Book 37 - Eldridge Cleaver "Soul On Ice"

[jazzy_dave]

Eldridge Cleaver "Soul On Ice" (Jonathan Cape)





I think that you have to read and consider this book as a product of its times (originally published in 1968). I mean, everyone who cares knows that Eldridge Cleaver went on to become a member of the Mormon church (although he wasn't very active), then joined with some other religious groups, merged with the right wing, ran for the Senate as a Republican, and supported Reagan for president. So -- people change. But at the time this book was written, Cleaver was an angry man, and this book reflects a bit of the invective espoused at the time, and not just by Cleaver. Furthermore, he had every right to be angry, considering what was happening back then in the area of civil rights -- Vietnam, the death of Malcolm X, race riots, etc. Put into historical perspective, you've got an awesome source for the viewpoint of some radical Blacks of the time, that is, the ones who felt like Black America had to get up and do something.

And, if you judge this book by the writing, Cleaver is considerably eloquent, able to express himself well through the written word.

I'd recommend this one to people who want to put themselves in the mindset of one facet of that era. Also, you do have to take into account that had their not been people like Cleaver, or Angela Davis, or Malcolm X (and the list goes on), who didn't sit quietly and hope for change, African-American people might just find themselves continuing to live in the status quo of that time, and then where would someone like Obama be? Not that I agree with their methodologies, but at least people took notice. Sometimes being passive will not work,

Comments

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

I may have to give this a gander...

[thespian15.livejournal.com]

the ones who felt like Black America had to get up and do something.
That something was obviously joining the establishment.
Mormon, Religion, Right Wing, Reagan?
Talk about establishment. :o
Hugs, Jon

[splodgenoodles.livejournal.com]

The strange paths that people tread!

I like your point about people being passive.

I might look into this one.

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the review!

I think it would be an interesting read.

[msstacy13.livejournal.com]

I will have to read this, yes.

And keep in mind the methodologies of the sixties
were not the first methodologies black americans had tried,
but what they ultimately resorted to after a century of trying everything else.