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Why Black People Tend to Shout: Cold Facts and Wry Views from a Black Man's World
A collection of essays on popular culture as it relates to African Americans includes discussions of Spike Lee, Jackie Robinson, Bernhard Goetz, Marion Barry, "What Black People Don't Like," and "The Natural Superiority of Black Athletes." Reprint.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1991
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November 13, 2014
Living in the supposedly "post-racial" America, we all wince when we hear anything that could be a generalization about race or racism. We have deluded ourselves into thinking that this means we have progressed in some way beyond discrimination, that we are truly "color blind." Look at the title of this book--what is your reaction when you say it out loud? Did it make you uncomfortable? Why?
The entire book is like the title. Wiley, speaking as a black man, takes the many presumptions, assumptions, prejudices and biases he has encountered throughout life (from both black and non-black people alike) and confronts the reader with them. Doing so is the only way to critically examine racism in society, and in ourselves. I believe that the sqeamishness we all tend to feel when talking about black people shouting, or black people and their relationship with police departments, or black people and their place in the sports world, is not because we are averse to prejudice, but because we see a little bit of that prejudice in us. It's an ugly thing to see in a mirror, and it's natural to want to turn away, to believe that these things have nothing to do with us as individuals.
Rather than grimace and bristle whenever we hear a statement like "why black people tend to shout," we should respond with a desire to know the answer. In the case of the book's title, Wiley explains that without shouting, people often ignore black people. They ignore the pain and humiliation many of them have experienced in other areas the book touches on: having your culture and music appropriated by whites. Being told sports is your "natural" talent, with academics being a secondary consideration. Going through centuries of oppression at the hands of white society, and then being blamed and ostracized for not embracing and trusting whites as though none of it ever happened. And the worst crime of all: being black and pointing any of these things as a problem, while living in a country that has convinced itself such problems don't really exist. With all that weighing on my shoulders, I think I would be doing a bit of shouting myself.
An alternate title for this book could have been "Everything You Wanted to Ask a Black Person About Racism but Were too Afraid to Ask." If it had to contain only one passage, I would pick this one:
"Once a white man and I had an appointment. Suits were appropriate, so we both wore one. I wore a plain black suit, flat, no frills. In a trademark example of lame ethnic humor, this man said to me, 'So where are all your girls?' If I put on a suit that fits, I have to hear a pimp joke. He couldn't say, 'The suit looks good on you.' That would have been too easy. Yet I couldn't blame him. He was from the same racist structure as I was and he had always acted in a non-racist manner around me."
That, right there, encapsulates the spirit of many black authors when talking about racism. Racism is not just people using slurs, or refusing to let you sit at a lunch counter, or lynchings. It's in the everyday, the mundane, the tiny micro-aggressions that creep into every level of social interaction, often without all parties involved even noticing it. This is what happens when bigotry becomes ingrained in a country after centuries; it tends to trickle down through the years. If you're white you have the luxury of pretending it doesn't exist. If you're black you have to shout to get anyone else to notice. You have to write books that ask bold questions about issues that we would all rather forget.
The entire book is like the title. Wiley, speaking as a black man, takes the many presumptions, assumptions, prejudices and biases he has encountered throughout life (from both black and non-black people alike) and confronts the reader with them. Doing so is the only way to critically examine racism in society, and in ourselves. I believe that the sqeamishness we all tend to feel when talking about black people shouting, or black people and their relationship with police departments, or black people and their place in the sports world, is not because we are averse to prejudice, but because we see a little bit of that prejudice in us. It's an ugly thing to see in a mirror, and it's natural to want to turn away, to believe that these things have nothing to do with us as individuals.
Rather than grimace and bristle whenever we hear a statement like "why black people tend to shout," we should respond with a desire to know the answer. In the case of the book's title, Wiley explains that without shouting, people often ignore black people. They ignore the pain and humiliation many of them have experienced in other areas the book touches on: having your culture and music appropriated by whites. Being told sports is your "natural" talent, with academics being a secondary consideration. Going through centuries of oppression at the hands of white society, and then being blamed and ostracized for not embracing and trusting whites as though none of it ever happened. And the worst crime of all: being black and pointing any of these things as a problem, while living in a country that has convinced itself such problems don't really exist. With all that weighing on my shoulders, I think I would be doing a bit of shouting myself.
