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The New Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times -- Revised Edition
A newly revised modern manual of manners and etiquette that has become an African American classic.
Unlike the more traditional etiquette books that many African Americans may find stodgy, off-putting, and culturally alien, The New Basic Black is for real people who live real lives—and it addresses many of the issues of a growing black middle class. Straightforward, user-friendly, and illustrated with line drawings, The New Basic Black includes all the information any well-mannered person would want to know about the social rites of passage (marriage, birth, christening, death), the corporate workplace (standard work issues and the more delicate issue of race and its impact on a work environment), various occasions (having guests or being a guest at a summer home, etc.), and everyday rules and rituals that make living in hectic times a little easier. The revised edition of The New Basic Black also contains the intricacies of Internet etiquette, tips for travel in the post-9/11 age, and a wealth of other invaluable information that will make life more comfortable.
For singles and families alike, The New Basic Black takes the mystery out of conventional etiquette and will arm the reader with confidence in any situation.
Unlike the more traditional etiquette books that many African Americans may find stodgy, off-putting, and culturally alien, The New Basic Black is for real people who live real lives—and it addresses many of the issues of a growing black middle class. Straightforward, user-friendly, and illustrated with line drawings, The New Basic Black includes all the information any well-mannered person would want to know about the social rites of passage (marriage, birth, christening, death), the corporate workplace (standard work issues and the more delicate issue of race and its impact on a work environment), various occasions (having guests or being a guest at a summer home, etc.), and everyday rules and rituals that make living in hectic times a little easier. The revised edition of The New Basic Black also contains the intricacies of Internet etiquette, tips for travel in the post-9/11 age, and a wealth of other invaluable information that will make life more comfortable.
For singles and families alike, The New Basic Black takes the mystery out of conventional etiquette and will arm the reader with confidence in any situation.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2005
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 28, 2024
There are two things that you should have in your very black household.
1.) The Bible (if you believe)
2.) 'The New Basic Black'
I mentioned this book on my Tik Tok (@Dasiasaysso) and the video has now amassed more than 670K views. If you're here from my video review, hey! Also, if you're wondering why it's difficult to find a copy of this book anywhere... my apologies.
'Your Best Possible You','Life After 9/11', and the section on table etiquette and the importance of sending invitations and letters were my favorites. Overall I started reading 'The New Basic Black' book in August and I am now on the last chapter and there are 500+ pages, that should tell you something. In my Tik Tok video I mentioned that this book has shown me that as a society, in losing the foundational elements of life we have lost the art of communication and connection. Through the foundational topics and practices established within this book, we are able to connect, respect, and value ourselves and the people around us. This book was written for us and by us and it's quite understandable that people outside of us don't quite understand the significance, nuances, or need for the topics at hand. This book is necessary and although there are a few topics that are no longer relevant, there are topics that transcend time. You may have to fill in the blanks for some, but take what you can. If it doesn't apply let it fly. I am immensely grateful that I found this book and I feel as though I can be a better family member, friend, lover, and overall woman (black woman) within my culture. What am I doing for my people? What am I doing for community? What am I doing to stay connected to my family and friends?
Many people in the comments on Tik Tok made this a race topic or were insinuating that this book was an instructional manual on how to become a palatable black, but that is not the case. This book honors how far we have come as a race and as a society and where we are going. However, in order to ensure that we are equipped, our foundation must be solid and that is established through this book.
People were also arguing that this book was upholding "traditional values and society is constantly evolving." 'The New Basic Black' bridges the gap of traditionalism and modernism through the progression of the book. One cannot have modernism without traditionalism, both can exist simultaneously. I really enjoyed reading this book and it's one that you keep on the shelf and return to when you need a refresher or insight, almost like a black cookbook but for life.
1.) The Bible (if you believe)
2.) 'The New Basic Black'
I mentioned this book on my Tik Tok (@Dasiasaysso) and the video has now amassed more than 670K views. If you're here from my video review, hey! Also, if you're wondering why it's difficult to find a copy of this book anywhere... my apologies.
'Your Best Possible You','Life After 9/11', and the section on table etiquette and the importance of sending invitations and letters were my favorites. Overall I started reading 'The New Basic Black' book in August and I am now on the last chapter and there are 500+ pages, that should tell you something. In my Tik Tok video I mentioned that this book has shown me that as a society, in losing the foundational elements of life we have lost the art of communication and connection. Through the foundational topics and practices established within this book, we are able to connect, respect, and value ourselves and the people around us. This book was written for us and by us and it's quite understandable that people outside of us don't quite understand the significance, nuances, or need for the topics at hand. This book is necessary and although there are a few topics that are no longer relevant, there are topics that transcend time. You may have to fill in the blanks for some, but take what you can. If it doesn't apply let it fly. I am immensely grateful that I found this book and I feel as though I can be a better family member, friend, lover, and overall woman (black woman) within my culture. What am I doing for my people? What am I doing for community? What am I doing to stay connected to my family and friends?
Many people in the comments on Tik Tok made this a race topic or were insinuating that this book was an instructional manual on how to become a palatable black, but that is not the case. This book honors how far we have come as a race and as a society and where we are going. However, in order to ensure that we are equipped, our foundation must be solid and that is established through this book.
People were also arguing that this book was upholding "traditional values and society is constantly evolving." 'The New Basic Black' bridges the gap of traditionalism and modernism through the progression of the book. One cannot have modernism without traditionalism, both can exist simultaneously. I really enjoyed reading this book and it's one that you keep on the shelf and return to when you need a refresher or insight, almost like a black cookbook but for life.
Displaying 1 of 1 review