The Onion’s Baratunde Thurston shares his 30-plus years of expertise in being black, with helpful essays like “How to Be the Black Friend,” “How to Speak for All Black People,” “How To Celebrate Black History Month,” and more, in this satirical guide to race issues—written for black people and those who love them. Audacious, cunning, and razor-sharp, How to Be Black exposes the mass-media’s insidiously racist, monochromatic portrayal of black culture’s richness and variety. Fans of Stuff White People Like, This Week in Blackness, and Ending Racism in About an Hour will be captivated, uplifted, incensed, and inspired by this hilarious and powerful attack on America’s blacklisting of black culture: Baratunde Thurston’s How to Be Black.
How to Be Black
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A hilarious blend of razor-sharp satire and memoir...Using his own story and humor, Thurston demonstrates that the best way to ‘be’ anything is to simply be yourself.” (Publishers Weekly)
“Terrific...How to Be Black is an assault on nostalgia--a satirical, biographic attack on the idea that ‘blackness’ or any label should be derived from historical description.” (Fast Company)
“A hilarious look at the complexities of contemporary racial politics and personal identity.” (Booklist)
Struggling to figure out how to be black in the 21st century? Baratunde Thurston has the perfect guide for you...Fans of Stuff White People Like, This Week in Blackness and other blogs that take satirical shots at racial stereotypes are sure to love How to Be Black. (The Root)
“One of the smartest and funniest books I’ve ever read.” (Christian Lander (via Twitter))
“Terrific...How to Be Black is an assault on nostalgia--a satirical, biographic attack on the idea that ‘blackness’ or any label should be derived from historical description.” (Fast Company)
“A hilarious look at the complexities of contemporary racial politics and personal identity.” (Booklist)
Struggling to figure out how to be black in the 21st century? Baratunde Thurston has the perfect guide for you...Fans of Stuff White People Like, This Week in Blackness and other blogs that take satirical shots at racial stereotypes are sure to love How to Be Black. (The Root)
“One of the smartest and funniest books I’ve ever read.” (Christian Lander (via Twitter))
From the Back Cover
If You Don't Buy This Book, You're a Racist.
Have you ever been called "too black" or "not black enough"?
Have you ever befriended or worked with a black person?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you.
Raised by a pro-black, Pan-Afrikan single mother during the crack years of 1980s Washington, DC, and educated at Sidwell Friends School and Harvard University, Baratunde Thurston has over thirty years' experience being black. Now, through stories of his politically inspired Nigerian name, the heroics of his hippie mother, the murder of his drug-abusing father, and other revelatory black details, he shares with readers of all colors his wisdom and expertise in how to be black.
Beyond memoir, this guidebook offers practical advice on everything from "How to Be The Black Friend" to "How to Be The (Next) Black President" to "How to Celebrate Black History Month."
To provide additional perspective, Baratunde assembled an award-winning Black Panel—three black women, three black men, and one white man (Christian Lander of Stuff White People Like)—and asked them such revealing questions as:
"When Did You First Realize You Were Black?"
"How Black Are You?"
"Can You Swim?"
The result is a humorous, intelligent, and audacious guide that challenges and satirizes the so-called experts, purists, and racists who purport to speak for all black people. With honest storytelling and biting wit, Baratunde plots a path not just to blackness, but one open to anyone interested in simply "how to be."
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Baratunde is a comedian, author and former director of digital for The Onion. His responsibilities included producing the "War For The White House" 2008 election coverage, helping the company adapt its storytelling to new digital platforms such as smartphones and social media, and expanding The Onion's public voice as well as relationships with the technology community. Baratunde is a best-selling New York Times author of How To Be Black. He regularly engages in "digital performance art" including being @The_Swine_Flu, running a real world campaign for his Foursquare mayorship and "live hate-tweeting" all Twilight movies. He's been a standup comedian for more than 10 years and is a highly sought-after public speaker addressing topics related to the media, politics, technology and marketing. Also black people. He was named one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company magazine and has worked with the White House Office of Public Engagement as a digital advisor.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Jessica
Format:Hardcover
I've followed Baratunde on Twitter for a couple years now, and I've been anticipating this book for a while. He's hilarious, and the book is proof of it. With chapters on things like How to Be the Next Black President, how could it not?
