Customer Reviews

He Talk Like a White Boy

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just finished "He Talk Like A White Boy," and I am moved beyond words by what Joseph C. Philips has written. As a black man who moves more easily in white circles, not necessarily by choice but because of the fixed notions of politics, race and culture that exist in the African-American community, I feel like I've walked in his shoes. This is the first book I've read from cover to cover in a long time because I found myself enthralled by his story, which is so much like my own. His courage, candor and eloquence only made it more compelling. I sincerely hope that this book flies off the shelves and fattens his bank account. He deserves the financial blessings that come from a work well done. Thank you!

I couldn't wait to get my hands on He Talk Like A White Boy by Joseph C. Phillips. As a fan of his work as an actor, I was interested in what he had to say. I was also intrigued by the title. As the mother of a black daughter who is told that she "talks like a white girl" ... I wanted to hear what he had to say about it and wondered if it was similar to what I had to say about it. It was.

While I was interested in the book for the reasons stated, I have to say Mr. Phillips has a lot more to say and he knows how to say it. He can definitely turn a phrase. His writing style keeps your attention and I caught myself laughing out loud, nodding my head in agreement, and even reading particular passages out loud to anyone that would stand still and listen. I even handed the book over to my oldest daughter at one point just so she could read what I had been saying all along about boys and their relationships with girls ... but from a man's perspective.

Now, of course, Mr. Phillips did have some things to say that I didn't agree with. We didn't agree on Bill Clinton or George W. Bush. We somewhat agreed when it came to Ronald Reagan and we agreed with each other completely when it came to Colin Powell. Even though I don't agree with some of his politics and was kind of discouraged to read some of the same old Republican talking points, I really did enjoy the book and what Mr. Phillips had to say. He also reminded me that while we won't always agree with someone on everything, there is still value in their opinions. Unless it is regarding Bill Clinton and then I will just have to call hogwash, hogwash. ;)

He Talk Like A White Boy is not just about politics and race. It is about family, love, faith, community, and a multitude of other topics. He writes about what it means to be a man and a father. He writes about ethics and values. He writes about honesty and commitment. You will definitely find yourself agreeing with Mr. Phillips on much of what he has to say, conservative or not. Honestly, I don't think his views have as much to do with conservative ideology as it does with just plain old-fashioned common sense. I warn you, this book is hard to put down. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics, and Authenticity

"...I was determined that if I didn't learn to like rap, I would at least develop a working knowledge of the music so I could discuss it intelligently. I dashed out to the music store and bought CDs by Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, and a list of other artists who were hot at the time. The only ground rule I set was that I had to play each album all the way through at least once. As an illustration of my lack of commitment, I soon decided that playing an album all the way through didn't necessarily mean I had to be in the same room while it played. Strictly speaking, so long as the album played all the way through. I didn't even have to be in the apartment. I will never forget putting NWA (Niggaz with Attitude) on the stereo. I almost broke my neck sprinting across my apartment to turn the volume down when 'F**k the Police' began blasting through the building."


The above quote is one of the many reasons completion of this book was mandatory (for me). By its very title, this book makes a provocative statement which is ably reinforced by its content.

The book is a collection of essays divided into the following themes:


- Character
- Family
- Faith
- Idealism; and
- Identity

The author's love of his country is interwoven throughout the book. His dispair for the incremental demise of the family rings loud and clear as well as his battle to be all he can be: as a man who is black, is educated, is a conservative, is a husband, is a man of God--but most of all as a man who wants to be a good father.

He declares his political views with such conviction, that whether you agree or disagree with his stance, you're left with a sense of admiration for someone who is not afraid to stand tall and proud for their beliefs. At times the weight of the author's burden to push himself to the next level, while wading against the tide of unpopularity of his political beliefs, exhibits itself as a tad overbearing or maybe even a bit pompous. But right at the point that you're about to say, "Enough already," he pokes fun at himself with a scene like the one above which compels you to laughter; (out loud on a crowded bus) or another moves you to tears, (again on a crowded bus) and yet another fills you with gratitude and pride in being an American. (Swelling of the chest thankfully not readily apparent on said crowded bus.)

This book does what a good book should: it prods you out of your sense of complacency with your accomplishments in life and causes you to question whether you're trying to be all you can be for God, man and country.

Rating:

This book earned 4 out 5 stars for humor, honesty, faith, marital perseverance, parenting efforts, and writing style. However, I would have liked to see a few less big words.

Recommendation:

I am glad to have had the opportunity to share a piece of the author's heart and soul. I encourage you to purchase yourself a copy.

"Joseph. Thanks for sharing."

