Sweet Release: The Last Step to Black Freedom [Hardcover]

James Davison Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2008

African Americans have come a long way in the difficult upward struggle from slavery to the relatively broad freedoms enjoyed today. Together, as a potent and well-knit group, they have battled endlessly in their march toward freedom. Finally, according to psychologist James Davison Jr, the last step to freedom for black Americans has arrived. But, that last step must be taken as individuals - not as a collective. In this assessment of the problems and potentials facing African Americans, Dr Davison argues that in order for achieving individuals to advance to the final step of freedom, they must break free from the mental shackles created by the black community.The central theme of "Sweet Release" is that the forces that impinge most upon psychological freedom for black Americans come from within. Guilt for being successful, shame in reaction to the misbehaviours of race peers, demands to give back to the community, and accusations of trying to be white are just a few of the mechanisms that thwart psychological freedom for black persons. Dr Davison argues that individual lifestyles, aspirations, even identities are constrained by the spectre of racial unity. As a result, for black advancers, what remains to be overcome is not 'the system' or 'them', but internalised community attitudes that put a choke hold on individual freedom. Unafraid of controversy or candid assessment, Dr Davison addresses these and other thorny issues with psychological insight while offering strategies to move beyond group constrictions toward personal freedom.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Davison deserves serious consideration...Sweet Release, a bitter pill to swallow, but so shockingly confrontational that its prescription for black sanity is a must read..." -- Kam Williams, News Blaze

About the Author

James Davison Jr., PhD (Sacramento, CA), is a psychologist in private practice and also works in the criminal justice system for the California State Prison system. In addition, he is the author of Prisoners of Our Past.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 277 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591025583
• ISBN-13: 978-1591025580
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,634,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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