A disgusted Black man boldly confronts the dysfunctional and criminal subculture (along with their apologists) that exists within the African-American community. This race-realist endeavor exposes many inconvenient truths and will undoubtedly become a catalyst for candid conversations. Flooded with statistics, headlines, pictures, and other evidence, this book is not simply an anecdotal tale of a miserable, inner-city co-existence... it’s a war report.
Until now, I had mistakenly used the term 'blacks', a small but productive, contributing, upwardly mobile, responsible and law-abiding group within the Af Am community instead of the proper descriptive term 'n---ers', an utterly destructive subculture within the African American community, as being responsible for much of the violence and mayhem in society. Like the author, I am also black. Thanks to his awesome book of brutal honesty, minute detail and spot on insight, I now fully appreciate the differences between these two distinct groups of African Americans and can unapologetically use the term that precisely describes just who is being referred to when identifying one group from the other, who are as different as night and day. Starkes informs the reader that this is not a self-help book or rehab manual. Af Am elites will never read this book and n---ers most certainly will not read this, or any book for that matter. The former, of course, need to keep the slavery/racism narrative alive in order to keep this n---er subculture riled up, angry and needy, and the latter simply enjoy being who they are, i.e., ignorant, non-productive, impoverished, underachieving, dysfunctional sociopathic criminals who see absolutely nothing wrong in their ways. Example after example is cited throughout the book. Since this is the case, Starkes says blacks should stop excusing their behavior and making futile efforts at helping them... help that won't do any good in the short or long term and help they never wanted to begin with. Instead, as the book's title suggests, confront them! In closing, this is one of the BEST politically incorrect books I have ever read. I have made several purchases for family and friends. Cannot be recommended highly enough nor give enough praise to Taleeb Starkes.
Whew: This the book that needed to be written. And we need to read it. Taleeb is leading a new pack of thinkers who just don't want to hear any more excuses for black pathology. Great book that will be around for a long time.
This book was right on point. Everything said by Mr. Starkes is the truth. It's sad but true and until we can stop glorifying the ignorance displayed we will never overcome as a race of people.
It's tough because, as Starkes freely acknowledges, he is not a professional writer. It shows.
It's tough to read because Starkes is so clearly angry and frustrated. It angers me that this book had to be written in my country.
And it's tough to read because as long as Starkes insists on using the word "nigger," he will be marginalized. I understand why he uses the word, but it is simply too incendiary. Using it relegates the book to the fringes.
A STARK REJECTION OF CERTAIN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN BLACK CULTURE(S)
Author Taleeb Starkes wrote in the Introduction to this 2013 book, “I am merely a BLACK man who possesses multi-layered animosity towards a subculture that openly exists within the African-American community My aversion runs so deep that I’m committed to combatting this subculture on any accessible platform… I’m no aristocratic, black elitist that has ‘made it’… Nope, this is an honest and direct assessment recorded from an ugly front line; it’s void of political correctness and happy endings. My meager academic credentials consist of a public high school diploma and an incomplete [black college] experience; thus, my viewpoint isn’t that of a scholar, intellectual giant, or wordsmith. Instead, it’s shaped by my experience as a father-husband… living in a modest row home in a ‘working poor’ area… Overall, I’m just a fed-up citizen who’s venting about the impact of a dysfunctional and bloodthirsty minority within a minority… As an individual, I felt powerless against a subculture that was seemingly dictating terms in most major cities. So, for more than a decade, mentorship has been my primary, combative weapon against it. However, my efforts haven’t kept pace with its unending lawlessness that dilapidating communities and cities.” (Pg. 1)
He continues, “I’m truly tired of premature funerals… I’m truly tired of parents burying their children… I’m truly tired of ‘R.I.P’ tee shirts, and murals of victims… I’m truly tired of the cycle of violence and dysfunction engineered by Urban Terrorists!... therefore the N____R [‘N’ henceforth in this review] subculture had to be confronted.” (Pg. 3)
He notes, “Historically, the N subculture wasn’t as prominent as it is at present; once upon a time, the African-American underclass mainly consisted of blacks. This was when African-American communities were based on common-unity, low illegitimacy rates, and children respecting adults. Moreover, ‘black on black’ homicides were anomalies… Blacks have always tried to reform the other segments of the African-American populace; some blamed racism while others cited shiftlessness.” (Pg. 43-44)