An alternate title for this book could have been "Everything You Wanted to Ask a Black Person About Racism but Were too Afraid to Ask." If it had to contain only one passage, I would pick this one:
"Once a white man and I had an appointment. Suits were appropriate, so we both wore one. I wore a plain black suit, flat, no frills. In a trademark example of lame ethnic humor, this man said to me, 'So where are all your girls?' If I put on a suit that fits, I have to hear a pimp joke. He couldn't say, 'The suit looks good on you.' That would have been too easy. Yet I couldn't blame him. He was from the same racist structure as I was and he had always acted in a non-racist manner around me."
That, right there, encapsulates the spirit of many black authors when talking about racism. Racism is not just people using slurs, or refusing to let you sit at a lunch counter, or lynchings. It's in the everyday, the mundane, the tiny micro-aggressions that creep into every level of social interaction, often without all parties involved even noticing it. This is what happens when bigotry becomes ingrained in a country after centuries; it tends to trickle down through the years. If you're white you have the luxury of pretending it doesn't exist. If you're black you have to shout to get anyone else to notice. You have to write books that ask bold questions about issues that we would all rather forget.
September 11, 2019
Wiley was an awesome writer. He was way ahead of his time on several compiled essays on race.
Throughout the book, he drove home several points that still resonate to this day in 2016. For example, he talked about the stigma of black athletes in the chapter titled "On the natural superiority of black athletes". This chapter delves into the myth that black athletes are better athletes than thinkers. He wrote this book maybe 4 years removed from when Doug Williams, a black quarterback, won the 1988 Superbowl for the Washington Redskins. Cam Newton, NFL QB for the Carolina Panthers, faces some of the same stigmas that athletes 2 decades ago faced.
Wiley wrote with a style of edginess and flair, but curt. Wiley was on a planet of his own. May this honorable man's spirit live on.
Throughout the book, he drove home several points that still resonate to this day in 2016. For example, he talked about the stigma of black athletes in the chapter titled "On the natural superiority of black athletes". This chapter delves into the myth that black athletes are better athletes than thinkers. He wrote this book maybe 4 years removed from when Doug Williams, a black quarterback, won the 1988 Superbowl for the Washington Redskins. Cam Newton, NFL QB for the Carolina Panthers, faces some of the same stigmas that athletes 2 decades ago faced.
Wiley wrote with a style of edginess and flair, but curt. Wiley was on a planet of his own. May this honorable man's spirit live on.
August 21, 2008
I've read all of Wiley's solo books. They are all excellent. I miss his observations of American life.
July 31, 2007
Single-handedly the reason why I want to be a better writer.
March 7, 2023
I loved this book! Every chapter was worth reading.
July 30, 2018
3.9/5
Often channeling the voices of Mike Royko and James Baldwin, Wiley argues in a way that is sometimes funny, sometimes combative, sometimes both and always readable. Wiley's own voice-quite different from those of Royko and Baldwin and unlike any I can think of from the top of my head-emerges in essays on topics as diverse as H.L. Mencken, the sun, and the city of Chicago. I wanted to hear Wiley's voice more frequently, though.
One essay, on integration and desegregation, struck me as overly cynical and hot-takey, but I imagine every writer who was once a deadline-driven newspaper columnist (as Wiley was) can't escape the stylistic traps of that world with total success.
Although Wiley's been dead for some 14 years, his influence on left-leaning African-American pundits like Bomani Jones puts the lie to John McWhorter's claim that contrarian African-American thinkers are not taken seriously today.
Often channeling the voices of Mike Royko and James Baldwin, Wiley argues in a way that is sometimes funny, sometimes combative, sometimes both and always readable. Wiley's own voice-quite different from those of Royko and Baldwin and unlike any I can think of from the top of my head-emerges in essays on topics as diverse as H.L. Mencken, the sun, and the city of Chicago. I wanted to hear Wiley's voice more frequently, though.
One essay, on integration and desegregation, struck me as overly cynical and hot-takey, but I imagine every writer who was once a deadline-driven newspaper columnist (as Wiley was) can't escape the stylistic traps of that world with total success.
Although Wiley's been dead for some 14 years, his influence on left-leaning African-American pundits like Bomani Jones puts the lie to John McWhorter's claim that contrarian African-American thinkers are not taken seriously today.
August 18, 2011
Topics about race and black people are usually always relevant but this book isn't so much about sociology views but more like musings of an older opinionated gentleman. I admit some of what was said in the little chapters between the covers of this book went over my head. Ralph Wiley is funny but he doesn't say anything too profound. I guess I was expecting a closer look at black people in the literature but sadly that never came. This book is dated so Wiley rambles about current events and throws in a little analysis from a black man's perspective and that kinda sums up the book in a nutshell. 'Why Black People Tend To Shout' was somewhat funny and does have it's moments but it wasn't interesting enough for me.
February 8, 2010
My favorite collection of essays.
