Negro como yo
8.22 / 10 70K ratings
Classic- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2015
- Publisher
- Capitán Swing Libros
- Pages
- 248
- ISBN
- 9788494287893
In 1959, motivated by a profound desire to understand the realities of racial prejudice, white journalist John Howard Griffin undertook a radical experiment. Using medication and UV lamps to darken his skin, he transformed his appearance to pass as a Black man and embarked on a six-week journey through the segregated Deep South of the United States.
This groundbreaking work of nonfiction chronicles Griffin's immersion into a world where basic dignities were routinely denied, revealing the pervasive hostility, suspicion, and systemic discrimination faced by Black Americans. His account lays bare the stark contrast between his experiences as a white man and those as a Black man, exposing the superficiality of bigotry and the profound psychological toll of living under constant prejudice. "Black Like Me" offers a direct, firsthand look at the human cost of racial division, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, justice, and the illusion of racial differences.
This groundbreaking work of nonfiction chronicles Griffin's immersion into a world where basic dignities were routinely denied, revealing the pervasive hostility, suspicion, and systemic discrimination faced by Black Americans. His account lays bare the stark contrast between his experiences as a white man and those as a Black man, exposing the superficiality of bigotry and the profound psychological toll of living under constant prejudice. "Black Like Me" offers a direct, firsthand look at the human cost of racial division, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, justice, and the illusion of racial differences.
Original edition
Dans la peau d'un NoirOriginally published in 1976 French Editions Gallimard
Other editions (60)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
In the autumn of 1959, a profound restlessness stirred within me, a white man living in Texas, deeply troubled by the chasm of misunderstanding between Black and white people in the American South. Reports of rising suicide rates among Black Southerners gnawed at my conscience, revealing a picture starkly different from the harmonious narrative many white Americans clung to. I harbored a radical idea: to erase the superficial barrier of skin color and walk, for a time, as a Black man. With the support of a Black magazine, which would publish my findings, I resolved to undertake this perilous experiment, hoping my discoveries would expose the brutal truth of racism that white people denied.
My transformation began in New Orleans, under the care of a dermatologist. A regimen of oral medication, daily ultraviolet lamp exposure, and skin dye slowly darkened my complexion. I shaved my head, completing the disguise. Looking into the mirror, I confronted a stranger, a Black man staring back, and an unsettling feeling washed over me. This initial shock was quickly replaced by a burgeoning awareness of the immense dangers that lay ahead, a realization only deepened by the stark warnings of friends.
Stepping out into the streets of New Orleans, the world shifted. The courtesies I had always known vanished. Simple acts, like finding a restroom or cashing a check, became arduous, often impossible endeavors. White faces, once neutral or friendly, now held expressions of disdain, suspicion, or outright hostility. The constant, grinding effort of existence as a Black man became palpable, and I noticed the look of defeat and hopelessness beginning to etch itself onto my own face. The pervasive segregation meant that doors that were once open to me as a white man were now firmly shut.
Driven to understand the depths of this prejudice, I traveled deeper into the Deep South, through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia - states reputed to be even more oppressive for Black people. News of a recent lynching in Mississippi, where a grand jury refused to indict the mob, cast a heavy shadow over the Black communities I encountered, fueling a sense of despair and the grim understanding that justice was often denied. I witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers, the limited opportunities, and the constant threat of violence that shaped daily life.
My journey was punctuated by encounters that laid bare the raw indignity of racism. White men, seeing me as an object, would press for details about my sex life, turning conversations into crude interrogations. On buses, white women would hurl insults, speaking openly about the "impudence" of Black passengers. Yet, amidst this darkness, there were moments of profound human connection within the Black community. I was met with warmth, camaraderie, and astonishing generosity, welcomed into humble homes where families shared what little they had. These moments were a poignant contrast to the external hostility, highlighting the resilience and unity forged in the face of adversity.
The psychological toll was immense. I found myself adopting the language and attitudes of those around me, feeling the insidious creep of inferiority that society projected. The illusion of inherent racial differences, so deeply ingrained in the segregated South, was shattered by the simple fact that only my skin color had changed, yet my entire world had been overturned. I grappled with the moral implications of a system that sanctioned such injustice, realizing that true justice and morality were inextricably linked.
Eventually, I made my way to Montgomery, Alabama, where I observed a palpable spirit of determination and passive resistance within the Black community, inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. This energy offered a glimmer of hope amidst the pervasive oppression. As my journey neared its end, I secluded myself, stopping the medication and allowing my skin to return to its natural hue. The transition back to being a white man was almost as disorienting as the initial change, highlighting the profound impact of my temporary identity. The experience left an indelible mark, revealing truths about human identity, the insidious nature of discrimination, and the enduring fight for dignity and equality that I had only begun to grasp.
