The Envy of the World: On Being a Black Man in America

Ellis Cose

Feb 2002 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

With a compassionate eloquence reminiscent of James Baldwin's Letter to My Nephew, Ellis Cose presents a realistic examination of the challenges facing black men in modern America.

Black men have never had more opportunity for success than today—yet, as bestselling author Cose puts it, "We are watching the largest group of black males in history stumbling through life with a ball and chain." Add to that the ravages of police brutality, murder, poverty, illiteracy, and the widening gap separating the black "elite" from the "underclass," and the result is a paralyzing pessimism. But even as Cose acknowledges the systemic obstacles that confront black men, he refuses to accept them as reasons for giving up; instead he rails against the destructive attitude that has made academic achievement a source of shame instead of pride in many black communities—and outlines steps black males can take to enhance their odds for success.

With insightful anecdotes about a broad range of black men from all walks of life, Cose delivers a warning of the vast tragedy that is wasted black potential, and a call to arms that can enable black men to reclaim their destiny in America.

Ratings and reviews

I just finished reading it, I'm french and I was curious to reading this, suggested by a friend of mine and I'm amazed of how the subject is enrolled. Lots of repetitions but also a lot of stirring words, it helped me understanding what's it like to grow a black man in America and also nurtured the dreams I keep within.

As someone who learned the hard way that hard work will only get you so far, its nice to see that an older black man acknowledges this fact. Too often that's what I heard from the older generation and it didn't match with my thoughts.

About the author

Ellis Cose is the author of the bestselling The Envy of the World, Color-Blind, and The Rage of a Privileged Class, as well as Democracy, If We Can Keep It and The Short Life & Curious Death of Free Speech in America. He is a columnist and contributing editor for Newsweek magazine. He has appeared on Nightline, Dateline, Good Morning America, PBS's NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, NPR, and other national television and radio programs. He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.