and beauty; pain and drudgery are components of this changing culture. As a compendium of his thinking about contemporary culture Between God and Gangsta' Rap will find a wide audience among black and white readers.