While the book is funny - and mostly satirical - it also comments on what it actually means to be black in the U.S. today. The personal stories that Baratunde shares are heartening, informative, allegorical and more.
The interviews with people like Elon James White and Cheryl Contee are fantastic, too. Basically just a fantastic book.
While the book is funny - and mostly satirical - it also comments on what it actually means to be black in the U.S. today. The personal stories that Baratunde shares are heartening, informative, allegorical and more.
The interviews with people like Elon James White and Cheryl Contee are fantastic, too. Basically just a fantastic book.
34 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Race is a tough topic to discuss in the U.S. Baratunde Thurston makes it a whole lot easier with the humor in this book. Both a memoir of growing up black in the late 20th century and a sharp social commentary--not to mention a handy instruction manual--"How to Be Black" is a funny and thought-provoking read.
34 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By Jigna
Format:Hardcover
This wonderful book is actually not about being black. It's about being you, whoever you might be. In sharing his life journey, wit, and ruminations, Baratunde helps us see that each of us is on our journey to "blackness."
28 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By kaimac
Format:Hardcover
This is the book that every lover of all things black (hip hop, basketball, being a good dancer, being a wide receiver in the NFL etc) has been waiting for. Those of you that have stood on the edges, desperately wanting to be more black but have been too scared to take the first step... this book is for you.
The book answers important questions like:
* Once you've gone black, can you in fact, go back?
* What's up with those funny handshakes?
* Can white men really not jump?
* How can Obama be black AND Hawaiian? Confusing.
* What sort of rims should I get on my Escalade?
* What exactly is Grape Drank?
Not really, but it is super funny, very touching, and an all round bloody smart read. Baratunde is the guy from the Onion who gave Donald Trump one of the best smack downs in internet history (Google it). His first book doesn't disappoint in the slightest.
Bottom line: read it if you like funny things, are interested in race in America, or just want to raise eyebrows on the subway a bit (the last one doesn't work for the kindle version, unfortunately).
The book answers important questions like:
* Once you've gone black, can you in fact, go back?
* What's up with those funny handshakes?
* Can white men really not jump?
* How can Obama be black AND Hawaiian? Confusing.
* What sort of rims should I get on my Escalade?
* What exactly is Grape Drank?
Not really, but it is super funny, very touching, and an all round bloody smart read. Baratunde is the guy from the Onion who gave Donald Trump one of the best smack downs in internet history (Google it). His first book doesn't disappoint in the slightest.
Bottom line: read it if you like funny things, are interested in race in America, or just want to raise eyebrows on the subway a bit (the last one doesn't work for the kindle version, unfortunately).
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By J. Boyle
Format:Audible Audio Edition
I've always concerned myself with being aware of race. I was taught as a child that everyone is the same, but we really aren't. I'm 6'5" and it is very unlikely that more than 1% of you are even within an inch of that height. I'm rather pale, being of an Irish, German, Scottish and northern Italian heritage. That makes me different from other folks. Oh sure, we all are human and have a soul and what not, but we are different creatures from different places and different backgrounds.
Apparently some folks concern themselves with either the color of their skin or the behaviors they exhibit. Sometimes they are told they aren't acting according to a stereotype or opinion held by the observer. This causes a divide for some and a source of angst for others.
So, when Baratunde Thurston asks himself and his panel of Blackness Experts "How Black Are You?", it is a fascinating topic. What does being Black mean to the observer? Do you define "Black" as "Poor Black Child" (thank you Steve Martin)? How about "Militant Urban Activist"? Is your definition based on watching The Wire or The Cosby Show? Listening to Oprah talk or Ice-T? Chuck D or KRS-1?
