Grier, W.H. & Cobbs, P. (1968). Black Rage

. Basic Books.

OVERVIEW

 

(Download Black Rage overview as a PDF)

 

In the 1966, William Grier and Price Cobbs began to write a psychological examination of black people in America. Grier and Cobbs, two black psychiatrists, sought to explore an area which had been void before that period: the "special aspects of the psychiatric treatment of blacks" (p. xi). The authors set out to write a clinical handbook in non-technical language, intended for professional psychiatrists. The audience they gleaned was much larger than they intended. Black Rage became popular outside of the clinical field, and it has been re-issued twice since its original 1968 publication.

 

The impetus for this book was the turbulent decade which preceded its writing. During this time racial issues were thrust into the nation’s consciousness, and a need grew for the examination of "what it means to be a black American in a nation which reserved (and in many instances continues to reserve) a uniquely disfavored place for its black citizens" (p. xii).

 

The study led the authors to look not only at blacks themselves, but also the society in which they live. They investigated the role which black Americans are allotted by a white majority—one which, while claiming to be egalitarian, simultaneously stifles economic and other competition by blacks. The authors’ goal, then, was to offer a clinical handbook examining a unique situation faced by a distinct group of Americans.

 

The authors methodically approach the work. The contents are outlined in the Table of Contents:

• Who’s Angry?
• The Shadow of the Past
• Achieving Womanhood
• Acquiring Manhood
• Marriage and Love
• Character Traits
• The "Promise" of Education
• Mental Illness and Treatment
• How Come There’s So Much Hate?
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• Black Rage

 

Grier and Cobbs use case studies throughout the book to illuminate their points. The first chapter primarily consists of three case studies illustrating the psychological conditions in which blacks live. These cases show that—even when the social situations of blacks are identical to those of their white counterparts—blacks are prone to encounter added psychological strains, rooted in the historical oppression of blacks in America. The title, "Who’s Angry?", elicits the answer that all African Americans, regardless of qualifications, are prone to suffer from the debilitating and enraging scars inflicted over the past three centuries. It is "The Shadow of the Past" which has taken a mental toll on the black population of America.

 

The authors then turn to the psychological results of America’s past. They explore aspects of daily life, such as a black woman who must learn to take pride in her appearance while the mass media portray the epitome of beauty as one with fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. The authors also examine the coming of age of black men who must not appear threatening to the society in which they live. The authors note that, both physcially and economically, white America is unwilling to accept competition from blacks. Assertion, then, invites reproval.

 

The book continues to unveil the psychological aspects of living in a society which stigmatizes and oppresses an individual—simply because of one’s color—and facilitates complex psychological problems. They show how these circumstances influence the lives of black people in America, and how far reaching the effects and consequences are. It is the view of the authors that the oppression of African Americans today and throughout U.S. history has created an atmosphere in which all citizens, to some variable degree, harbor a hatred of blacks. These sentiments foster psychological problems for African Americans.

 

This provocative study is offered from two researchers who want the situation of blacks in America not only known, but also felt. The authors have succeeded in this regard. The work, however, may be out of the reach of many readers because of its candor. The language of the book is so straightforward that many whites may refuse to believe it, and many black readers may not be able to remain calm. However, as it was originally intended—a clinical handbook—the work is irreplaceable.

 

QUOTATIONS

If the past experience of racism is to be ignored and given no casual weight in explaining the status of blacks in America, then one can only conclude that blacks are poor and disconnected from much of America because of characterological and intellectual deficiencies. (p. viii)

The culture of slavery was never undone from either master or slave. The civilization that tolerated slavery dropped its slave holding cloak but the inner feelings remained. The ‘peculiar institution’ continues to hold its evil influence over the nation. The practice of slavery stopped over a hundred years ago, but the minds of our citizens have never been freed. (p. 26)

Long ago in the United States basic decisions were made. The most important of these made color the crucial variable. This began as the cornerstone of the system of black slavery. After refinements, it has remained to become imbedded in the national character. Persisting to this day is an attitude, shared by blacks and whites alike, that blacks are inferior. This belief permeates every facet of this country and it is the etiological agent from which has developed the national sickness. (p. 31)

Black men have stood so long in such peculiar jeopardy in America that a black norm has developed—a suspiciousness of one’s environment which is necessary for survival. Black people, to a degree that approaches paranoia, must be ever alert to danger from their fellow citizens. It is a cultural phenomenon peculiar to black Americans. And it is a posture which is so close to paranoid thinking that the mental disorder into which black people most frequently fall is paranoid psychosis. (p. 206)

 

We want to empasize yet again the depth of the grief for slain sons and ravished daughters, how deep and lingering it is. If the depth of this sorrow is felt, we can then consider what can be made of this emotion. (p. 209)

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you think that the history of slavery and oppression in America is a key psychological factor for African Americans today?
2. If a black male is viewed socially as inferior to his white counterpart, how is this interpreted by his children? By his wife? By himself?
3. If mass media portray "ideal" physical characteristics as essentially the opposite of one’s characteristics, how can a young person deal with that message?
4. How can white supremacist sentiments run so deeply in a country which prides itself on equality? How did these feelings emerge? How and why are they sustained?
5.  

1. What are some possible paths (positive and negative) which America may heed from this study?

 

IMPLICATIONS

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• This book probably will be read differently by different races. For white people, the insight offered in this book allows one to see the far-reaching effects of our history of oppression of blacks. For black people, this book may offer insight into the struggles which are faced daily.

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• Black Rage, being a clinical handbook, is most practically applied by counselors and psychiatrists dealing with the issues examined. This material is not in the exclusive domain of professionals, however, since any counselor or youth leader can glean insight provided to assist individuals in a time of trial.

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1. By reading, understanding, and applying the information provided by the authors, youth workers or helping professionals can more clearly diagnose the problems face by African Americans today.

Jason J. Morgan cCYS