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Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America
From the New York Times bestselling author of Tears We Cannot Stop
For more than thirty years, Michael Eric Dyson has played a prominent role in the nation as a public intellectual, university professor, cultural critic, social activist and ordained Baptist minister. He has presented a rich and resourceful set of ideas about American history and culture. Now for the first time he brings together the various components of his multihued identity and eclectic pursuits. Entertaining Race is a testament to Dyson’s consistent celebration of the outsized impact of African American culture and politics on this country. Black people were forced to entertain white people in slavery, have been forced to entertain the idea of race from the start, and must find entertaining ways to make race an object of national conversation. Dyson’s career embodies these and other ways of performing Blackness, and in these pages, he entertains race with his pen, voice and body, and occasionally, alongside luminaries like Cornel West, David Blight, Ibram X. Kendi, Master P, MC Lyte, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alicia Garza, John McWhorter, and Jordan Peterson.
Most of this work will be new to readers, a fresh light for many of his long-time fans and an inspiring introduction for newcomers. Entertaining Race offers a compelling vision from the mind and heart of one of America’s most important and enduring voices.
For more than thirty years, Michael Eric Dyson has played a prominent role in the nation as a public intellectual, university professor, cultural critic, social activist and ordained Baptist minister. He has presented a rich and resourceful set of ideas about American history and culture. Now for the first time he brings together the various components of his multihued identity and eclectic pursuits. Entertaining Race is a testament to Dyson’s consistent celebration of the outsized impact of African American culture and politics on this country. Black people were forced to entertain white people in slavery, have been forced to entertain the idea of race from the start, and must find entertaining ways to make race an object of national conversation. Dyson’s career embodies these and other ways of performing Blackness, and in these pages, he entertains race with his pen, voice and body, and occasionally, alongside luminaries like Cornel West, David Blight, Ibram X. Kendi, Master P, MC Lyte, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alicia Garza, John McWhorter, and Jordan Peterson.
Most of this work will be new to readers, a fresh light for many of his long-time fans and an inspiring introduction for newcomers. Entertaining Race offers a compelling vision from the mind and heart of one of America’s most important and enduring voices.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2021
65 people are currently reading
2094 people want to read
About the author
Michael Eric Dyson
82 books1,146 followersMichael Eric Dyson is an American academic, author, and radio host. He is a professor of sociology at Georgetown University.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 22, 2021
Dyson's new book is definitely a collection of his greatest hits of previously published work from 1991 to 2021. Chapters range from book introductions, sermons, speeches, interview transcripts, etc. on how various public figures including Dyson himself perform Blackness. This is one of those books where you can pick and choose the chapters that you are interested in reading. There were some chapters that were two academic for this volume (i.e. which is a reprinting of a 1990s conference paper). Some chapters that were introductions or parts of previously published books sound weird when taken out of it previous medium. Although on the flip side, they may cause readers to become interested in the other works. Interview transcripts on audio do not work well in my opinion. It would have been better if the actual audio from these conversations could have been used, in order to hear the distinct voices. Its really bad when there are interjections between speakers, it sounded like Dyson was debating himself. See the Dyson and Eddie Glaude debate in Ch 39. Lastly, I don't think Dyson needed to read the "Applause" and "Laughter" cues in the audio version.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Michael Eric Dyson for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Michael Eric Dyson for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
I love hearing Michael Eric Dyson speak, I've watched his many on-air & online discussions, interviews, debates, etc. This book came off to me as if I'd been given the chance to sit down with him, 1 on 1 with a whiskey and good cigar, and given the opportunity to ask him any question I want when it comes to entertainment and the Black Race.
I would listen to him explain why Queen Bey (Beyonce) is the greatest entertainer of all time, even over MJ! I would hang on to every word as he went into a deep analysis of NAS's one love and one mic, two of my favorite tracks of all time, and how Allen Iverson changed the face of the NBA.
He goes into religion, film, theatre, politics, all while painting a picture of how it all helped shape the America we know today, and how it continues to do so currently.
This was a fun, great read, and I would recommend it easily to friends and family.
Appreciation and love to Black Men Read Now and St. Martins Press for the Advance readers edition.
I would listen to him explain why Queen Bey (Beyonce) is the greatest entertainer of all time, even over MJ! I would hang on to every word as he went into a deep analysis of NAS's one love and one mic, two of my favorite tracks of all time, and how Allen Iverson changed the face of the NBA.
He goes into religion, film, theatre, politics, all while painting a picture of how it all helped shape the America we know today, and how it continues to do so currently.
