In the book 'Black Like Me' by John Howard Griffin, the author undergoes a transformation to experience life as a black man in the deep South during the late 1950s. Griffin's daring experiment of darkening his skin and disguising himself as a black man sheds light on the harsh realities of racism and segregation prevalent in the American society at that time. Through his first-hand experiences, Griffin delves into the depths of race relations, bigotry, and prejudice, providing readers with a poignant and eye-opening account of the discrimination faced by African Americans.
Griffin's writing style in 'Black Like Me' is described as powerful, honest, and emotionally charged. The book offers a profound message about the race dilemma in America, inviting readers to step into the shoes of a black man and witness the injustices and struggles faced on a daily basis. Through Griffin's narrative, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and societal reflection, highlighting the universal themes of persecution, fear, and the destructive nature of racism across different communities and eras.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include racism, discrimination, colorism, and discussions of violence against black individuals.
From The Publisher:
THE HISTORY-MAKING CLASSIC ABOUT CROSSING THE COLOR LINE IN AMERICA'S SEGREGATED SOUTH
"One of the deepest, most penetrating documents yet set down on the racial question."-Atlanta Journal & Constitution
In the Deep South of the 1950's, a color line was etched in blood across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Journalist John Howard Griffin decided to cross that line. Using medication that darkened his skin to deep brown, he exchanged his privileged life as a Southern white man for the disenfranchised world of an unemployed black man.
What happened to John Howard Griffin-from the outside and within himself-as he made his way through the segregated Deep South is recorded in this searing work of nonfiction. His audacious, still chillingly relevant eyewitness history is a work about race and humanity every American must read.
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1 comment(s)
I read this for an African American literature class. It will definitely get your attention. A white man dyes his skin black and then roams around the South in the late 50s and experiences blatant racism that is fairly shocking to this modern reader.
What can you read after
Black Like Me?
About the Author:
John Howard Griffin (1920-1980) is known internationally as the author of two novels, Nuni and The Devil Rides Outside, five books and monographs on racism in addition to Black Like Me, a biography of Thomas Merton, three collections of photography,…
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