July 17 Meeting-Not a Genuine Black Man

1. Do you think that a majority of the black population has been affected by various acts of prejudice against them?2. How can we identify racism within ourselves, even if we think we aren't racist (maybe we are)?3. How can people help change and eliminate prejudice?

4. How are black gangs or gangs of any color the result of racism?

5. What was the turning point in the book where Brian felt “genuinely” black? What inner feelings brought him to that point?6. Imagine what it would be like to have a lifetime of pain heaped upon you because of the color of your skin. How would it feel to you? How would you adapt to it?7. Do you think Brian's mother, Carolyn, was right in trying to bring up her family in a white enclave despite the costs to her family in suffering racism?8. How does Brian's family's situation in the 1970s compare with that of the Middle Eastern or Hispanic emigration experience of today?9. How does Brian's family's move into a white enclave in the 1970s compare/contrast with the contemporary issue of gentrification?10. Brian has been accused of being an “Oreo cookie” (white on the inside). Is there any validity to analogies such as “Oreo,” “banana” or “coconut” or are they simply pejoratives? Is it an expected adaptation to living in a “white” neighborhood? Does “keeping it real” foster racism against whites?11. When was a time in your life when you were “the only one”? What did it feel like? How did you react to the situation?12. There are several success stories in the book. Name them.

13. The book felt like an iconic identity crisis, embodying in one man's story the pain of the black race. It is easier to digest because it is couched as a human story. How can the book be used to eliminate the racism it describes?

The author’s Web site:
http://www.briancopeland.com/