This was a fun, great read, and I would recommend it easily to friends and family.
Appreciation and love to Black Men Read Now and St. Martins Press for the Advance readers edition.
April 21, 2022
A variety of essays and recorded discussions regarding race as it pertains to the entertainment industry, particularly those that are held in the public eye. Some are tighter than others, yet there is certainly something in here that everyone can learn from, even if it is only expanding your vocabulary.
April 14, 2022
There's something for everyone in this essay collection as Dyson considers racial issues and celebrates Black performance. Think of this one as a greatest hits from articles, commencement speeches, eulogies, and sermons.
July 1, 2022
I had the pleasure of dining with and listening to Dr. Dyson deliver a keynote when I was in college. He was as prophetic then as he is now. Dyson’s scholarship is an immense contribution to the black intelligista that counters centuries of harmful and flat-out incorrect caricatures of black intellectual thought. It is also true that the structure of Dyson’s book is laid out on the front cover summary. Despite my admiration for him, this book left me a bit wanting after completing it.
Most of the works in the book center around people Dyson knows and has interacted with such as Joe Biden, Ibrahim Kendi, Bell Hooks, Aretha Franklin, Allen Iverson, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Hilary Clinton among many others. The reality to me was that most of the book came off as “hey, look at all these cool cats I know and this is why they’re amazing!”. I think the reason that many works of this nature are edited and compiled by someone other than the writer(s) of the contributions is to avoid this pitfall. It did not feel that these works really drew back to this central understanding of black performance.
The introduction was amazing. It inspired me to go back and rewatch that Spike Lee Joint Bamboozled. I came away mystified after rewatching that movie and was really excited for what was to follow. However, the opening salvo of reflecting about the contributions of Beyoncé was really off-putting for me. Not to say that Beyoncé is not a great performer, but I highly question this being the first thing that readers see in this work. To paraphrase Dyson’s lauding of Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”, the whole chapter gave off a thirst trap vibe that would likely be off-putting to any wife of an author that read it.
I really thought this book would contend deeply with performative blackness in an involuntary sense as Dyson made direct reference to the murdering of a black slave girl on a slave ship in the introduction. I think Dyson misconstrues and overlooks the plight of the every day black person. Many blacks are not esteemed rappers or athletes and suffer away in silence. I do not buy into Dyson’s construction of these performers speaking on behalf of the poor and ignored if for nothing else than the separation that money and fame affords you from the desolation of the ghetto. While Dyson implored many in his speeches not to forget where en you came from, it’s much easier said than done.
This work is great to have as a myriad of essays, speeches and interviews by Dyson. However, it lacks the critical aspect that the topic of black performance deserves.
Most of the works in the book center around people Dyson knows and has interacted with such as Joe Biden, Ibrahim Kendi, Bell Hooks, Aretha Franklin, Allen Iverson, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Hilary Clinton among many others. The reality to me was that most of the book came off as “hey, look at all these cool cats I know and this is why they’re amazing!”. I think the reason that many works of this nature are edited and compiled by someone other than the writer(s) of the contributions is to avoid this pitfall. It did not feel that these works really drew back to this central understanding of black performance.
The introduction was amazing. It inspired me to go back and rewatch that Spike Lee Joint Bamboozled. I came away mystified after rewatching that movie and was really excited for what was to follow. However, the opening salvo of reflecting about the contributions of Beyoncé was really off-putting for me. Not to say that Beyoncé is not a great performer, but I highly question this being the first thing that readers see in this work. To paraphrase Dyson’s lauding of Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”, the whole chapter gave off a thirst trap vibe that would likely be off-putting to any wife of an author that read it.
I really thought this book would contend deeply with performative blackness in an involuntary sense as Dyson made direct reference to the murdering of a black slave girl on a slave ship in the introduction. I think Dyson misconstrues and overlooks the plight of the every day black person. Many blacks are not esteemed rappers or athletes and suffer away in silence. I do not buy into Dyson’s construction of these performers speaking on behalf of the poor and ignored if for nothing else than the separation that money and fame affords you from the desolation of the ghetto. While Dyson implored many in his speeches not to forget where en you came from, it’s much easier said than done.
This work is great to have as a myriad of essays, speeches and interviews by Dyson. However, it lacks the critical aspect that the topic of black performance deserves.
September 21, 2021
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I must admit, I was intimidated when I saw the size of this book. I didn't think I would ever be able to read the whole thing. But I found, as I read, I was spending more and more time with this book, looking forward to each chapter.
