While I was at IdeaFestival this year, Baratunde Thurston, blogger, comedian, self-proclaimed 30-year-veteran “black guy,” and author of the New York Times best-selling How to Be Black, delivered an outstanding speech that was both promotional and inspirational.
His approach to social commentary and popular misconceptions surrounding African-American stereotypes was so endearing and witty that I was seized with an immediate desire to purchase this book. The fact that the sardonic epithet, “If you don't buy this book, you're a racist,” is branded on the inside flap of the book jacket was an additional incentive. It turned out to be the funniest, cleverest, most thought-provoking satirical memoir I have ever read.
Anyone interested in African-American culture, history, oppression, and humor should read this book. Although structured as a tongue-in-cheek approach to the African-American negotiation of society, it is also a real testimony to the emotional and psychological struggle against racism and societal ignorance. It is not necessary for a reader to be African-American to enjoy or get something from How to Be Black.
His approach to social commentary and popular misconceptions surrounding African-American stereotypes was so endearing and witty that I was seized with an immediate desire to purchase this book. The fact that the sardonic epithet, “If you don't buy this book, you're a racist,” is branded on the inside flap of the book jacket was an additional incentive. It turned out to be the funniest, cleverest, most thought-provoking satirical memoir I have ever read.
Anyone interested in African-American culture, history, oppression, and humor should read this book. Although structured as a tongue-in-cheek approach to the African-American negotiation of society, it is also a real testimony to the emotional and psychological struggle against racism and societal ignorance. It is not necessary for a reader to be African-American to enjoy or get something from How to Be Black.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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