The Envy of the World: On Being a Black Man in America (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780743428170)

With a compassionate eloquence reminiscent of James Baldwin's Letter to My Nephew, Ellis Cose presents a realistic examination of the challenges facing black men in modern America.

Black men have never had more opportunity for success than today--yet, as bestselling author Cose puts it, "We are watching the largest group of black males in history stumbling through life with a ball and chain." Add to that the ravages of police brutality, murder, poverty, illiteracy, and the widening gap separating the black "elite" from the "underclass," and the result is a paralyzing pessimism. But even as Cose acknowledges the systemic obstacles that confront black men, he refuses to accept them as reasons for giving up; instead he rails against the destructive attitude that has made academic achievement a source of shame instead of pride in many black communities--and outlines steps black males can take to enhance their odds for success.

With insightful anecdotes about a broad range of black men from all walks of life, Cose delivers a warning of the vast tragedy that is wasted black potential, and a call to arms that can enable black men to reclaim their destiny in America.

Author: Ellis Cose
ISBN-10: 074342817X
ISBN-13: 9780743428170
Publisher: Atria Books
Language: English
Published: 01/07/2003
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 8.54h x 5.59w x 0.45d

Review Citation(s):
Kliatt 05/01/2003 pg. 32