I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America

by D.L. Hughley, Michael Malice

"Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth to see it like it is, and tell it like it is." --Richard Nixon
"I believe America is the solution to the world's problems." --Rush Limbaugh
"SHUT THE F#CK UP." --D. L. Hughley
The American dream is in dire need of a wake-up call. A f*cked up society is like an addict: if you are in denial, then things are going to keep getting worse until you hit bottom. According to D. L. Hughley, that's the direction in which America is headed.
In "I Want You to Shut the F*ck Up," D.L. explains how we've become a nation of fat sissies playing Chicken Little, but in reverse: The sky is falling, but we're supposed to act like everything's fine. D.L. just points out the sobering facts: there is no standard of living by which we are the best. In terms of life expectancy, we're 36th--tied with Cuba; in terms of literacy, we're 20th--behind Kazakhstan. We sit here laughing at Borat, but the Kazakhs are sitting in their country reading.
Things are bad now and they're only going to get worse. Unless, of course, you sit down, shut the f*ck up, and listen to what D. L. Hughley has to say. "I Want You to Shut the F*ck Up" is a slap to the political senses, a much needed ass-kicking of the American sense of entitlement. In these pages," " D. L. Hughley calls it like he sees it, offering his hilarious yet insightful thoughts on:
- Our supposedly post-racial society
- The similarities between America the superpower and the drunk idiot at the bar
- Why Bill Clinton is more a product of a black upbringing than Barack Obama
- That apologizing is not the answer to controversy, especially when you meant what you said
- Why civil rights leaders are largely to blame for black people not being represented on television
- Why getting your ghetto pass revoked should be seen as a good thing, not something to be ashamed of
- And how hard it is to be married to a black woman

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Humor, Autobiography, Biography

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Darryl Lynn "D.L." Hughley is an American actor, political commentator and stand-up comedian. He is perhaps best known as the star of the ABC/UPN sitcom The Hughleys, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy. Additionally, he has been the host of CNN's D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show on NBC, and a local radio personality and interviewer in New York City.

Reviews

[Wendi Lau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Hughley has much to say on a variety of social and political issues, but without actually doing his homework on history, voting records, first person research (on the Tea Party, for example), the book is rather ignorant. The smarter side of ignorant, but ignorant, nonetheless.

If he had ever read anything put out by the Tea Party describing its goals, members, or methods, Mr. Hughley would know that it's about government accountability and responsible, reduced, improved fiscal management. Who can argue with that? Mr. Hughley seems to be mostly informed by news media which has been shown to be biased, incomplete, and inaccurate. He doesn't mention statistics, police reports, government hearings, conservative sources, or first person accounts other than his own.

What he does say: people should listen to each other; President Obama had an atypical upbringing (but neglects to mention the exclusive, high profile private school he graduated from in Hawaii); and the country is fractured, retaining little hard work ethic or national pride. I disagree, the hard-working, national pride citizens are WORKING, not yammering on television. However, he also compares the Muslim population in the U.S. to that in France and complains that Michelle Bachmann's concerns over the "Muslim ethic" and Sharia Law are completely off-base.

First, there are no Western European countries that can be accurately compared to the U.S. in any way: economic, land size, ethnicity, or population. The U.S. is just bigger and more diverse. What works on a small scale should only be compared on a similar scale. Second, the large number of Muslim immigrants can significantly alter France's social and legal system since the French are not repopulating its small population at a replacement rate. They tend to not integrate into French society and maintain their strict religious and social mores. Muslim women are not equal to Muslim men; and sex outside of marriage and being gay can result in community/family sanctioned death. The strictly practiced Muslim faith is different from, even contradictory to Western values. To not worry about this sea change is to not understand or properly respect their faith. Also, to flee a country is completely different from emigrating for more opportunity, as historical waves of U.S. immigration has been.

D.L. Hughley is not a stupid man. But neither is he smart enough for me to continue past page 50.

[Carol Wagers · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/28/12: two chapters into the book and I'm loving it. Don't read it however, if you are upset by or offended at the use of the "F" word. He throws it around a lot, but always in appropriate places. The man can not only write, but he's got interesting ideas about the state of America. Let me know what you think when you/me have finished.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-rounded book full of anecdotes from Hughley’s personal and professional life, covering everything from politics, race and gender stereotypes, and family. I enjoyed this read. While I didn’t agree with everything in this book, it was funny and insightful. I just wish there was an updated version covering today’s political climate.

[Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just because somebody says "you could write a book about your life" doesn't mean you should.

