Through Our Eyes
African American Men's Experiences of Race, Gender, and Violence
Rutgers University Press
How have African American men interpreted and what meaning have they given to social conditions that position them as the primary perpetrators of violence? How has this shaped the ways they see themselves and engaged the world? Through Our Eyes provides a view of black men’s experiences that challenges scholars, policy makers, practitioners, advocates, and students to grapple with the reality of race, gender, and violence in America.This multi-level analysis explores the chronological life histories of eight black men from the aftermath of World War II through the Cold War and into today. Gail Garfield identifies the locations, impact, and implications of the physical, personal, and social violence that enters the lives of African American men. She addresses questions critical to understanding how race, gender, and violence are insinuated into black men’s everyday lives and how experiences are constructed, reconstructed, and interpreted. By appreciating the significance of how African American men live through what it means to be black and male in America, this book envisions the complicated dynamics that devalue their lives, those of their family, and society.
Through Our Eyes provides detailed examinations of the plight of African American men and youth. Garfield analyzes the effects of racism, gender roles, and violence on African American men. This book is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature that investigates the impacts of racism, sexism, and violence on African American men and youth.
A poignant, insightful glimpse into what it means to be black and male in the US. Garfield captures the complex intersection of the age-old tension of structure and agency in identity formation, and leaves readers more fully understanding the social construction of black masculinity. Recommended.
Garfield lays the foundation for a more nuanced way of thinking about African American masculinity. The book succeeds by showing readers that masculinity is not static, and that history and personal stories can help us to understand the often overlooked and misunderstood, everchanging African American male.
This insightful book lends depth and intimacy to the examination of violence in the everyday lives of African American men. Garfield delves into the motivations and reactions of these men, challenging stereotypes and creating a humanistic portrait of these individuals.
Through Our Eyes provides detailed examinations of the plight of African American men and youth. Garfield analyzes the effects of racism, gender roles, and violence on African American men. This book is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature that investigates the impacts of racism, sexism, and violence on African American men and youth.
A poignant, insightful glimpse into what it means to be black and male in the US. Garfield captures the complex intersection of the age-old tension of structure and agency in identity formation, and leaves readers more fully understanding the social construction of black masculinity. Recommended.
Garfield lays the foundation for a more nuanced way of thinking about African American masculinity. The book succeeds by showing readers that masculinity is not static, and that history and personal stories can help us to understand the often overlooked and misunderstood, everchanging African American male.
This insightful book lends depth and intimacy to the examination of violence in the everyday lives of African American men. Garfield delves into the motivations and reactions of these men, challenging stereotypes and creating a humanistic portrait of these individuals.
GAIL GARFIELD is associate professor in the sociology department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY and is the author of Knowing What We Know: African American Women’s Experiences of Violence and Violation (Rutgers University Press).
Introduction: "I am a man"
Little men
The souls of Black boys
Manhood
Imprisoned manhood
Manhood rearticulated
Conclusion: post-race and post-gender fiction in a violent world
Little men
The souls of Black boys
Manhood
Imprisoned manhood
Manhood rearticulated
Conclusion: post-race and post-gender fiction in a violent world
