5 Sentences
West's main focus in chapters five through eight is to address the issues of Black and Jewish tensions, African American sexuality in today's world, affirmative action and Malcolm X's impact and views on black society. Cornell West speaks of how affirmative action is necessary in order for America not to step backward in it's fight against racism yet how it is not propelling the black society forward in a concrete way. A history of Black and Jewish animosity as well as the reasons each side has issues is addressed. The issue of black sexuality and its place in today's society is discussed in one chapter while Malcolm X's views on how the African American culture should fight against a racist society are also included in the reading. Cornell brings to light numerous issues in the black culture of today.
4 Passages
"There is Jezebel (the seductive temptress), Sapphire (the evil, manipulative bitch), or Aunt Jemima (the sexless, long0suffering nurturer). There is Bigger Thomas (the mad and mean predatory craver of white woman), Jack Johnson (the super performer--be it in athletics, entertainment, or sex--who excels others naturally and prefers women of a lighter hue), or Uncle Tom (the spineless, sexless00or is it impotent?--sidekick of white)s)." page 120
"My thesis is that black sexuality is a taboo subject in white and black America and that a candid dialogue about black sexuality between and within these communities is requisite for healthy race relations in America." Page 120.
"The demythologizing of black sexuality is crucial for black America because much of black self-hatred and self-contempt has to do with the refusal of many black Americans to love their own bodies--especially their black noses, hips, lips and hair." page 122
"How does on come to accept and affirm a body so despised by one's fellow citizens? What are the ways in which one can rejoice in the intimate moments of black sexuality in a culture that questions the aesthetic beauty of one's body?" page 123
"My thesis is that black sexuality is a taboo subject in white and black America and that a candid dialogue about black sexuality between and within these communities is requisite for healthy race relations in America." Page 120.
"The demythologizing of black sexuality is crucial for black America because much of black self-hatred and self-contempt has to do with the refusal of many black Americans to love their own bodies--especially their black noses, hips, lips and hair." page 122
"How does on come to accept and affirm a body so despised by one's fellow citizens? What are the ways in which one can rejoice in the intimate moments of black sexuality in a culture that questions the aesthetic beauty of one's body?" page 123
3 Terms
- Affirmative action: A policy or a program that seeks to redress past discrimination through active measures to ensure equal opportunity, as in education and employment. Cornell West uses the term the same way as the dictionary definition. (page 96)
- bourgeois:belonging to, characteristic of, or consisting of the middle class. Cornell West uses the term the same way as the dictionary definition. (page 98)
- Xenophobia:an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange. Cornell West uses the term the same way as the dictionary definition. (page 109)
2 Connections
On page 121 Cornell West writes of entertainers helping to bridge the gap between white and black youth and encouraging the acceptance of black sexuality. Today I do not believe that is true. Rappers now, more often than not are selling albums with lyrics full of sex, the majority of times degrading women in the process to being toys rather than an active and valued member of the relationship. This is not helping black sexuality become accepted and valued but rather giving individuals fuel for the fire.
On page 122 Cornell West discusses the issue of black self-hatred regarding their bodies and sexuality. This is an issue not just in the African American culture but rather across America. The media and entertainment world of today has done an incredible job of hindering both men and women of all cultures from embracing the way the Lord created them.
On page 122 Cornell West discusses the issue of black self-hatred regarding their bodies and sexuality. This is an issue not just in the African American culture but rather across America. The media and entertainment world of today has done an incredible job of hindering both men and women of all cultures from embracing the way the Lord created them.
1 Question
What is evidence of Jewish and black tension, I have never heard or seen any issues to my knowledge.
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