The Assassination of the Black Male Image

by Earl Ofari Hutchinson

In The Assassination of the Black Male Image , noted political analyst and media critic Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson offers a searing, controversial indictment of our society’s attitudes toward black men.

The black male image, he argues, has been battered, maligned, and assaulted by academics, the press, and Hollywood, as well as by some black rappers, comedians, feminists, filmmakers, and novelists—many of whom he accuses of reinforcing, and profiting from, ethnic and sexual stereotypes.

Offering both a wide historical perspective and acute insights into such racially charged events as the O. J. Simpson trial, the Clarence Thomas hearings, and the Million Man March, Hutchinson brilliantly counters the image of the black male as a figure entrenched in crime, drugs, and violence. At the same time, he issues a deeply moving call to rethink the way we view African American men.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ayọ Owolabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I'd ever been gifted

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book and every black male should read this!!!

[Antwan Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book twice. Once in 2011 and once again in 2012 while serving in the United States Army. It explains the propaganda from the media and both the left and right wing politics over the course of many decades regarding the destruction of the black male image. For any social worker, social justice advocate or anyone wanting to understand why stereotypes about blacks exists and the motives behind it.

[Elton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very engaging book. I blew through it so quickly because it feels like a sad chronicle of how there has been a sociological agenda to portray black men in a particular negative light as lazy, white women lusting, drugged crazed, violent offenders. The author shows his work well with citations for when government officials and politicians all the way up to presidents controlling a false narrative against black men.

[Benjamin Goff · Rating 3 out of 5]

As aggressive as the title sounds. I appreciated the stream-of-consciousnesses writing, though I thought it would be a bit more academic.

Overall, a great primer.

[Billy Osei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sociologists throughout history sure give me a headache.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read 📚

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good on race issue, but a lot of speculation with few facts and sexist.