Black Men on Race, Gender and Sexuality: A Critical Reader [Paperback]

Too often when men sieze discussions they follow a testosterone laden path; their seeming inability to "step outside of themselves" reveals the privileged space that they occupy. Mr. Carbado's contribution is essential in breaking this precedent. The fact that each particular subject is viewed as if it were a multi-faceted jewel--what in academic jingoism would be called "multi-disciplinary"--is here treated with amazing and refreshing editorial judgement. Where else but here can one find "under one roof" such disparately charged thinkers as Cornel West and Dr. Huey P. Newton? A vital and one of a kind contribution into the Black male intellect.

At last, a book that looks at black men and feminism from a wide variety of perspectives. Carbado has assembled one of the most provocative and intelligent collections on race theory, particularly where issues of gender and sexual orientation are involved. A must read for everyone who thinks they've seen it all before. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"In late 1995, the Million Man March drew hundreds of thousands of black men to Washington, DC, and seemed even to skeptics a powerful sign not only of black male solidarity, but also of black racial solidarity. Yet while generating a sense of community and common purpose, the Million Man March, with its deliberate exclusion of women and implicit rejection of black gay men, also highlighted one of the central faultlines in African American politics: the role of gender and sexuality in antiracist agenda.

"In this groundbreaking anthology, a companion to the highly successful Critical Race Feminism, Devon Carbado changes the terms of the debate over racism, gender, and sexuality in black America. The essays cover such topics as the legal construction of black male identity, domestic abuse in the black community, the enduring power of black machismo, the politics of black male/white female relationships, racial essentialism, the role of black men in black women's quest for racial equality, and the heterosexist nature of black political engagement.

"Featuring work by Cornel West, Huey Newton, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., Houston Baker, Marlon T. Riggs, Dwight McBride, Michael Awkward, Ishmael Reed, Derrick Bell, and many others, Devon Carbado's anthology stakes out new territory in the American racial landscape."

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"This voice and timely book addresses the perceptual split between an officially 'colorblind' world and the lived experience of so many for whom race determines so much. Although centered on images of black men, these extraordinary essays provide compelling insights about stereotypes of women, whiteness, class status, ethnicity, and gender. From 'suspect profile' to 'natural athlete,' the disuniting effects of racial clichés are meticulously analyzed in this sharp and always moving anthology."--Patricia J. Williams, Author of The Rooster's Egg and The Alchemy of Race and Rights

"This exciting anthology breaks new ground in the battle to end misogyny and sexism. It gathers for the first time the diverse and eloquent voices of black men -- many of them speaking out as feminists for a revitalized vision of feminism. This unique collection offers insights, perspectives rarely heard, and tremendous hope. It is required reading for all who care about the intersection of race, gender, class and sexuality."--Urvashi Vaid, Director of the Policy Institute of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and author of Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation

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