Between the World and Me

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Between the World and Me was published on July 14th, 2015 by Spiegel & Grau. The book was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates.The book discloses how it feels to be a young black American and discover a life choice inside it despite the mistreatment and bias that remain exist[1].

Summary

Between the World and Me Book Cover[2]

The book reveals how to communicate with black teenagers and kids regarding being born as black people in America. Coates grows up in a tough neighborhood in West Baltimore, which is different compared to any white kids who would not fear for their existence. He explores that the lack of an education system and policies are made to prevent African Americans from achieving the dream of equality and freedom. The opportunities and connections are not enough for them to attain freedom, while the white communities are given many chances. In the end, Coates states that the habit that is applied these days eventually would make black people's bodies thrown away to prisons and ghettos[3].

Controversy

The book was written to explain how young African Americans face the danger that would come throughout their life. With many tragedies on several African Americans who died by the police brutality, these have created a mental for the kids of African Americans. Therefore, it is common to talk between the parents and their kids about the threats of living in a young black body in America. This has to be done as they need to learn how to confront the police if they get any threats or react with racism that is going to come in their near future. Coates writes 'In America, it is traditional to destroy the black body - it is a heritage' as the police are endowed to destroy the black people. Racism has been shaped in the establishment of the American continent, and it is inevitable for young black people to not experience prejudice throughout their lifetime. Coates adds being born black is like "you have been cast into a race in which the wind is always at your face and the hounds are always at your heels"[4].

References

  1. Between the World and Me. Goodreads. Retrieved January 25 2021
  2. Between the World and Me Book Cover The University of Minnesota. Retrieved January 25 2021]
  3. Lark Weller. Review of Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates The University of Minnesota. Retrieved January 25 2021
  4. Harvey Kwiyani. BOOK REVIEW: ‘BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME’ BY TA-NEHISIS COATES Journal of Missional Practice. Retrieved January 25 2021