This book introduces a conceit of the black community: To be black, not only do you have to talk a specific way, but act a specific way. Neither of these ways necessarily works with other people who are non-Black. Phillips humorously and seriously hits home with tales of growing up enjoying his heritage while defending the principles that formed America, disputing (with strong references and opinion) the notion that being Black is to be professionally angry and socially undecipherable to anyone other than another Black. Liberals may not enjoy Phillips' conservative views, but this is not a book on politics as it is on what it means to be who you are, regardless of what a majority of a minority consider kosher within itself. Insightful reading for everyone.

In He Talk Like a White Boy, Joseph C. Phillips proudly, even defiantly, proclaims that he is an American, a husband, a father, a man of faith, and a Republican. So what? Well, Mr. Phillips is black, an actor and lives in the blue city of Los Angeles. He is supposed to believe that America is inherently and irredeemably racist. He is supposed to believe that black men should not be expected to overcome the obstacles that this racist society throws in their path. He most certainly is not supposed to be a Republican.

With searing honesty and self-deprecating humor, Mr. Phillips explains why he is who he is and believes what he believes. He loves America because it offers freedom and opportunity. He rejects the idea that that opportunity does not extend to blacks. He notes that all black Americans have a share of the "sweat equity" in America earned by earlier generations.

For Mr. Phillips, marriage and fatherhood have been hard work. However, he leaves no doubt that it is his most important work. If this book is about anything it is about the difference that commitment to family can make - for adults and children. As a regular on The Cosby Show, Mr. Phillips worked with one of the great television husbands and fathers of all time, Bill Cosby. Many of Mr. Phillips' family stories would have made good Cosby episodes. But it's his real life.

Okay. He's patriotic and a family man, but a Republican? How can he embarrass his family like that? Read the book and find out. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his politics, you will not be able to deny the right he asserts as a human being to reach his own conclusions. More importantly, you will not be able to deny him his birthright as a black American. He is black, he is American and he is an individual.

He Talk Like a White Boy is an extremely personal book, but, ultimately, it is an affirmation of each person's right to define him or herself. If you have wondered whether it is is possible for Americans to transcend race, read this book. After you stop laughing, you'll realize that we will get there.

HE TALK LIKE A WHITE BOY: REFLECTIONS ON FAITH, FAMILY, POLITICS AND AUTHENTICITY comes from an actor, writer and social commentator best known for his role on the Cosby Show, who is tired of the limits impose on black individuality and the pessimistic vision of black America. He's not a politician or an academic, but a father, an actor, and a conservative black man: his opinions, observations and reflections paint quite a different view of the black male in modern America than many titles and provides many candid assessments a wide audience will appreciate.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Awesome! Hats off to J.C. Phillips for one of the most profound poignant pieces I have read in a very very long time. This book should be on the bookshelf in all homes. I am not a registered republican but I completely agree with some many issues raised in the book. It was as if I were sitting and having a conversation with him. A true masterpiece - incomparable use of the english language! I wish you continued success and will be certain to discuss "He talk like a white boy...." the next time I am around the water cooler.
GREAT GREAT GREAT......

Libra Reader.....

What an important book. Mr. Phillips has the insight to see an all-too-frequent tendency in the black community to undermine our own self-confidence and sense of identity. And he has the courage to inspire us to face this self-defeating tendency (at long last) and change it. Thanks for speaking up for all of us who've been criticized and demeaned for aspiring to become exactly what our parents' generation so vehemently battled to achieve -- educated, well-spoken, undeniably present members of society!

The hard thing about reviewing books like these is figuring out what context to put it in. For all intents and purposes, this is a book about Mr. Phillips. It's about his perspective on family, the state of the world, and religion, among other things. Since it's about him and how he views the world, it would be hypocritical for anyone to review the book based on his views and personality (no one can say that they are perfect in every way).

That said, I found this book to be very engaging. At times, I found myself laughing out loud about situations that occurred between him and his kids and wife. I found that I could relate to situations that he went through (as a matter of fact, the reason I bought the book is because the title is something I've heard a number of times before), and even when I couldn't, I still found that I had to keep reading at times. I do not completely agree with a number of his views, such as his religious stance and Republican affiliation (I view myself an independent). But he did get me to think about a lot of issues, and that is one of the most important things to get out of a book. This book is probably not going to go down in history as one of the greatest books of all time, but, because of how personal the book was for him, its unique perspective, and its humor, it is something that you can pick up and enjoy at any time, and maybe learn a thing or two.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got this book because the automatic assumption is that "actors" aren't necessarily good "writers"! Joseph C. Phillips is an extraordinary writer and a human being of unparalleled worth! I have enjoyed every moment of reading this book and have, in fact, re-read certain chapters because they were so inspiring.