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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I have so many mixed emotions about this book.
I do feel that it is something we should be reading because we need to address what hasn't changed since 1959 when he did his social experiment. However, we also need to be careful not to take his six-week experience as gospel. Many times I struggled with the white-savior complex that came up in this writing and the truth is he had no better understanding of racism when he finished then when he started, he just confirmed what he already knew.
We can not generalize the lives of millions into anything. We need to look at regional, grassroots solutions to these important issues. And we need to start doing something about inequality.
I do feel that it is something we should be reading because we need to address what hasn't changed since 1959 when he did his social experiment. However, we also need to be careful not to take his six-week experience as gospel. Many times I struggled with the white-savior complex that came up in this writing and the truth is he had no better understanding of racism when he finished then when he started, he just confirmed what he already knew.
We can not generalize the lives of millions into anything. We need to look at regional, grassroots solutions to these important issues. And we need to start doing something about inequality.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
I started this book back in 2011-2012. I kept putting it down because I was not of the maturity to read and put aside my rightful anger. Many years later I didn’t fair much better but I understood the need to finish. The work is powerful for 2019, but even greater when you consider the time period. He did this before civil rights took off nationally. Sadly. Not much as changed in the Deep South as evidenced by our current political climate and president. Very interesting read none the less and I’m better for having finally finished the book.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
I thought this was a very well thought out idea. I am glad to see someone was able to actually accomplish it. It was a good book to read. It was easy to interpret, so I am confused as to why there are so many different Cliff Notes out for it. It is one book that will remain in my archived collection of books. It is important to remember the history of the negro individuals, the black individuals, and the African American individuals through the eyes of white man intentionally turning his skin black. Lastly, race still matters in America depending on where you live. Do not be fooled!
This knocked me out. Should be required reading for every American. Why did it take me so long?
medium-paced
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
This is one of my favorite works of journalism.
As many have noted, the world has changed since 1959, and some of the author's thoughts and actions may seem "off" today. It's also true that, if you want to understand what it was like to be black in 1959, you should try to read things written by people who were actually black.
But the point of this book isn't "what was it like to be black in 1959?"
The point is watching someone who considers himself liberal and forward-thinking discover that he'd been underestimating the extent of the horrors he fought against. In doing so, I began to understand that, were I to go "undercover" as a lower-class or racially-disadvantaged individual in nearly any country on Earth, I'd have a rough time, despite whatever talents and skills I could carry along into my new skin. I think I was a bit more empathetic when I finished this -- a bit more determined to bring justice into the world -- and that's an incredible return on a small investment of time and attention.
John Howard Griffin seems like one of those rare authors who will do literally anything to better understand the topic they explore. He's also a fine writer. For that, five stars.
As many have noted, the world has changed since 1959, and some of the author's thoughts and actions may seem "off" today. It's also true that, if you want to understand what it was like to be black in 1959, you should try to read things written by people who were actually black.
But the point of this book isn't "what was it like to be black in 1959?"
The point is watching someone who considers himself liberal and forward-thinking discover that he'd been underestimating the extent of the horrors he fought against. In doing so, I began to understand that, were I to go "undercover" as a lower-class or racially-disadvantaged individual in nearly any country on Earth, I'd have a rough time, despite whatever talents and skills I could carry along into my new skin. I think I was a bit more empathetic when I finished this -- a bit more determined to bring justice into the world -- and that's an incredible return on a small investment of time and attention.
John Howard Griffin seems like one of those rare authors who will do literally anything to better understand the topic they explore. He's also a fine writer. For that, five stars.