April 6, 2021
Ralph Wiley was doing click-bait titles before the internet. Many of the essay titles are some riff of the title of the book like "Why Black People Won't Eat," "Why Black People Have No Culture," and "What Black People Should Do When Going Through New York City." This is a style that's intentionally provocative and was definitely effective in the book getting my attention and while reading through it. Wiley is certainly hilarious and entertaining to read but he also has frequent sincere and profound moments. Here's one, from his essay "The Dark Side of Mencken"—"writing is not a purely intellectual pursuit, at least not the kind of writing I prefer. Writing is a visceal reenactment of real or imagined hisstory, a recollection and propulsion of projections and observations and sensations, the heavy ammo. And only when it is these things is it in a class unto itself among the arts. Only then is writing a true and singular and irreplaceable art form. For only these qualities cannot be replaced by film or music or visual art."
July 6, 2019
Full of humor, wit, and sharp observations of people.
I honestly never knew of Mr. Wiley, having grown up and lived a parallel & disconnected existence to him. It was only because a friend suggested this book that I read him--and I found something quotable nearly every other paragraph.
He is funny and sharp and can get you to laugh out loud -- then he hits you in the stomach with a truth that knocks the air out of you. So much here beyond just a witty writer's take on the world -- there is a deep understanding of who we are as people, how we think and act, and even what lies behind our thinking and action.
Some have said in other reviews that this collection of essays can feel a little shout-y, but take it a few essays at a time, savor the writing and the clear thinking, and give yourself time to sit back, blink, and catch your breath.
I honestly never knew of Mr. Wiley, having grown up and lived a parallel & disconnected existence to him. It was only because a friend suggested this book that I read him--and I found something quotable nearly every other paragraph.
He is funny and sharp and can get you to laugh out loud -- then he hits you in the stomach with a truth that knocks the air out of you. So much here beyond just a witty writer's take on the world -- there is a deep understanding of who we are as people, how we think and act, and even what lies behind our thinking and action.
Some have said in other reviews that this collection of essays can feel a little shout-y, but take it a few essays at a time, savor the writing and the clear thinking, and give yourself time to sit back, blink, and catch your breath.
February 2, 2023
Humorous and witty essays on the subject of black people and their experiences in America, in particular, the late 80’s. I’m not much familiar with the 80’s, so many of the popular culture references and figures were lost on me. Still, an interesting read. I’m not used to books made up of essays.
August 11, 2023
A book compiled from essays written by Ralph Wiley, a journalist and writer with many jobs as a commentator for various networks also. 32 essays cover various topics each one has Wiley's own spin and opinion. For a glimpse into African American culture and how one man thinks.
June 2, 2023
What can I say?
Simply say “this is an amazing book”.
There. That is what I can say.
While it would be wrong, stupid, and probably boring for me to comment on what I thought about his observations of being black in America...I can speak to his writing. I think I said it about Dark Witness , but somehow Ralph Wiley speaks to me. Me, a middle aged middle of the road white guy.
Something about his literary voice. That “sound” resonates on some level that I can’t explain.
He points to it in the book with parts like this.
He writes with “a visceral reenactment of real or imagined history”. Powerful.
I had better stop while I am ahead. But I have to leave some more amazing quotes.
Simply say “this is an amazing book”.
There. That is what I can say.
While it would be wrong, stupid, and probably boring for me to comment on what I thought about his observations of being black in America...I can speak to his writing. I think I said it about Dark Witness , but somehow Ralph Wiley speaks to me. Me, a middle aged middle of the road white guy.
Something about his literary voice. That “sound” resonates on some level that I can’t explain.
He points to it in the book with parts like this.
Because writing is not a purely intellectual pursuit, at least not the kind of writing I prefer. Writing is a visceral reenactment of real or imagined history, a recollection and propulsion of projections and observations ans sensations, the heavy ammo. Pg 27
True writing can stir any emotion human being are capable of feeling or expressing, and that is quite a lot of story. To write with empathy and subtlety is the only rule worthy of adherence within the art. Pg. 28
He writes with “a visceral reenactment of real or imagined history”. Powerful.
I had better stop while I am ahead. But I have to leave some more amazing quotes.
Black people shout because they are immortal and sense this. Black people sense this because we have been dying for years, shouting and dying, yet here black people are, the salt of the earth. Here we are.
Black people tend to shout because nothing can stop a new meaning in life with each passing generation.
Black people tend to shout because they dare to have the nerve to not be silent.
If black people didn’t shout, then who would? Now there is a question for the ages.
