Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line [Paperback]

Michael Dyson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 1997

"You couldn't ask for a fairer-minded, better-informed, or more enjoyable guide."
--Elle

As a former welfare father who is also an ordained Baptist minister and a Princeton Ph.D., Michael Eric Dyson is one of those rare intellectuals who act not only as interpreters between black and white America but as bridges between the academy and the street. In this brave, bracing, and vastly readable book, he identifies the hidden rules that govern interactions between the races and within black communities, poisoning our language, our politics, and our thinking.

From the O. J. Simpson trial to the generational politics of gangsta rap, and from Colin Powell to Louis Farrakhan, Dyson takes on the most contentious issues of the 1990s. Again and again he shows us that, in a society that prides itself on being color-blind, race is more important--and more pernicious--than ever. Filled with eloquence and erudition, wit and moral common sense, Race Rules is an invaluable guide to the America we really live in as well as a redemptive vision of the one we want for our children.

"Dyson's insightful analysis comes to life on topics ranging from hip-hop culture to black leadership. "
--Atlanta Journal & Constitution

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This collection of essays by Michael Eric Dyson, who teaches communications at the University of North Carolina, deals with the problem of racial division in America, and explores divisions within the black community. A discussion of O. J. Simpson focuses on the tensions between black celebrities who find a favored niche in white society and those who must contend with a more mundane existence where racism is sharper. Another intra-commnity division arises in the tension between black women and men. One essay points to the similar support bases of Louis Farrakhan and Colin Powell. Another to the rivalries that have developed between the star-studded casts of newly prominent black intellectuals. Dyson offers a wide survey of African-American concerns from racism to rap. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

In this somewhat disjointed essay collection, Dyson (Between God and Gangsta Rap) argues that "we haven't learned our lessons" about racial etiquette. This ordained minister writes with rhythm and power, even if he sometimes travels well-trod ground, as when he teases out the racial ironies and subtexts in the O.J. Simpson case or analyzes the respective appeals of Colin Powell and Louis Farrakhan. Dyson also presents a self-indulgent essay on black public intellectuals; while he cogently explains this recent phenomenon, he goes on to offer tongue-in-cheek "awards" to various intellectuals and their critics. Much more interesting is his exploration of the tension between black sexuality and the black church, in which he argues that the church must develop "a theology of eroticism" to supplant "guilty repression or gutless promiscuity." Dyson, who is in his mid-30s, lectures his elders that the criticism rap music generates was once faced by jazz; he goes on to dispute Cornel West's attack on black nihilism by urging a focus on how power in the inner cities has shifted to a dangerous "juvenocracy." A final essay on Waiting to Exhale seems a throwaway, but before that, Dyson thoughtfully urges black leaders to "transform" race, to challenge white supremacy and black orthodoxy and to link to "other forms of political resistance." Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (September 2, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679781560
• ISBN-13: 978-0679781561
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #931,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made me think a subject not ordinarily on my radar screen, February 26, 2004

By 

Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader" (Belle Meade, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line (Paperback)

Heard the taped version of RACE RULES, written and read by
Michael Eric Dyson . . . it is a collection of essays that deal with
the problem of racial division in America, as well as with divisions
within the black community.

Dyson, a former welfare father and now an ordained Baptist
minister and professor of Communications Studies at the University
of North Carolina, starts by talking about O.J. Simpson . . . I recall
initially thinking, "not this subject again," yet was pleasantly
surprised by how he got me to realize that there was more--a lot
more--to the subject than the media presented . . . another essay
dealt with the sate of black women and the inequities they have had
to face due to not only their race but also their gender . . . lastly,
I found it fascinating how Dyson agreed with both the integrationist
ideas of Colin Powell and the separationist beliefs of Louis Farrakhan--and
then denounced them both as being only road to racial salvation.

Dyson made me think about subject matter that ordinarily isn't on my
radar screen . . . for that, I'm grateful.

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very thought provoking, January 2, 2000

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line (Paperback)

this man is a genius.whenever he speaks or debates someone i'm all ears and eyes.i've enjoyed all of his books.he has a of wording ideas and thoughts and tieing everything as one.he could connect dr.king,michael jackson,malcolm x&stevie wonder into one with the plight&struggle.i once saw him on sinbad's vibe show with the brillant nikki giovanni and he was talking and resighting the brillant lyrics of rakim.my mouth hit the floor.i wish he had a show alongside of tony brown&rev jessie jackson.this man speaks volumes in this book and is highly intelligent.a must read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting dynamic on the Black Church, December 8, 2009

By 

Plain Talk "corey washington" (Augusta Ga) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line (Paperback)

As the author of a new book on Race called Plain Talk, I decided to read as many books that I could before writing Vol. 2 of Plain Talk. One of the books that I brought was Race Rules. I had favorites and not so favorites in this book. Some may not be interested in the million man march or the dynamics of the lack of feminist influence on the march. However, you may be interested in MED's introspective rendering of the inner sanctrum of the pastor's circle. I won't give it away, but MED bares his soul. I also enjoyed the discussion on O.J. and what it said about our society. In my book Plain Talk, I also examine the polarizing aspects of this whole episode, as well as many other events. There is something for everyone in Race Rules. Enjoy.Plain Talk - Volume 1