[Crown Publishing]

The American dream is in dire need of a wake-up call. A f*cked up society is like an addict: if you are in denial, then things are going to keep getting worse until you hit bottom. According to D. L. Hughley, that's the direction in which America is headed.

In I Want You to Shut the F*ck Up, D.L. explains how we've become a nation of fat sissies playing Chicken Little, but in reverse: The sky is falling, but we're supposed to act like everything's fine. D.L. just points out the sobering facts: there is no standard of living by which we are the best. In terms of life expectancy, we're 36th--tied with Cuba; in terms of literacy, we're 20th--behind Kazakhstan. We sit here laughing at Borat, but the Kazakhs are sitting in their country reading.

Things are bad now and they're only going to get worse. Unless, of course, you sit down, shut the f*ck up, and listen to what D. L. Hughley has to say. I Want You to Shut the F*ck Up is a slap to the political senses, a much needed ass-kicking of the American sense of entitlement. In these pages, D. L. Hughley calls it like he sees it, offering his hilarious yet insightful thoughts on:

- Our supposedly post-racial society
- The similarities between America the superpower and the drunk idiot at the bar
- Why Bill Clinton is more a product of a black upbringing than Barack Obama
- That apologizing is not the answer to controversy, especially when you meant what you said
- Why civil rights leaders are largely to blame for black people not being represented on television
- Why getting your ghetto pass revoked should be seen as a good thing, not something to be ashamed of
- And how hard it is to be married to a black woman

[Ronald Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent political and social insights from King of Comedy D.L. Hugley who's honesty has dared to piss off Stevie Wonder, Harry Belafonte, family, friends, colleagues, foes and fans; including me. I respect his political critics, but he lays Crenshaw bare with harsh criticisms for all to see -- the gang mentality, the dysfunctional trapped mantra and behavior of the ghetto, but he slams L.A.P.D. for treating them like animals. Treating the ghetto like people becomes a hard sell. There's no value added in explaining the effects of white supremacy in the ghetto. They are not listening or not taking ownership. And, as he admitted, they use the effects of white supremacy to justify further Jim Crowing Black people. He's also candid about his own missteps. For example, Hughley was saved from doing time for carrying a gun into an airport by paying an attorney $30,000; he's awarded a Ph.D. at his son's college in exchange for delivering the commencement address, then brags to his son how easy it was compared to what his son had to do to get a B.A. But, unlike Bill Cosby, Hughley in no way merits the title. He shares insights of his career, on stage and in Hollyweird, with humorous political observations!

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought most of what DL had to say made a lot of sense. I read this book quickly and it was an enjoyable read however, I have one major bone to pick with the author. On page 134, on the subject of television he writes, "We haven't had a black drama in decades, if ever. It's too serious and too touchy." Hold on! What about "The Corner," (a mini-series like Roots) and for the love of all that's right and just what about "The Wire?" If that's not a black drama I have no idea what one would look like. How can you overlook what many--myself included--consider to be the BEST DRAMA THAT HAS EVER AIRED ON TV? It shows African Americans as politicians, teachers, and cops, as well as an array of smart and motivated drug dealers and criminals so nuanced that they defy stereotyping. This was a major oversight in my opinion that colored the rest of book for me. (If he could be so wrong on this, what else was he misinformed about?)

That said, I recommend it. It's timely, after the election it may lose some of its sting because it is so topical.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.L Hughley is not only one of comedy's funniest comedians, he is also highly intelligent. I agreed with him on so many levels pertaining to politics, and you just can't beat his realism about life. I laughed so hard at many of the issues he raised, but what he says is extremely serious.

This isn't one of those books that deals with his life per se, but rather little glimpes of who D.L. Hughley is and what he thinks about. If you enjoy his standup, you will definitely enjoy this book and you'll get where he's coming from. I thought the ending of the book was well done with his personal thoughts on Bernie Mac. It was so moving, it made me cry. I miss Bernie too, so I could relate to his pain on losing such a great friend.

If you can't deal with realism, you won't enjoy this book because D.L. does not sugarcoat anything. He tells it just like it is, whether you agree with him or not. I have nothing but respect for him. A really good read!

[Natasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course it's funny, had me laughing out loud on the train a couple of times. You won't agree with him all the time but he's true to himself... which you soon find out from the 1st chapter was the whole point of everything he ever did anyway.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want you to write a better book

[C Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gets people talking/thinking. Quick read, but needs some thought attached to it. Chp 13 worries me when it is so easy for money to get kids out of trouble: black, white or any color ... I see kids in school assuming their parents will always be there to get them out but at some point when a kid kills another kid drinking and driving or has said "just try to make me learn" there is a time parents and teachers need to make it right. Lawyers, cops, parents, teachers... need to follow the rules. And if a kid messes up there are consequences, and there should be role models helping the kids. YOu don't get off because you are someone's son/daughter or someone has $. Shout at your kids why they are partying rather than the police knocking at your door. Not all high school kids party and tape themselves.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't always care for D.L. Hughley's stand up comedy, but whenever I've seen him on Bill Maher talking politics and social issues, I always find myself nodding along. I had the same reaction to this book. I agree with him on a lot of things--politics, education, family, but not others: monogamy, guns, his views on women. He's kind of all over the place in this book topic wise, but I enjoyed it, and especially enjoyed getting the insight into his life (especially his childhood) and how he wound up where he is today, despite (or because) of his background.

[Steven Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I thought. There are times when D.L. starts to kind of lose steam and focus and just generally feel like he is rambling, but he was able to save it often enough by regaining focus on a sungle point. While there aren't many new observations here, it sometimes feels as though he uses this book to legitimize some of the comments he made regarding Don Imus and explaining his overall thought process and how it has evolved over the years. He makes good points but most of them are within the first 1/3rd of the book.

[Robin Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was... messy. A memoir with his political ramblings was an incompatible mixture in this case. I would have preferred just his personal story (which was indeed interesting.)

I was interested in D.L Hughley as a comedian, and then secondly, as a political commentator. Although this book reflects his views in 2012 (when it was written), I was surprised by his deeply misogynistic views.

In fact, I found myself disagreeing with more than half of his views and beliefs but we can agree to disagree.

Overall, I feel indifferent towards this read.

[Gerald Kinro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book shares some of comedian Hughley’s views of politics and the state of America. Simply written, it is funny. That said, I had hoped he’d taken on more issues. In an inventory, I find to be agreeing with slightly less that 50 percent of what he writes. However, on some his proposals, though far out, seem better than what the government has given us. Suggestion: talk less of himself and more on issues.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The political portion of this book -which is about the first third of the book - was written in response to the 2012 Republican Primary debates. So, while some good points are made, none of the runners hold much sway in politics now-a-days.

The rest of the book is very autobiographical and I thought it was pretty interesting. It talks about race relations, raising kids, growing up in a bad neighborhood, etc. Overall, an entertaining read.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half memoir, half commentary. Pretty good, and gradually narrows in scope, first discussing the US' weakening rankings globally, then US domestic issues, then issues within family units and finally within himself. Probably best to remember that his opinions are his own, and you aren't required to agree or disagree. Then his perspective is actually quite refreshing.

[Emerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this during the election 2012 campaign and came to understand how different our lives are from each other, and how presumptuous we can be in assuming we all have the same lives filled with the same opportunities.

D.L. Has a strong voice which I aspire to absorb. He writes first about his political opinions and then explains his life experiences that shaped his perspective.

[Shuaib Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I though this was an interesting, very honest depiction of D.L's background and life experiences. He talks about politics, bullying, overcoming obstacles, reality based thinking, police officers and marriage. It is very funny, but a lot of it is his opinion, not really facts. A very good book to read.

[Kathlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

20% repetitive theme anecdote
30% reality check for privileged, white America
50% self-aggrandizing, verbal masturbation with some sexism thrown in for good measure.

You can skip it and read ANYTHING by Tim Wise instead.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped widen my perspective. As a white man many of Mr Hughley's observations are foreign to me, but he writes well enough that I get it. He is also fearless about taking his own community to task where he feels it necessary. Well worth the read

[Elaina Wojeski · Rating 1 out of 5]

When people say anti-white racism doesn't exist, I say D.L. Hughley continues to be published, so *shrug*
Even Malcolm X couldn't tear himself away from physically abusing his white mistress long enough to be this stupid, racist, and aggressively misled.

[Danielle]

D.L. is promoting this book on all the cable shows right now, and it sounds pretty fun.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read. didn't love the parts that went into detail about specific politicians, but loved the rest- esp the parts where he wrote about his own life.

[Ramondo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like his view on certain topics, ESP his view on race, and black culture. Very hardcore book- I. Would suggest this book to any man over 30 and blacxk

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish more people could hear D.L. Hughley's reasonable, principled approach to his political opinions. It's not as much WHAT he thinks but HOW he thinks that makes this an inspiring read.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty enjoyable and entertaining. DL is a thorough dude.

[Patrick Mcconaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book.

[Ward Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, informative, and at times very true. It's a very light, easy read. Hughley is funny and smart to boot. A very witty, fun read....and you might just learn something.