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

With a compassionate eloquence reminiscent of James Baldwins 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.