Reading this book should give you an insight into a singular black experience - as atypical as any other. It should let you better understand that "being Black" isn't about being a thug. Or talking a certain way. It is about being You - just able to dance better than most of your friends.
Tell me - who is more "Black" - Will Smith or Eminem?
Apparently some folks concern themselves with either the color of their skin or the behaviors they exhibit. Sometimes they are told they aren't acting according to a stereotype or opinion held by the observer. This causes a divide for some and a source of angst for others.
So, when Baratunde Thurston asks himself and his panel of Blackness Experts "How Black Are You?", it is a fascinating topic. What does being Black mean to the observer? Do you define "Black" as "Poor Black Child" (thank you Steve Martin)? How about "Militant Urban Activist"? Is your definition based on watching The Wire or The Cosby Show? Listening to Oprah talk or Ice-T? Chuck D or KRS-1?
Reading this book should give you an insight into a singular black experience - as atypical as any other. It should let you better understand that "being Black" isn't about being a thug. Or talking a certain way. It is about being You - just able to dance better than most of your friends.
Tell me - who is more "Black" - Will Smith or Eminem?
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By AykonSilvers
Format:Hardcover
I am a white guy who was born and raised in rural southern Oklahoma where racism was still quite prevalent. I never considered myself racist... I had black friends, dated a few black girls and now my family and I have a foster baby who is black. This book is an amazing insight into the world that I never knew but somehow felt. I greatly enjoy listening to Baratunde describe his life and experiences mixed with a little humor and a healthy dose of satire. This is a must read for any one who has ever wondered about blackness but was too afraid to ask.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Data One
Format:Hardcover
How to be Black has already sparked numerous conversations about race and identity in my circle. Baratunde's humorous prose makes it easy to digest. Even though I'm not actually black, full disclosure.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Wayne73
Format:Hardcover
"How To Be Black" by Baratunde Thurston is a wonderful book by a brilliant writer. Baratunde's story is both insightful and engaging. His wit and wisdom flows through the pages. It's riveting and refreshing writing. Mr. Thurston's book is a must read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Book I've Read in a Long Time
It will not disappoint. I see so much of myself in this book. I've referred about 10 people to this book, and each of them share my exact sentiments. Thank you so much Mr. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Stacie Boyd
5.0 out of 5 stars
Picked it up our of curiosity and love it!
I didn't know fully what to expect, but I really am glad to take this book up! The writing style is conversational and you don't realize how quickly you're gobbling it up. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Michael Israel
3.0 out of 5 stars
Satirical fun for Americans and those confused about race in America
I think my only criticism of this novel is that the title should read "How to be Black in America" then I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Vanessa
3.0 out of 5 stars
How To Be Black
How To Be Black. Not as funny as I was hoping it would be, but a good read none the less.
Published 15 days ago by peterj
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Read
Don't let the title fool you into not reading the book! Offers great intake into a discussion with a panel of African Americans about what being African American means in different... Read more
Published 17 days ago by Jay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
I have been wanting to read this for a very long time and was kicking myself for waiting so long with every page!
Published 18 days ago by Angela Kay Hill
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wrly amusing yet insightful
Gained perspectives on the dynamics of non- stereotypical aspects of growing up and surviving as a person of color. Read more
Published 23 days ago by The Way and The Light
5.0 out of 5 stars
funny!
This book is funny in a poignant way. The way that's like "haha! ... oh..." Its like you get it and then you really get it. I love thinking about ideas that way. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Nicole Machi
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Read!
This is a great book! It deals with racial issues in a humorous, yet very telling, way. I strongly recommend this well written book.
Published 1 month ago by Biblioteca
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to be black
Thanks so much for the book. The author was very good. I think you would like this book. So please buy this book.
,
,
Published 1 month ago by Kutest2
