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aarongertler 's review for:
Black Like Me
by John Howard Griffin
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.