How to Be Black
Baratunde Thurston
Jan 2012 · Harper Collins
4.1star
77 reviewsreport
Ebook
275
Pages
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About this ebook
The comedian chronicles his coming of age while analyzing politics & culture in this New York Times–bestselling memoir and satirical guide.
If You Don't Buy This Book, You’re a Racist.
Have you ever been called “too black” or “not black enough?”
Have you ever befriended or worked with a black person?
Have you ever heard of black people?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you.
Raised by a pro-black, Pan-Afrikan single mother during the crack years of 1980s Washington, DC, and educated at Sidwell Friends School and Harvard University, Baratunde Thurston has over thirty years’ experience being black. Now, through stories of his politically inspired Nigerian name, the heroics of his hippie mother, the murder of his drug-abusing father, and other revelatory black details, he shares with readers of all colors his wisdom and expertise in how to be black.
Beyond memoir, this guidebook offers practical advice on everything from “How to Be The Black Friend” to “How to Be The (Next) Black President” to “How to Celebrate Black History Month.”
To provide additional perspective, Baratunde assembled an award-winning Black Panel—three black women, three black men, and one white man (Christian Lander of Stuff White People Like)—and asked them such revealing questions as “When Did You First Realize You Were Black?” and “How Black Are You?” as well as “Can You Swim?”
The result is a humorous, intelligent, and audacious guide that challenges and satirizes the so-called experts, purists, and racists who purport to speak for all black people. With honest storytelling and biting wit, Baratunde plots a path not just to blackness, but one open to anyone interested in simply “how to be.”
Praise for How to Be Black
“Part autobiography, part stand-up routine, part contemporary political analysis, and astute all over. . . . Reading this book made me both laugh and weep with poignant recognition. . . . A hysterical, irreverent exploration of one of America’s most painful and enduring issues.” —Melissa Harris-Perry
“Struggling to figure out how to be black in the 21st century? Baratunde Thurston has the perfect guide for you.” —The Root
If You Don't Buy This Book, You’re a Racist.
Have you ever been called “too black” or “not black enough?”
Have you ever befriended or worked with a black person?
Have you ever heard of black people?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you.
Raised by a pro-black, Pan-Afrikan single mother during the crack years of 1980s Washington, DC, and educated at Sidwell Friends School and Harvard University, Baratunde Thurston has over thirty years’ experience being black. Now, through stories of his politically inspired Nigerian name, the heroics of his hippie mother, the murder of his drug-abusing father, and other revelatory black details, he shares with readers of all colors his wisdom and expertise in how to be black.
Beyond memoir, this guidebook offers practical advice on everything from “How to Be The Black Friend” to “How to Be The (Next) Black President” to “How to Celebrate Black History Month.”
To provide additional perspective, Baratunde assembled an award-winning Black Panel—three black women, three black men, and one white man (Christian Lander of Stuff White People Like)—and asked them such revealing questions as “When Did You First Realize You Were Black?” and “How Black Are You?” as well as “Can You Swim?”
The result is a humorous, intelligent, and audacious guide that challenges and satirizes the so-called experts, purists, and racists who purport to speak for all black people. With honest storytelling and biting wit, Baratunde plots a path not just to blackness, but one open to anyone interested in simply “how to be.”
Praise for How to Be Black
“Part autobiography, part stand-up routine, part contemporary political analysis, and astute all over. . . . Reading this book made me both laugh and weep with poignant recognition. . . . A hysterical, irreverent exploration of one of America’s most painful and enduring issues.” —Melissa Harris-Perry
“Struggling to figure out how to be black in the 21st century? Baratunde Thurston has the perfect guide for you.” —The Root
Ratings and reviews
4.1
77 reviews
Scott Song
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February 24, 2020
It's funny how people try to differentiate themselves with another instead of trying to understand each other. But maybe it was needed to divide and conquer different cultural beliefs and even similarities among two cultures which clash. But takes one to know another and maybe just ignoring the differences that divide is the right type of ignorance we need. Everyone is technically racist- you would much rather see someone of your kind helping you when you're stranded 50 miles off a gas station
4 people found this review helpful
Cloris PatientC
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October 23, 2014
The best lessons are wrapped in humorous wisdom. Read it. Grow. Have fun. Be a better person by walking in these stylishly well worn shoes for a mile. (Review of a book in a different format.) I did not just enjoy #HTTB, I believed it and believe in it.
6 people found this review helpful
A Google user
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March 25, 2016
This book is fantastic at presenting the common stereotypes of what it currently means to be black in America. I resonated quite deeply with the topics that were brought up and each chapter made me evaluate my own perception of black Americans through the current societal environment.
9 people found this review helpful
About the author
Baratunde Thurston is the director of digital at The Onion, the cofounder of Jack & Jill Politics, a stand-up comedian, and a globe-trotting speaker. He was named one of the 100 most influential African-Americans of 2011 by The Root and one of the 100 most creative people in business by Fast Company magazine. Baratunde resides in Brooklyn and lives on Twitter (@baratunde).
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