I am a white middle-class woman from a small New England town. In this environment, I am not ever going to experience racism. Usually, the only way I even can observe it is through what I see on the news. So I realize the only way to begin to understand it, is to read about it from the point of view of those who have experienced it. I recently finished reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson (I thoroughly enjoyed that book) and quickly followed up with this one.
What I quickly realized is this is a collection of essays written by Dr. Dyson throughout his career. So, it's very easy to read these out of order and still gain a full appreciation of his work. My favorites are Hard Out Here for a P.I.M.P. and Critical Race Theory in Action. I think these two essays bring home how brilliance and talent can be dimmed and obscured by racism. That the way to combat race discrimination is to first combat the belief in white supremacy. What makes a white person superior to a black, latino, asian or indigenous person? Absolutely nothing. No one is superior to anyone else. We need to accept that, we, as a country, have made mistakes in the past. We need to learn from those mistakes and make an effort to become a better nation now and in the future.
I am a white middle-class woman from a small New England town. In this environment, I am not ever going to experience racism. Usually, the only way I even can observe it is through what I see on the news. So I realize the only way to begin to understand it, is to read about it from the point of view of those who have experienced it. I recently finished reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson (I thoroughly enjoyed that book) and quickly followed up with this one.
What I quickly realized is this is a collection of essays written by Dr. Dyson throughout his career. So, it's very easy to read these out of order and still gain a full appreciation of his work. My favorites are Hard Out Here for a P.I.M.P. and Critical Race Theory in Action. I think these two essays bring home how brilliance and talent can be dimmed and obscured by racism. That the way to combat race discrimination is to first combat the belief in white supremacy. What makes a white person superior to a black, latino, asian or indigenous person? Absolutely nothing. No one is superior to anyone else. We need to accept that, we, as a country, have made mistakes in the past. We need to learn from those mistakes and make an effort to become a better nation now and in the future.
September 12, 2021
"...a teacher who preaches, a preacher who teaches and an activist who cannot rest until all are set free."―Senator Raphael Warnock
It is impossible to read this book and not hear Dyson speaking in your ear. This book is a collection of essays and letters, or perhaps a better description would be sermons. They are powerful, moving, and thought-provoking. Dyson doing what he does best... preaching, teaching, and putting the reader firmly on the path of activism, because you cannot read and not be motivated to do something. I simply loved the essays on Rev Al Sharpton and Dr Kendi... they filled me with such joy and my love for these two amazing gentlemen grew significantly. Dyson also introduced me to some voices that were lesser known to me - a white woman who is a bit clueless - to the phenomena that is Beyoncé.
If you desire to challenge yourself to view the world from a different perspective, this is an excellent starting point. If you feel like you have a broader perspective... this book will widen that perspective in a profound way. I highly recommend Entertaining Race.
I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
It is impossible to read this book and not hear Dyson speaking in your ear. This book is a collection of essays and letters, or perhaps a better description would be sermons. They are powerful, moving, and thought-provoking. Dyson doing what he does best... preaching, teaching, and putting the reader firmly on the path of activism, because you cannot read and not be motivated to do something. I simply loved the essays on Rev Al Sharpton and Dr Kendi... they filled me with such joy and my love for these two amazing gentlemen grew significantly. Dyson also introduced me to some voices that were lesser known to me - a white woman who is a bit clueless - to the phenomena that is Beyoncé.
If you desire to challenge yourself to view the world from a different perspective, this is an excellent starting point. If you feel like you have a broader perspective... this book will widen that perspective in a profound way. I highly recommend Entertaining Race.
I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
May 30, 2022
“Entertaining race” is a collection of Michael Eric Dyson’s “Greatest hits”. It covers his introductions to other books, essays, commencement addresses, sermons, etc., and is mostly about Black life in America.
The most impressive thing about this book is the range of people and topics that Dyson covers. His is a preacher, professor, cultural critic, and social activist and is familiar with almost every Black leader in America, or leaders who represent Black interests. For example, the author interacts with everyone from Beyonce to Biden and from Michael Jordan to Jesse Jackson. While the book was positioned someone as a celebration of Black contributions to Entertainment, it became much more than this.
One criticism of Entertaining Race, was that I found that his arguments framed battles between groups of people and did not really allow for differences of opinions within these groups. He seems to see all Blacks (with notable exceptions such as Bill Cosby) as being in one camp, and all Whites being in another camp.
While this is useful for a comparison and contrasting, and for setting up his various arguments for more justice towards Blacks, I think this is an over-simplification and one needs to take into account the individual. I think he misses a bet by not listing the many non Black people who are against White Supremacy including other Whites, Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous people and other races.
