Is Bill Cosby Right?: Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind?
by Michael Eric Dyson
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Read in April, 2008
As indicated by the title, this is Michael Eric Dyson's take on Bill Cosby's notorious rants of a few years ago lambasting the poor. For those who are unaware, Cosby took it upon himself to criticize poor blacks, especially youth, for a variety of issues including dressingly sloppily, promiscuity, not being able to "speak English correctly", irresponsible consumerism, and not parenting.
Dyson, in his typical fashion, seeks to explain the larger causes for each of these issues. While...more
Dyson, in his typical fashion, seeks to explain the larger causes for each of these issues. While...more
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Read in May, 2008
Once it became clear that the author was going to spend most of the book trashing on Cosby, I lost interest. Yes, Cosby is not perfect. He has his flaws; we get it already, move on with the argument. And the thing is, Dyson does make some important points about how social issues do have to be taken into account in regards to the poor. However, and I think he may not be totally clear or misses this, those social issues are not an excuse to not be personally responsible. The example he uses of the...more
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Dyson's argument, while well written, essentially adds up to 200ish pages of "Nuh-uh!" Seldom are the facts backed up by anything other than Dyson's own opinion, and it was actually hard to read this book because of the author's strictly one-sided view. For instance, despite the fact that there are different classes of black Americans, Dyson believes that black entertainers are obligated (that's right, obligated!) to only portray the struggle of the poor or discriminated, because to ...more
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Read in June, 2008
saw it in the airport bookstore and couldn't resist...this was a lot longer than it should have been. the thoughts were interesting, but i felt like this could have been done in 100 pages rather than over 200. i found myself groaning at times...strangely, the second to last chapter was the best one. too bad it didn't come at the beginning of the book. i could have read it and then, put the book down and saved myself the agony of having to get through the whole thing!
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This was a response from the Cosby speech sometime last year at the NAACP honors or some event of . I'm trying to get through it but it's been hard since I agree with Cosby to a point. So far, the Dyson is well spoken & very good at his argument but he's making me feel like he's living in bubble & hasn't seen the black community or ast least the urban black community is a long time.
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
anyone that would like a backround on more in depth backround on mr. high and mighty
In light of Mr. Cosby's crusade/tirade against black america this book was born it does a great job of showing cosby the mediocre student with an honourary doctorate that he didn't earn and a civil rights fight that he didn't want to be involved in in his time.That said I do believe many of cosby's points but this book will show the other side of the agument
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Well, despite having what might very well be the worst cover design in the history modern day publishing, I actually liked this book. Perhaps just because I always hated BIll Cosby (even before he went on all those rants about why he hates poor black people). Not very academic, but I'm not sure it was meant to be. A very fast read.
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Read in April, 2008
Seemed mostly like Dyson had a few things he jsut wanted to get off his chest. I really didn't see good grounds on which he built his case. I started reading this completely neutral but by the time I finished I was almost more convinced by Cosby's arguments. I suppose it was worth the 11 cents I paid for it at Amazon.
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Read in September, 2007
Dyson is correct in pointing out that Cosby's attack on poor black America ignores situational causes, but his pages and pages of personal attacks on Bill Cosby do nothing to further his argument. He comes off sounding just as hate-filled and myopic as Cosby did, if not more.
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I adore Bill Cosby and read this book on the recommendation of my good friend Curtis. I like Dyson and thought that he made some valid points but the book did nothing to diminish the respect I have for Mr.Cosby.... It was definitely worth the read!! Thanks,Curt
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Read in September, 2005
Very academic! I felt like I needed to take his course in order to understand some of the terms. I don't think he gave an objective opinion, mostly propaganda. He doesn't like Bill Cosby and doesn't believe he has any right to voice his opinions.
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Read in March, 2007
Dr. Dyson struggled with this book. Yes we know he has a habit of inventing his own vocabulary but he rambled on and on. It is quite evident that his attacds on Mr. Cosby are more personal than anything else
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Read in May, 2008
cosby likes to put all the blame on urban, disadvantaged blacks for not simply sucking it up and suggests they stop whining and shut the hell up.
dyson busts a verbal cap in his puddin pop ass.
dyson busts a verbal cap in his puddin pop ass.
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I was against Cosby from the start of his tirade. This book put the icing on the cake. When your wife disagrees with your methods, then something has to be wrong!
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Read in October, 2007
I like Dyson's approach in this book. He thoroughly examines the off handed derogatory remarks made by Bill Cosby with eloquence and class.
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Read in December, 2007
That Bill Cosby is a hypocrite and talks a good talk when he's on the other side of the looking glass.
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dyson makes my eyes roll all over my skull, but my mom's reading it, so i need to get up on my game...
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I am trying to get into this book. It is interesting.
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every sentence is a thesis statement. it's a lot.
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 3.31 (70 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 3.42 (65 ratings) number of reviews: 19popular shelves
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"..And the same rapper who revels in a woman's finely proportioned behind may also speak against racism and on behalf of the poor, even as he encourages them not to look at hip-hop as their salvation."
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