Going Too Far: Essays About America's Nervous Breakdown

by Ishmael Reed

Challenging a prevailing attitude, this account disputes the idea that racism is no longer a factor in American life. Based on cultural and literary evidence—including Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn —it argues that, in some ways, the United States very much resembles the country of the 1850s. Not only are the representations of blacks in popular culture throwbacks to the days of minstrelsy, but politicians are also raising stereotypes reminiscent of those which fugitive slaves found it necessary to that African Americans are lazy, dependent, and in need of management. Bold and direct, this book brings an important debate to the surface.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Essays

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Ishmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.

Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.

Reviews

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

a collection of reed's essays mostly from counterpunch, but also nyt's, some academic journals and symposium, and ishmaelreedpublishing.com [but other sources too] from mas o menos 2010-2012.
reed is based in oakland califa and is maybe one of the most "respected" black radical intellectuals and social commentators. he totally backs up barack and laughs at usa progressives who say the pres should get on his high horse and start smiting bad guys [repubs mostly] but reed says pres doing just fine and pres really doesnt need or care or represent white middle class left wingers, but rather doing his best for blacks/reds/yellows in the face of incredible pressure from rich white men wanting status quo (see austerity cuts 2013 and no taxes for rich].
but that is just tip of reed's interest, he has thoughts on literature, popculture, oj, higher education, usa capitalism, black struggle, how canada does it better, jazz, and much more.
a great book but not sure why i don;t just read counterpunch instead. if you look at reed's publishing history, most of his recent books are from baraka books out of montreal as usa will not touch it. how sad is that?

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed's essays are written with his usual wit, making them a joy to read. His take on Precious scratched an itch I've had about that movie since I first saw it in the theater. There were so many works referenced that I hadn't heard of, but I've added to my reading list. Reed's a brilliant writer; he has so much knowledge that he weaves into these essays in a seemingly effortless manner.