He states, “N-on-N crime is basically a form of ethnic cleansing, and because N-on-N incidences are easily recognized… police labor and taxpayer money shouldn’t be wasted on lengthy … investigations or homey-cides. In fact, due to Chicago’s lack of manpower and other factors, only 129 of their 506 murders (2012) were solved. Even still, these limited resources should be reserved for circumstances where [N]tivity affects civilians.” (Pg. 56) Later, he adds, “To be clear, I don’t mind the N herd thinning itself via homey-cides, but the resulting collateral damage is concerning… Honestly, if the entire 47.4% of African-American victims were from the N segment, I wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep, but unfortunately, such wasn’t the case… So who is killing African-American males? Here’s a hint: it isn’t the Ku Klux Klan or George Zimmerman types.” (Pg. 74)
He asserts, “As a pastime, Ns leisurely possess multiple promiscuous relationships. Their polygamous affairs are nothing more than thoughtless breeding for pure pleasure. Although their hyper-sexuality, and irresponsible practice of ‘procreation for recreation’ guarantees astonishingly bloated illegitimacy rates (amongst other pathologies), careless mating remains standard practice in the [ghetto]… this lone strength is an overtaxing liability to society. Ultimately, Baby Daddies and Baby Mamas share responsibility for this quagmire and should be considered public nuisances. The time spent during the child’s conception typically represents the only significant time that these two are truly united in the child’s life… In their subculture, Baby Daddies aren’t really expected to play a significant role in the child’s life. Yes, Ns are ‘fathers’ on paper (birth certificate), but taxpayers will ultimately be the provider. Baby Daddies are the reason that African-American dads have horrible reputations. In fact, Child Support Court seemingly makes a concentrated effort to financially ‘stick it’ to the involved BLACK fathers as compensation for the deadbeat Baby Daddies. On the flip side, Baby Mamas have it good because they typically receive society’s compassion without being held accountable, whereas men are held accountable without society’s compassion.” (Pg. 116-117)
He contends, “Regardless of whichever religious cloak Ns claim to subscribe, Ns are fraud! Don’t be fooled by their necklaces, with a Jesus charm, or any other religion-related item; it’s for attention, not religious piety. In other words, they only use religion to forward their agenda… Ns don’t pray, they prey. That’s why the light at the end of the tunnel that most Ns will likely see, won’t be GOD; it will be a muzzle flash.” (Pg. 134)
He asks, “Since Ns consider self-improvement, expanding horizons and intelligence as ‘acting White’… what is ‘acting BLACK?’ Is committing crimes acting black? Is having multiple Baby Mamas or Daddies acting black? Is being permanent government dependents acting black?... Is contributing nothing to society, yet expecting everything … acting black? Is speaking an unintelligible, offshoot version of English acting black? No, none of this is acting black! On the contrary, it’s acting like a N!” (Pg. 162)
He observes, “The saggin’ pants style (or lack of) is the wearing of pants in a way that deliberately exposes one’s buttocks. In the [ghetto], this is considered a form of ‘swag,’ which exemplifies style or confidence…. Outside the [ghetto], saggin’ is generally perceived as moronic and classless… Saggin’ is so normal in the [ghetto] that a fashion company has actually created jeans to enhance the saggin’ experience… In essence, this company is selling pants to the N subculture that deliberately exposes butt cheeks at different angles. Sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction.” (Pg. 176-177)
He concludes, “Growing up in the … projects, I partially assimilate into your [N] subculture. I used to think that you deserved pity over scorn, but I was wrong; my pity is now reserved for victims… and taxpayers… As a student of life, I recognize that in many cases, non-conformity has actually led to the rise of great ideas, music, art, inventions, etc. in history; yet, your non-conformity only produces rebels without causes… this book … addresses the quality of life issues that you pose and emphasizes that Ns benefit from BLACKS, whereas BLACKS suffer because of Ns. … In closing, I’ve accepted the irrationality of your subculture. A culture that blames the ‘White’ man for failures, bleeds the system, avoids social responsibility, and education while claiming to ‘keepin’ it real.’ Quite simply, you are feral blacks with sociopathic tendencies… Time is running out for your subculture; the taxpayers’ patience is thinning, and the country… no longer believes that your behavior is a manifestation of despair caused by centuries of racism and oppression… The only positive aspect of your existence is that it provides continuous teachable moments for BLACK children to learn how not to be.” (Pg. 227-228)
Obviously a book that is both passionate and confrontational, the good points Starkes sometimes makes are often overwhelmed by the rhetorical excesses he engages in. (But note that this was his first book; his later books offer some improvement.)
