How to Survive America: A Prescription

D. L. Hughley · Doug Moe

Jun 2021 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

"Dispels the myth that people of color are somehow predisposed to poor health, blaming systemic injustice in the health care system." —New York Times Book Review

Legendary comedian D.L. Hughley uses his "hilarious yet soul-shaking" (Black Enterprise) humor to confront racism's unjust impact on the health and wellbeing of Blacks and minorities 

White people love survival guides. But have you noticed they’re always about ridiculous activities in locations far from home, with chapters like “How to Survive an Avalanche" or "How to Live on Bugs in the Jungle.” Huh?!

You know who really needs a survival guide? Black and brown Americans. For surviving their own damn country! Minority populations wake up every day in a battle for their health and safety. Thankfully, legendary activist-comedian D.L. Hughley offers How to Survive America, a fearless satire that exposes racism’s unjust toll on our bodies and minds.

Even before COVID-19 disproportionately impacted minority communities, life expectancy for Blacks was a full three years less than for white Americans. The very air we breathe is more polluted, our water is more contaminated, our local food options are toxic, and our jobs are underpaid. Despite the obvious need, the quality of our health care is tragically inadequate. Our communities are statistically less safe than the average, and yet we’re terrorized by the law-enforcement and criminal-justice systems that are supposed to protect us, sending Blacks to prison at five times the rate of whites. Not least, our means of addressing these injustices—voting—is perennially under assault.

It’s enough to drive you crazy. Well, guess what? According to Cigna, Blacks are 20 percent more likely to report “psychological distress” yet “50 percent less likely to receive counseling or mental health treatment.” It’s almost like the entire country has been structured with no regard for our welfare. Hmmm.

Whether you’re Black, white, brown, or Asian, don’t leave home without arming yourself with How to Survive America!

About the author

D. L. Hughley is an African American comedian, actor, activist, political commentator, and writer, born in 1963. He is one of The Original Kings of Comedy. He created and starred in the ABC sitcom The Hughleys. His comedy specials have appeared on HBO and Showtime and he has hosted shows on BET, Comedy Central, TBS, and CNN. Since 2013, he has been the host of syndicated radio program The D.L. Hughley Show. His awards include the 2012 George Foster Peabody Award for his satirical documentary special, DL Hughley: The Endangered List. His first book is entitled I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes is Ruining America Black Man (2013). His other books include White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years (2016), and How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice from White People (2018). Doug Moe is the co-author of two books for D.L. Hughley: “Surrender, White People!: Our Unconditional Terms for Peace” and the New York Times Bestseller “How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People” (“A satirical but apt addition to the culture’s fraught conversation about race.” - New York Times Book Review). His book “Man Vs Child: One Dad’s Guide to the Weirdness of Parenting” was named one of Amazon’s Best Humor Books of 2017. He’s a longtime performer and instructor at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. On TV, you've maybe seen me in "Inside Amy Schumer," "30 Rock" or "Difficult People," among other places.