A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited About Obama and Why He Can't Win
by Shelby Steele
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.78 You Save: $17.22 (78%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.35 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited About Obama and Why He Can't Win
Book Review: You where wrong
Summary: 1 Stars
This proves that one man can not judge another with himself.
Day after election and Obama won
Book Review: Mr. Steele, I hope you are in hiding!
Summary: 1 Stars
Not only is your book terrible, it was WRONG!
Hope your publisher recalls this garbage. Or maybe you and Mccain can reread it and see where you both went wrong
Book Review: a valuable contribution
Summary: 5 Stars
The election is over, and Steele was proven wrong. I doubt he is disappointed. I suspect this book contributed to the conversation that allowed Obama to be elected. A brave contribution.Book Review: If I reject both masks then who will I become??
Summary: 3 Stars
Shelby Steele outlines a comparison between two types of social masks for African Americans; the "bargainer" and the "challenger." It appears that the main thesis of this book is the fact that Barak Obama can not win the presidential race because he is a "bargainer" type. He seeks to ease the guilt of white America he will minimize his ability to gain the black vote because most will not entirely trust him has a representative of the people. The author proceeds to list several examples of `bargainers' such as Ophrah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, and Louis Armstrong. The idea is that the African American can not win choosing either bargain or challenge chip. If he or she is a bargainer then that person fits into mainstream America but does not gain the effectiveness necessary to create social change. This is not a problem for the entertainment industry but it can be deadly for politics. The author also describes the challenger position as a person that uses racial guilt to their advantage. This person is not accepted by mainstream but gains all the trust and confidence of minorities. Examples are Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The only power they hold relates to imposing white racial guilt. Finally, an effective African American that can create change would operate in the world as an individual refusing both masks. He or she will instead place responsibility on the African American community. He or she has a desire to work hard and earn a place in the world over use of racial pressures.
Over all I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars not for the fact that I agree with all the ideas and opinions in the book but because it asks new fundamental questions that allow African Americans the ability to move forward. It lays out an opportunity for the US to move pass race entirely. I feel that most of his argument is not supported by solid facts. Each example of bargainer has also publically acted in the position of challenger. I was also looking for active examples of the no mask alternative. I feel that there are many examples out there such as former Maryland Lt. Governor Steele. The problem with most examples is the fact that a person is still denied high levels of success. So if we look at Obama how can he achieve his success if neither mask is worn? The author fails to recognize the fact that we often have to get in the door before we can effect any change. Here is another book that states the problem but fails to outline a solution.
Book Review: Utterly fascinating
Summary: 5 Stars
In this fascinating book, African-American columnist and thinker Shelby Steele looks at presidential candidate Barack Obama. Analyzing Obama's family life and life experiences, Dr. Steele attempts to place him within the framework of modern African-American culture, particularly in light of the "masks" that African-Americans have had to "wear" within the American context of white racism and oppression. Dr. Steele believes that Senator Obama has risen far by his uniquely capable use of the "mask of the bargainer," making whites feel good about themselves and receiving gratitude in return. But, can a man wear this "mask" and rise to the very summit of political power in the United States?
Overall, I found this to be an utterly fascinating book. I found Dr. Steele's revealing of the African-American use of masks to survive and hopefully prosper within the framework of the American racial hierarchy, which was often viciously enforced, to be quite enlightening. Indeed, it put a lot of what I knew and have seen in modern American events into context.
Now, is Dr. Steele's belief that Barack Obama cannot win correct? I suppose only time will tell. At this point, it does appear that his popularity within the mainstream left of the Democratic Party has given him more room for maneuver than Dr. Steele thought. As such, his chances for hearing Hail To The Chief played in his honor are still quite strong. As I said, only time will tell.
But, even if that part of the book is incorrect, I think that Dr. Steele's explanation of race relations in the United States is penetrating and highly revealing. I highly recommend this book to any interested in truly understanding the United States today.