With that in mind, I made note of Dyson's quotes from Martin Luther King that "white supremacy hurts white people too" and that "injustice to any group is injustice to all groups". These are good words to guide us all.
I really enjoyed Dyson and his command of the English language. But there were times when the quality of chapters varied. Some were polished, others rough and in interview format, and some others seemed to be trying too hard to be clever.
That said, this book gave me a much better understanding of what it’s like to be a Black intellectual in America today and to know more about the suffering of Blacks – since at least 1619.
For this reason alone, it was a good read.
The most impressive thing about this book is the range of people and topics that Dyson covers. His is a preacher, professor, cultural critic, and social activist and is familiar with almost every Black leader in America, or leaders who represent Black interests. For example, the author interacts with everyone from Beyonce to Biden and from Michael Jordan to Jesse Jackson. While the book was positioned someone as a celebration of Black contributions to Entertainment, it became much more than this.
One criticism of Entertaining Race, was that I found that his arguments framed battles between groups of people and did not really allow for differences of opinions within these groups. He seems to see all Blacks (with notable exceptions such as Bill Cosby) as being in one camp, and all Whites being in another camp.
While this is useful for a comparison and contrasting, and for setting up his various arguments for more justice towards Blacks, I think this is an over-simplification and one needs to take into account the individual. I think he misses a bet by not listing the many non Black people who are against White Supremacy including other Whites, Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous people and other races.
With that in mind, I made note of Dyson's quotes from Martin Luther King that "white supremacy hurts white people too" and that "injustice to any group is injustice to all groups". These are good words to guide us all.
I really enjoyed Dyson and his command of the English language. But there were times when the quality of chapters varied. Some were polished, others rough and in interview format, and some others seemed to be trying too hard to be clever.
That said, this book gave me a much better understanding of what it’s like to be a Black intellectual in America today and to know more about the suffering of Blacks – since at least 1619.
For this reason alone, it was a good read.
December 31, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a free eARC copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
This book is fantastic. Whilst reading I recommended it to so many people-- and for those who were intimidated by the length, I explained that they could read chapters that interested them without losing out on the overall message of the book, as it is essentially a bunch of well-written essays put together in one place.
I love how we are drawn in with the first 20(ish)% about musicians and then Dyson moves on to other Black professionals. I am White, and live in Minneapolis, and am really embarrassed by what event it took for me to really dive into POC books. This one is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand a great part of American Culture.
Educators- this book could honestly be woven into any subject based on the vast and beautifully written essays that are each chapter. Have an econ class? There are multiple chapters that would apply. Music theory? Film history? US history? There are multiple chapters that would apply. Psychology? Sociology? There are multiple chapters that would apply.
This book is fantastic. Whilst reading I recommended it to so many people-- and for those who were intimidated by the length, I explained that they could read chapters that interested them without losing out on the overall message of the book, as it is essentially a bunch of well-written essays put together in one place.
I love how we are drawn in with the first 20(ish)% about musicians and then Dyson moves on to other Black professionals. I am White, and live in Minneapolis, and am really embarrassed by what event it took for me to really dive into POC books. This one is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand a great part of American Culture.
Educators- this book could honestly be woven into any subject based on the vast and beautifully written essays that are each chapter. Have an econ class? There are multiple chapters that would apply. Music theory? Film history? US history? There are multiple chapters that would apply. Psychology? Sociology? There are multiple chapters that would apply.
April 4, 2022
Somehow I missed the fact that this was a collection of essays. Since no one is interested in an individual review of each one, suffice it to say most were incredibly powerful, and some were not. I could listen to this man talk all day. His command of the English language coupled with his life experiences make him, for the most part, a very strong writer. Sometimes he’s a little too verbose and he loses me, and as is the case with many academics, his expertise sometimes comes off as arrogance. But he knows his stuff.
Two of my favorite lines were these:
“The thing is, I ain’t really interested in the existential anxieties that fuel and feed your demonization. I’m just saying the shit you doin’ is racist.”
(on Trump)
“If you use your religion to make God cosign your bigotry, you are a part of a confederacy of hate.”
Lots of really good stuff in this one from pop culture to politics, religion, sports, literature, history, Baldwin, King, and ohotobombing Nelson Mandela.
Two of my favorite lines were these:
“The thing is, I ain’t really interested in the existential anxieties that fuel and feed your demonization. I’m just saying the shit you doin’ is racist.”
(on Trump)
“If you use your religion to make God cosign your bigotry, you are a part of a confederacy of hate.”
Lots of really good stuff in this one from pop culture to politics, religion, sports, literature, history, Baldwin, King, and ohotobombing Nelson Mandela.
November 14, 2021
reading Dyson proves that you do not have to agree with everything someone says to really appreciate it and to enjoy it. he's more liberal than I am but he has profound ideas, thoughtful takes and huge insight. he has a way with words that few do. I learned, was challenged, gained in sight andall of those things make it worth it to read this book
I was also fortunate enough to receive this book as a gift from his publisher. through the Goodreads giveaway program. so thank you to those who made that available to me. we need to grow and learn and be challenged from those who may not look like you or think like you.he did seriously lose me in the middle of the book as several chapters went way over my head. but still good stuff
I was also fortunate enough to receive this book as a gift from his publisher. through the Goodreads giveaway program. so thank you to those who made that available to me. we need to grow and learn and be challenged from those who may not look like you or think like you.he did seriously lose me in the middle of the book as several chapters went way over my head. but still good stuff
December 22, 2021
A fantastic read. Mr. Dyson has address every issue the Africans has dealt with in the past and some of the current issues that are still relevant today. Social Economic, environmental impact in certain neighborhoods, equal justice, racism, health and medical services, public education, fair wages. We are still addressing all of those issues I previously mentioned and now we are dealing with two of the most evils of all the health virus that will kill you if people chooses not to get the vaccines and racism if people refuse to change their ways in believing they are superior or entitled to be above a certain race of people.
December 31, 2021
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a slow read at first, There were some subjects in the earlier subjects that could have been omitted. The Beyonce vs Michael Jackson seemed unnecessary to me. The book did get better after I left The Arts section. My favorite sections were The Life of The Mind, Talk Back & Publics. Michael Eric Dyson, as usual, displays a beautiful arrangement of words that always adds a special element to his literary work.
Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
November 13, 2021
Let me count the ways I love this Linguist Genius, Master of Words and Extraordinary Teacher/Preacher. I devoured this audiobook because it was so entertaining in how he delivered every message. I laughed out loud constantly and paused for deep thought many times. I suggest you also get the hardcopy or eBook to slow down and savor the words on the page. Buy It, Gift It. Enjoy every minute of this excellent work of literary art.
October 25, 2021
This collection of speeches and essays fell far short of my expectations based on the publisher’s description and in relation to other books of similar topic. Read my full review here.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #StMartinsPress
February 20, 2022
Dr. Dyson is back with his amazing words of wisdom and a voice that is so needed in this day and age. We are given a comprehensive lesson in the way African Americans have shaped politics and culture in this country. This was such a great read. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 2, 2022
Some of the passages are amazing, others less so, hence the three stars. Overall, the breadth of the author’s work is astounding. While There are clear themes (e.g., MLK) he keeps returning to in new contexts, the ways in which he draws in the work of a wide variety of academics, journalists, performers, and athletes creates a multifaceted perspective on race in the US.
November 19, 2021
2 things
A. I did not know a thing about Allen Iverson and now if have to go watch Ted Lasso again.
B. The fog of white supremacy is my new favorite metaphor
Never having read Micheal Eric Dyson I think this served as an excellent introduction to him and his work.a
A. I did not know a thing about Allen Iverson and now if have to go watch Ted Lasso again.
B. The fog of white supremacy is my new favorite metaphor
Never having read Micheal Eric Dyson I think this served as an excellent introduction to him and his work.a
January 3, 2022
Wow!!, The amount of research that must have done for this book is mind-boggling. One more literary masterpiece by Dr Dyson.
January 19, 2022
Ok - long read . . . Not sure of intended direction. . .
?
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Read
March 4, 2022I love this author, but I couldn’t get through the prologue. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace, but for now … no.
Read
April 14, 2022Good read
January 12, 2023
This is a terrible book. It is a replay of themes of previous books by Dr. Dyson. Dr. Dyson needs to sit down and develop some new ideas now.
March 16, 2023
A little wordy but worth it for the hilarious Jordan Peterson take down
February 5, 2025
This collection of essays, interviews, debates is a thorough assessment of African American performers. I particularly loved the dissections of musical lyrics of Nas, Tupac and Jay-Z.
July 10, 2023
I hadn't realized this was a collection of Dyson's previously completed writings and speeches and not an original full-length book on the subject, which changed my view a bit. There are quite a few gems in here, though, especially the chapters on sports and literary theory. Reminded me of my grad school days! A fine book to read in its entirety or chapter by chapter.
September 7, 2022
Wonderfully broad and enlightening commentary on race and the American Dream!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews