Customer Reviews

Deadly Viper Character Assassins Participant's Guide: A Kung Fu Survival Guide for Life and Leadership

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Marketing on racial stereotypes can seem inventive/creative from a majority culture perspective while unintentionally and somewhat obliviously being extremely hurtful to others. Integrity demands that we recognize our blind spots when they arise.

It is important to realize that sin and the hurt it inflicts is often not our intent. There should be grace for that. There should also be integrity that is willing to lose face and lose profits when the error is brought to light.

As a Superhero I'm certainly offended! Racial insensitivity goes well beyond racial. I can't believe the authors were willing only to present these assassin murderers and ignore those efforts in defeating the forces of evil and upholding truth, justice, and the American Way. The theme and the application of that theme reveal a serious insensitivity to Superhero Culture and to the greater Hero Community as a whole. I praise you for the content of the book, we need to raise up mortal humans, like yourself, not to become cronies to the diabolical forces of darkness that continue to corrupt our metropolis. But the way in which you choose to co-opt Superhero culture in inappropriate ways is not acceptable.

Due to the fact that you are mortals and not Superheroes, you have no business exploiting us in the marketing of your book. What gives you the authority to represent our culture as solely full of venom and diabolic? Don't forget us good guys at the Hall of Justice, the most powerful forces of good ever assembled!

Now, I perfectly understand that nobody will read it; certainly, no juvenile human male would dare to crack the cover, but can't you just write a status quo boring book on character? You'll notice that there are a number of us Superfriends that take offense at the ways you misuse the category assassin. While there are Assassins from the Legion of Doom, there also exist Assassins of Justice that partner across the cosmic reaches of the universe to save the day! You also confuse aspects of the Superfriends Justice League with the X-Men. These are two very distinct and ancient cartoons that you should have taken the time to understand before using as a fun way to market your product.

So what can we learn from this?

#1) Only if you are from a particular culture can you write or even mention it. Yes, you should completely ignore or reject that cultural characteristics even exist to begin with.

#2) I should be extremely offended by Larry the Cable Guy given the location I live and my cultural background.

#3) Since cultural stereotyping is absolutely wrong; Christ needs to repent for stereotyping the Pharisees and Sadducees by their religious culture of the day.

Yeah, it's that stupid.


Confused by my review? Maybe this will help.
[...]

I was given this book by a colleague that used it in a christian men's group. I absolutely could not put it down. I was instantly convicted by some of the anecdotal stories that were used to illustrate character failures that people can succumb to if they allow themselves to be consumed by their own delusional egos. I read this book not once but twice with rapt interest, seeing my very own past, and dare I say, present faults and failures. As a christian man, it occurred to me yet again that christian men need each other! I immediately purchased eight copies and will be ordering another ten soon, for other men in my life that I know will find benefit from the brutally honest advice that this book offers. I will close with this, I recently called up one of the men that I gave a copy of this book to and asked what he thought. He said "I hate this book AND I love this book". He went on to say that he too was convicted by the message. So if you are a person that is in a leadership position and you are interested in sharping your character tools, buy this book.

I had this book in my collection for about 6 months before I got around to reading it, but once I started, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days. Foster and Wilhite write creatively, describing potential problems as "assassins" seeking to derail your goals and leadership potential. Anyone in any type of leadership would benefit from the challenges presented in DVCA, including small business owners, pastors, CEOs, elders boards, directors of non-profits, and the like. If your passion is to lead effectively, you should definitely get it & read it.

I am surprised how easy it is now to exploit racial stereotypes even in Christian media. This is an unprecedented low for Zondervan. Yet I have two suggestions for sequel titles: 'Strappin Gats: Who Dat Frontin in Ma Hood?' and 'Tomahawk Chop: The Great Spirit of Self Defense.' Just some ideas guys, don't take any offense at my racial insensitivity.

I really wish this book had been out years ago.

In an era of political scandals, I think our leaders should take some time to sit down and read through Deadly Viper Character Assassins. Maybe it would have kept them from heading down the slippery slopes that ended up making them fodder for the Daily Show. I mean really, someone should have put this book in Rod Blagojevich and Mark Sanford's Christmas stocking.

Deadly Viper doesn't just offer tips for DC insiders, it was packed full of things I could apply to my own life. How to better set myself up to be a man of quality and integrity both at work and home. The principles are straight forward and common sense but they're exactly the first things I know I tend to overlook in the rush of my day to day life.

What I really appreciated was that this wasn't just a Christian perspective. I've shared this book with my believing and non-believing friends alike and the truths inside applied to them all.

I can't recommend this book enough, I loved every page of it. Not just the message but the design as well, every page is gorgeous. I didn't feel like I was reading a self-help book or some boring how-to but sharing in the authors' experiences and personal insights.

This book is NOT great. It worries me that people would recommend this book as a basis for teaching leadership, especially within the church.

Where is the theology and where is the scripture?

At one point in the book, Dog the Bountyhunter is quoted as saying "The most important thing in life is Death? What happens after life? I want to leave a legacy for my kids to think "Dog was a good Dude."

Ummm. I'm sorry, but the most important thing in life is Jesus Christ, pointing to Him and glorifying God in all we do, not ourselves. "I want to leave a legacy for my kids to think "Dog served the Lord in all he did" That would be more appropriate.

I mean this review only in the context of this book being used within Church leadership.

If you want a good book for leadership, try Measure of a Man..[....]

THIS is a theologically sound book, taken directly from Paul's words to Timothy and Titus.

This book is beautiful! It is truly worthy of being a coffee table book because of the art inside, however its small enough to tthrow in a backpack for a quick plane read. It is full of amazing information on integrity in leadership. With all the bailout and economy issues we are having right now, this book couldn't be released at a better time! This book is appropriate for all types of organizations - you will be changed for reading it!

This is a must read book on character and integrity. Every week I counsel individuals and families whose lives have come apart as a result of big integrity fumbles that started with small and seemingly insignificant shifts in the character department. Jud Wilhite & Mike Foster do a great job of identifying the main areas of life that are most vulnerable to compromises in character and integrity.

This book deals with a very serious subject in a very fun and engaging way. I would recommend this book to anyone and in particular to those who are leading others.

This book is a must have for any serious leader! In this current culture of corruption that we find ourselves in, it is nice to find a book that deals with the symptoms of character entropy and not just the aftermath it evokes. An easy read that is informative and convicting. Perhaps Mr. Madoff will read this now that he has time. Two numchucks up!