My transformation began in New Orleans, under the care of a dermatologist. A regimen of oral medication, daily ultraviolet lamp exposure, and skin dye slowly darkened my complexion. I shaved my head, completing the disguise. Looking into the mirror, I confronted a stranger, a Black man staring back, and an unsettling feeling washed over me. This initial shock was quickly replaced by a burgeoning awareness of the immense dangers that lay ahead, a realization only deepened by the stark warnings of friends.
Stepping out into the streets of New Orleans, the world shifted. The courtesies I had always known vanished. Simple acts, like finding a restroom or cashing a check, became arduous, often impossible endeavors. White faces, once neutral or friendly, now held expressions of disdain, suspicion, or outright hostility. The constant, grinding effort of existence as a Black man became palpable, and I noticed the look of defeat and hopelessness beginning to etch itself onto my own face. The pervasive segregation meant that doors that were once open to me as a white man were now firmly shut.
Driven to understand the depths of this prejudice, I traveled deeper into the Deep South, through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia - states reputed to be even more oppressive for Black people. News of a recent lynching in Mississippi, where a grand jury refused to indict the mob, cast a heavy shadow over the Black communities I encountered, fueling a sense of despair and the grim understanding that justice was often denied. I witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers, the limited opportunities, and the constant threat of violence that shaped daily life.
My journey was punctuated by encounters that laid bare the raw indignity of racism. White men, seeing me as an object, would press for details about my sex life, turning conversations into crude interrogations. On buses, white women would hurl insults, speaking openly about the "impudence" of Black passengers. Yet, amidst this darkness, there were moments of profound human connection within the Black community. I was met with warmth, camaraderie, and astonishing generosity, welcomed into humble homes where families shared what little they had. These moments were a poignant contrast to the external hostility, highlighting the resilience and unity forged in the face of adversity.
The psychological toll was immense. I found myself adopting the language and attitudes of those around me, feeling the insidious creep of inferiority that society projected. The illusion of inherent racial differences, so deeply ingrained in the segregated South, was shattered by the simple fact that only my skin color had changed, yet my entire world had been overturned. I grappled with the moral implications of a system that sanctioned such injustice, realizing that true justice and morality were inextricably linked.
Eventually, I made my way to Montgomery, Alabama, where I observed a palpable spirit of determination and passive resistance within the Black community, inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. This energy offered a glimmer of hope amidst the pervasive oppression. As my journey neared its end, I secluded myself, stopping the medication and allowing my skin to return to its natural hue. The transition back to being a white man was almost as disorienting as the initial change, highlighting the profound impact of my temporary identity. The experience left an indelible mark, revealing truths about human identity, the insidious nature of discrimination, and the enduring fight for dignity and equality that I had only begun to grasp.
What other readers say
Liked
The reviews highlight that "Black Like Me" is widely considered an impactful and eye-opening read, often described as a modern classic and a monumental tale. Many readers found it to be a powerful sociological and journalistic investigation into race relations in the American South during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The author's courageous endeavor to experience life from a different perspective is frequently praised, with reviewers noting his resilience in the face of threats. For many white readers, the book served as a profound catalyst for empathy, offering a personal understanding of the pervasive nature of racism and challenging their worldviews. It successfully illuminated the daily humiliations and systemic injustices faced by a marginalized community, making abstract concepts of discrimination feel tangible and immediate. Despite being written decades ago, many reviewers still find its core message about prejudice and the need for equal opportunity profoundly relevant today.
Disliked
However, a significant portion of the reviews raises strong criticisms regarding the book's fundamental premise and methodology when viewed through a contemporary lens. Many argue that a white man's temporary "experiment" cannot authentically capture the lifelong Black experience, deeming it "performative," "unnecessary," or even "patronizing racial tourism." Reviewers are concerned that the book inadvertently centers a white perspective on racism, rather than prioritizing the voices and lived realities of Black individuals. The fact that the author could ultimately shed his temporary identity and return to his privileged life is seen as a critical limitation, preventing a true understanding of sustained despair and systemic oppression. Some also question the author's motivations, suggesting the project may have advanced his career, and point out a perceived lack of self-criticism in his account. Additionally, a few readers found it difficult to believe the author could convincingly pass as Black, and one review noted the book's predominantly male perspective.
In short
Ultimately, "Black Like Me" is viewed as a complex and historically significant work. While its original publication was revolutionary and undeniably played a role in raising awareness during the Civil Rights era, its approach is often re-evaluated and debated by modern readers. It remains a valuable document for understanding the historical context of racial segregation and the initial efforts to bridge divides. This book would particularly appeal to white readers seeking an accessible entry point to understanding historical racism and white privilege on a personal level, serving as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and introspection. It is also recommended for those interested in the history of the Civil Rights movement, sociological experiments, or the evolution of discourse around race and identity in America. Readers should approach it with an understanding of its historical context, while also being mindful of the contemporary critiques regarding its premise and the importance of amplifying diverse voices.
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