To the author - shameful. Doesn't matter what your "message" is, you know as well as I do, that saying that drums up your sales and lands you a little spotlight. You could have used something else. This has nothing to do with living in a PC driven society. Brave men and women fought to eradicae that word, show some respect Mr Taleeb Starkes.
I read this book at the same time as one of Colin Flaherty's and it makes a good companion to that with some events from his books popping up here. Growing up in a haven of black crime (Saginaw, MI) and living in the same state of two others (Flint, Detroit) this book not only confirmed much of what I already knew but both expanded upon it and added to it. He lays the blame right where it belongs on the ghetto criminal subculture of the black community, the apologists and the media that seem suicidally intent on obscurating, ignoring or blaming this vile behavior on the invisible entity of permanent/perpetual white racism. While he doesn't really come up with any great solutions for the problem at least he has the courage to speak up about it. Maybe putting everyone with their pants hanging below their buttocks in a work camp? I'm sure he's received plenty of grief about his pervasive used of the N-word but does such scum really deserve to be called anything else? Kudos to him for being able to fill the book with a good amount of humor while still respecting the serious subject matter. The title alone will keep this book from being widely read. I'd say this should be standard reading in inner city schools but if you've read it you know that they won't and even if they did you also know it wouldn't make a bit of difference. The Un-Civil war denounces a culture where the past doesn't exist (except when reparations are wanted), the future is only thought of as being one's most immediate urges (sex, money, bling, drugs, avoiding work/prison) and change is virtually impossible (except for the worse). An important book that will never reach those that it wants to change (because they don't read) and will be scoffed at/called racist/ignored by any who could possibly affect changes in the HoG. You should read this book even though a thousand books like this won't make a bit of difference in a society that coddles/apologizes for/hides/enables/deifies the violent black felon.
Great book - gripping, thrilling, and entertaining.
I wasn’t expecting to find a book written by a black man exposing this subculture.
When I picked up this book, what I found what an eye opening recount of the many issues that stem from the more dangerous side of the African American community.
I left this book more aware of some of the issues that exist - but I still love my culture. I’m just aware that there are people who exist at both ends of the spectrum- good willed and bad intentioned.
I went into this book expecting to disagree with every word as I did a prior book of his that I read. However, I agreed with most of what is stated and he also managed to open my eyes, change my mind and make me feel ashamed for some of the excuses I've made for people. Every AA should read it.
I take my hat off to the author, who has shown much bravery, in writing this book, for those of us who have lived in these communities, it's no great shocker, but in these days of identity politics, it is very enlightening
The author makes his point well and makes it hard. I agree with his observations, but honestly, the writing is very amateur to the extent that it somewhat undermines the serious point he's making, unfortunately. A new edition, properly edited, would be valuable.
I understand all the points the author was trying to make in this book. Actually, almost everything the Taleeb stated was true. This book is poorly written and I'm not even a great reader.
Some people should read this book. But unfortunately they will dismiss everything they don’t believe. Also it would be great to see or suggest actionable solutions.
Powerful ideas, which got lost a little bit in his manufacturing of a lexicon to support his point. Required reading for anyone trying to understand race relations in America.
Mr. Starkes has a unique point of view in that he grew up in the 'hood and went to prison and has now turned his life around to mentor young black men to see there is another way.
Interesting analysis of the differences between what Starkes calls "niggers" and Blacks. Reading this as your average newspaper reader, it seems to hold a lot of truth. There ARE "Quadruplers" and gangs. People whine about how many young black men are in prison. I seriously doubt that the police just go and round them up. THEY COMMITTED CRIMES. If young black men are disproportionately COMMITTING crimes, then it makes perfect sense they would be disproportionately represented in the prison population. It's just math. But no one seems to talk about that.
Another thing that puzzles me is the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Black people apparently don't care about their OWN lives. They assault, shoot and kill each other regularly. But no one seems to talk about that. They are committing genocide by aborting their children. But no one seems to talk about that. They refuse to take advantage of the myriads of programs to help them out of the cycle of poverty because that would be "acting white." But no one talks about that. When black lives matter to BLACKS, then things in the black community will turn around. White rich liberal elites have not managed to do that in 50 years of liberal policies.
As a counterpoint, I believe I will real Savage Inequalities.
This book is not for the faint of heart. He holds nothing back and tells the truth. He explains the difference between the black and bigger thinking. All teachers and political leaders should be required to read this book. Good read. Explains why Furguson happened.
Very well written book, with the author drawing upon conviction borne of personal experience. I think a few more anecdotes, examples, and stories would have added some color and helped illustrate many of the points presented, but overall worth the read.