Customer Reviews

American Paradox: Young Black Men

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4 star:		(1)
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I feel it's cool to see someone like 'ol boy (Dr. Reese) put the real out there like that. (Evil - robberies)

His book shows just how far we've gotten off track when it comes to defining what's real and what's fake.
(Quake - manslaughter)

They need to pass that book around the school campus and the rest of these prisons. (G-Rider - various crimes)

He put the real out there but it's gonna take more than a book to save all these wannabe tough-ass niggas.
(T-Macc - murder)

Although that author didn't come from the grind that I came from, I still feel where he's coming from.
(Young Dub - manslaughter)

I am a former student at Cal Poly, and have had the opportunity to take not just one, but two of Dr. Reese's classes, and I can attest that this man is nothing short of incredible. He is intelligent, articulate, and charismatic, and he truly cared about every single one of his students. I can say with absolute certainty that he has been the most influential person in my life besides my parents. His book is equally amazing, and is a must read for everyone, regardless of race, color, or background. I am not a young black man, but I can still appreciate the concepts of his teachings. If you were not lucky enough to have had Dr. Reese speak to you in person, his words still carry strongly in this book. I am a better person today, and I can honestly credit that, at least in part, to what I have been taught by this man. For that, Dr. Reese, I thank you.

This is a book that should not be passed up by anyone. Renford Reese presents a phenomenal analysis of popular culture and the role(s) of Black men that is at times painfully truthful. He presents the problems, the reasons behind the problems, and real solutions to the problems. His methodical approach uses scientifically sound facts that are often shocking, but undeniable. I used several passages from the book as critical thinking exercises for incoming college students and each of them felt that Renford Reese "hit the nail on the head." I cannot recommend this text enough.

American Paradox is a powerful and moving book, covering an overwhelming amount of research on young black men, race relations, and popular culture. This book can have a positive impact on every African American male who reads it--inspiring them to rise to their full potential. I have read that there are prison inmates reading this life-changing book. I enjoyed reading Reese's engaging, insightful, and refreshing commentary on the plight of young black men. Using original data he integrates various charts and graphs to support his arguments. The book is not driven by ideology but out of the author's commitment to painting a candid picture of the causes and consequences of the behavior of black male youth. This inspirational book will definitely appeal to a diverse audience.

are on the path that they are on. For thoses of us looking to try and change the values that some of our children have grown to embrace, this is a MUST read.

In American Paradox: Young Black Men, Dr. Renford Reese discusses how film, media, pop culture, and others often lend themselves to the the development and reinforcement of false representations, negative social stereotypes, and racism. Nonetheless, Reese affirms that the US is still one of the greatest countries in the world where lives, regardless of race or color, can prosper.
Reese's discussion is strongly directed at inspiring Black Americans but is important for anyone. Himself a mentor, Reese pleads that negative social stigmas be rebelled against by way of education, the strengthening of community, mentoring, and other positive forms of leadership in order to bring about positive social action and policy. His ideas about empowering community resonate with John McKnight's, "Careless Society: Community and Its Counterfeits" in that both authors intend to help move inidvidual and community to higher grounds of shared accountability and social responsibility.

This is a scholarly albeit shocking analysis of the dilemmas that young African American males face. It was eye-opening, even for this mother of two African Americans men!

AMERICAN PARADOX combines flawless scholarship, piercing insight, and an engaging style of writing. The subject matter will trigger honorable indignation and insights that will make you palpitate in disbelief. Dr. Reese discusses how the embracement of the `gangsta-thug image' has been detrimental to society and widely accepted in popular culture. In addition, he provides a vast array of information that challenges communities and individuals to be catalysts for positive improvement throughout society. Do not pass up this magnificent work of art. The organization and presentation of the book provides for an interesting read that will keep you engaged until the very end.

American Paradox: Young Black Men explains how negative stereotypes are influencing young black men. Dr. Reese shows how the embracing of the tough guy attitude and mentality has promoted a generation filled with underachievement. He meticulously breaks down the problem with this embracing of the thug image, and provides a solution to this growing problem. He also sprinkles his thesis with a little African American history, which is important because certain heroes such as Ben Carson, Kwesi Mfume, and many other positive African Americans, are not even mentioned in school text books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think it's a must read for all young men, not just black but all young men from the inner cities to the suburbs. After reading this book I felt a sense of understanding of myself and a lot of what's going on in society. If found the survey to be pretty accurate and I believe in his theories and solutions to ending this problem that's corrupting our young generation. I believe this book has the potential to change our society for the better. It's just a matter of getting this profound piece of literature into the right hands.

In the book American Paradox, Renford Reese gives a powerful interpretation on how severe and damaging it has been to black culture when young black men continuosly strive to live up to and embrace the thug mentality and stereotypes that society and popular culture have placed on them.
American Paradox is a book that truely does "KEEP IT REAL", and everyone regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, or gender who reads it can take something of meaning and value away from the experience.