Being and Race: Black Writing Since 1970

by Charles R. Johnson

The author discusses how he became a successful writer and analyzes contemporary black writers, including Ishmael Reed, Ernest Gaines, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison

132 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

Charles R. Johnson is an American scholar and author of novels, short stories, and essays. Johnson, an African-American, has directly addressed the issues of black life in America in novels such as Middle Passage and Dreamer. Johnson first came to prominence in the 1960s as a political cartoonist, at which time he was also involved in radical politics. In 1970, he published a collection of cartoons, and this led to a television series about cartooning on PBS.

1990 National Book Award Winner.

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm on the fence about recommending this book or appreciating Johnson, and I have his work on my shelves. So far, he's opaque to me as a fiction writer. That may not be all his fault. The light--to me--shines quite brightly on where he may be at. Simply stated: only black male writers, it appears, has his support and attention, and even here, it's pretty conditional. His prejudices are way obvious. He seems a member of the Albert Murray school of black writing. The vehemence of his attack on Alice Walker for instance, while justified in a few respects, makes me think that her novels became a personal affront to him and him alone--an attitude not uncommon with some black male writers who had have had what we call issues. At least, Ishmael Reed and Walker have buried their 'feud.'

Sometimes, a novel is just a novel and a point-of-view is just a point-of-view, not a wish to see half of humankind--or most of black men--in cinders. I know so good and well that half of depictions of black women in novels by both white and black males haven't been as strenuously challenged...or psychoanalyzed.

In short: If I were wanting to read this book, I would ask myself first: what are you looking for? Confirmation that what you're reading is well within the black canon? Do you want another point-of-view? Or are you just intellectually cruising able to find some nuggets, and then step on and leave the rest? If I were you, I would be of the latter persuasion in order to give the guy a chance and not contempt. If the book surprises you despite my misgivings, then he's your guy. Go forth. If not, don't say I didn't warn you to bring your asbestos gloves.