Pg. 2
Being a critic and an award-giver is easy. All you have to do is like something and make up reasons why or why not. Children do it all the time. Pg. 20
My uncle Charles always said to “Trust yet not a living soul; walk carefully amount the dead.” Pg. 61
To watch television without thought is to be told what to think, and to be told what to think is death. Television is not out there waiting for you. It’s in here waiting for you. Keep it close so you might know its plans, which I know is vague and cryptic advise at best. When the picture is not clear just turn it off. Pg 75
“And a genetic determination argument allows racism to have a scientific basis, and justifies the denial of opportunity to the ‘inferior” group”...If the attitude of of the majority and minority was more open more blacks would become mathematicians and scientists. Right now, it’s a matter of self-fulfilling prophecy” pg 186
But David (Abernathy) failed to recall that bottom-line economics is one reason for racism. Racism can be a racket just like nearly everything else. Pg 194
June 13, 2011
When I was a young man in my early teens, I encountered this text as one of the first reads that my mother allowed me to pull from the shelves of African American literature at some local Waldenbooks or Barnes and Noble. It remains my favorite collection of essays for both nostalgia's sake along with how well it lent itself as the basis for a great deal of my early opinions and philosophical investigation. Wiley struck me as the curious and opinionated sort which are not bad qualities for a journalist and sportswriter. This is the sort of thing that was necessary for me who had spent much of his time seated in the company of more adults than children offering my views on current events.
As I review the text again with new eyes as I find myself doing with all previously studied works, there is much that finds itself outdated about the text. These essays live entombed in time where they were written and for what purpose they were intended. Not unlike any other published collection of column writings, but if one is a student of history as am I, they can find some wonderful gems in here which will connect readily with other points of study. Along the way, you will laugh and wince and occasionally feel odd shaped or uncomfortable for Wiley is witty and humorous and solemn and honest all throughout.
Social critique in the era of the blogosphere is fast becoming an undervalued art as everyone imagines that they are capable of doing such a thing, but here lies a study in a classical method of critique knowing that your ultimate goal is to assist your audience with understanding and comprehending the unfamiliar if they are daring enough to walk with you to the end. If we are not both made a little uncomfortable by the journey, we will not be able to readjust readily to one another's presence in a way that is fair and just to the both of us.
As I review the text again with new eyes as I find myself doing with all previously studied works, there is much that finds itself outdated about the text. These essays live entombed in time where they were written and for what purpose they were intended. Not unlike any other published collection of column writings, but if one is a student of history as am I, they can find some wonderful gems in here which will connect readily with other points of study. Along the way, you will laugh and wince and occasionally feel odd shaped or uncomfortable for Wiley is witty and humorous and solemn and honest all throughout.
Social critique in the era of the blogosphere is fast becoming an undervalued art as everyone imagines that they are capable of doing such a thing, but here lies a study in a classical method of critique knowing that your ultimate goal is to assist your audience with understanding and comprehending the unfamiliar if they are daring enough to walk with you to the end. If we are not both made a little uncomfortable by the journey, we will not be able to readjust readily to one another's presence in a way that is fair and just to the both of us.
March 30, 2016
I heard about this book in a boxing book I was reading. It’s by a black author and it’s his view on the black African American group. It’s a really interesting social analysis of them and quite insightful. Some of the interesting chapters are about how black people: work under pressure, their hair, why they have no culture, how they integrate or not, who they trust, how they are portrayed on tv, Michael Jackson, black leaders, black people in Washington dc, black sports athletes and what annoys black people the most. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2009
A series of essays written (mostly in late '80s, I think) by a contributor to SI. Mostly about how blacks are downtrodden and whites just don't understand. They're well-enough written, but much more heat than light. Very hard to read more than one in a row, as it just beats on you. And a little repetitive. Awfully close to racist---at the least filled with stereotypes and broad generalizations.
December 29, 2010
Though we can never truly know what it is to walk in another's shoes, Wiley does offer some interesting insights as to what its like to be a black male in America (c. 1990, anyway). I first came across his work on ESPN, so when I saw this I had to pick it up. Really glad I did...
August 5, 2008
essays
Currently reading
October 23, 2008can't believe this is on here.
but i honestly own this book.
but i honestly own this book.
September 8, 2011
My dad owned this book and gave it to me to read. Gonna say thanks, Dad, again. Always enjoyed reading Ralph Wiley's work wherever he was and whatever he wrote about.
Want to read
November 21, 2010Torin --
October 8, 2014
Sharp essays on race by the late Ralph Wiley, who was one of the last 20 true NBA fans, at least according to Bill Simmons. But then, Bill Simmons would know.
March 30, 2009
Sociological poetry.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews