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The City in the Twenty-First Century
Against the Wall: Poor, Young, Black, and Male
Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title
Typically residing in areas of concentrated urban poverty, too many young black men are trapped in a horrific cycle that includes active discrimination, unemployment, violence, crime, prison, and early death. This toxic mixture has given rise to wider stereotypes that limit the social capital of all young black males.
Edited and with an introductory chapter by sociologist Elijah Anderson, the essays in Against the Wall describe how the young black man has come to be identified publicly with crime and violence. In reaction to his sense of rejection, he may place an exaggerated emphasis on the integrity of his self-expression in clothing and demeanor by adopting the fashions of the "street." To those deeply invested in and associated with the dominant culture, his attitude is perceived as profoundly oppositional. His presence in public gathering places becomes disturbing to others, and the stereotype of the dangerous young black male is perpetuated and strengthened.
To understand the origin of the problem and the prospects of the black inner-city male, it is essential to distinguish his experience from that of his pre-Civil Rights Movement forebears. In the 1950s, as militant black people increasingly emerged to challenge the system, the figure of the black male became more ambiguous and fearsome. And while this activism did have the positive effect of creating opportunities for the black middle class who fled from the ghettos, those who remained faced an increasingly desperate climate.
Featuring a foreword by Cornel West and sixteen original essays by contributors including William Julius Wilson, Gerald D. Jaynes, Douglas S. Massey, and Peter Edelman, Against the Wall illustrates how social distance increases as alienation and marginalization within the black male underclass persist, thereby deepening the country's racial divide.
Typically residing in areas of concentrated urban poverty, too many young black men are trapped in a horrific cycle that includes active discrimination, unemployment, violence, crime, prison, and early death. This toxic mixture has given rise to wider stereotypes that limit the social capital of all young black males.
Edited and with an introductory chapter by sociologist Elijah Anderson, the essays in Against the Wall describe how the young black man has come to be identified publicly with crime and violence. In reaction to his sense of rejection, he may place an exaggerated emphasis on the integrity of his self-expression in clothing and demeanor by adopting the fashions of the "street." To those deeply invested in and associated with the dominant culture, his attitude is perceived as profoundly oppositional. His presence in public gathering places becomes disturbing to others, and the stereotype of the dangerous young black male is perpetuated and strengthened.
To understand the origin of the problem and the prospects of the black inner-city male, it is essential to distinguish his experience from that of his pre-Civil Rights Movement forebears. In the 1950s, as militant black people increasingly emerged to challenge the system, the figure of the black male became more ambiguous and fearsome. And while this activism did have the positive effect of creating opportunities for the black middle class who fled from the ghettos, those who remained faced an increasingly desperate climate.
Featuring a foreword by Cornel West and sixteen original essays by contributors including William Julius Wilson, Gerald D. Jaynes, Douglas S. Massey, and Peter Edelman, Against the Wall illustrates how social distance increases as alienation and marginalization within the black male underclass persist, thereby deepening the country's racial divide.
- GenresSociology
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2008
4 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Elijah Anderson
32 books58 followersElijah Anderson holds the William K. Lanman, Jr. Professorship in Sociology at Yale University, where he teaches and directs the Urban Ethnography Project. His most prominent works include The Cosmopolitan Canopy and the award-winning books Code of the Street and Streetwise. His writings have also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times Book Review. He lives in New Haven and Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Want to read
April 21, 2009Check out my homie 'n colleague Raymond Gunn's piece in here. As well as family friend Scott Brooks' and cousin Imani Perry's.... Yay.
April 10, 2019
Read for SOC-111. A great look at what young black men from urban areas face.
February 9, 2024
"Against the Wall: Poor, Young, Black and Male" by Elijah Anderson offers a profound exploration into the experiences of marginalized young black men in America. Through touching, relatable anecdotes and meticulous sociological analysis, Anderson exposes the structural barriers and societal prejudices that shape their lives.
The book delves into the concept of the "code of the street" and how it influences the behaviors and interactions of young black men living in impoverished urban environments. Anderson skillfully navigates through complex issues such as violence, poverty, and discrimination, shedding light on the intricate web of social dynamics at play.
One of the book's strengths lies in Anderson's ability to humanize his subjects, providing readers with intimate glimpses into their struggles, aspirations, and resilience. By amplifying their voices and experiences, he challenges prevailing stereotypes and encourages empathy and understanding. Eliciting such emotions prompts readers to recognize the humanity and resilience of those facing adversity, fostering greater understanding and solidarity.
Moreover, Anderson offers insightful reflections on the failures of the criminal justice system and the educational system to adequately support and uplift young black men. He emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms that address the root causes of inequality and provide meaningful opportunities for advancement.
While "Against the Wall" is a sobering and at times disheartening portrayal of the challenges faced by young black men, it also serves as a call to action. Anderson's work compels readers to confront their own biases and advocate for social justice and equality.
Anderson’s book is a valuable read to both parents and young adults because it helps to deepen understanding of social issues and can be used as a tool to foster conversation that cultivates critical thinking and empowers and inspires advocacy and action.
In conclusion, "Against the Wall” is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of race, class, and inequality in America. Elijah Anderson's compassionate yet incisive analysis offers valuable insights into the lives of those often overlooked and marginalized in society.
The book delves into the concept of the "code of the street" and how it influences the behaviors and interactions of young black men living in impoverished urban environments. Anderson skillfully navigates through complex issues such as violence, poverty, and discrimination, shedding light on the intricate web of social dynamics at play.
One of the book's strengths lies in Anderson's ability to humanize his subjects, providing readers with intimate glimpses into their struggles, aspirations, and resilience. By amplifying their voices and experiences, he challenges prevailing stereotypes and encourages empathy and understanding. Eliciting such emotions prompts readers to recognize the humanity and resilience of those facing adversity, fostering greater understanding and solidarity.
Moreover, Anderson offers insightful reflections on the failures of the criminal justice system and the educational system to adequately support and uplift young black men. He emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms that address the root causes of inequality and provide meaningful opportunities for advancement.
While "Against the Wall" is a sobering and at times disheartening portrayal of the challenges faced by young black men, it also serves as a call to action. Anderson's work compels readers to confront their own biases and advocate for social justice and equality.
Anderson’s book is a valuable read to both parents and young adults because it helps to deepen understanding of social issues and can be used as a tool to foster conversation that cultivates critical thinking and empowers and inspires advocacy and action.
In conclusion, "Against the Wall” is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of race, class, and inequality in America. Elijah Anderson's compassionate yet incisive analysis offers valuable insights into the lives of those often overlooked and marginalized in society.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews