Black Like Me

One of the most captivating accounts of the 20th century!

John Howard Griffin's captivating account Black Like Me has stunned millions over the past 50 years in ways that even the author himself could never have predicted. This jaw-dropping narrative chronicles Griffin's experiences as a black man in the Deep South during the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. The book itself began as a simple research project: put forth in order to see how the "other half", of sorts, lived. However, this simple but controversial study of the sociological elements of Southern culture transformed into one of the most argued books of all time. Though Griffin's testimonial is controversial, it still carries an air of blunt truth about it. This striking confession strikes a note with millions, and the millions more who will continue to read it will feel the same emotions as the many before them have.
Although Black Like Me's most obvious moral is racial tolerance, there are several underlying messages that are just as powerful. When Griffin is first transformed into a black man, he finds that, though he retains his original identity, Southern citizens still treat him differently. From this, we learn that people are the product of their upbringing, and that, at birth; people live in a condition of complete moral purity. However, as they observe their surroundings, the clarity of their persona is clouded, causing the unkind attitudes that result in racism. Also, while staying with a poor black family in the swamps of Mississippi, Griffin discovers the reality of the situation that the United States was trying so persistently to hide. He sees that much of the African American race has no hope of advancement, all due to the oppression forced upon them by the Caucasian sector of the populace. While staying with the family, he observes the beauty of their two children, and how successful they could become if only racism would cease to exist, if only they could escape the toils and troubles of the swamp. He then weeps for them, as he realizes that his own children are capable of doing anything that they set their minds to, just because they are white. This event brings about another important message: that the hate of others can only hurt, and never heal.
When reading this account, I often sat down the book to digest what I was reading. During these brief pauses, I contemplated reasons why racism became so prominent in the South's lifestyle. Was it just remnants of the attitudes brought about by slavery, or just all of mankind's capable evils set out on display? I believe that, because the book caused me to question why, that the author fulfilled his purpose. Griffin's jaw-dropping account of the terrors of racism in the South brought about feelings of hatred for the evil of mankind in me that I never thought possible. Also, through reading this, I learned the importance of maintaining a state of kindness toward all men; black, white, Latino, Asian, or otherwise, and that the task of spreading awareness is a task for the community, not just for one person. Overall, I believe that this book is one of the finest and most raw pieces of literature that the English language has ever produced, and would openly recommend it to any person longing for a rebirth in culture.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Black history

This is a really good book for teens on black history. Its an insight into both racial sides in 1959 from a white man named Griffin who takes the identity of a black man to see what it is like. This book is really interesting and i highly recommend it for teens to read.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

An Amazing Story

'Black Like Me' is a novel about a white journalist, John Howard Griffin, who decides to darken his skin and go undercover to live a life of an African American. As his journey progresses he realizes what it is like to treated so cruel by whites. A major theme of racism is spread throughout the novel. This story proves that whites actually were racist and treated African Americans as they were the scum of the earth. By going undercover Griffin proved that they are human and act just like whites and they are capable and worthy of being treated equally. Another theme was equality. Every experience Griffin went through, he proved that color does not mean anything. People are the same no matter what. Overall I liked reading this book because it allows the reader to learn about the perspective of a man who experienced life from two different points of view. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about racism. It is a good lesson for people to learn that every human being should be treated as an equal.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

recommended

Black Like Me is an awesome autobiography written by John Howard Griffin. In this book he shares with us his experiences of transforming from a white-skinned man, into a dark-skinned Negro. Even though I usually don't like reading books in general, I actually thought this was a very intriguing, touching book. The situations that he encounters with both white and black men and women, and the ups and downs he has to endure, capture and pull you into the book as if you were there with him.
The one thing that I had a real problem with was getting through the 'long' parts. I am almost positive, that in at least one book you have read there is at least one section you skip because you just don't feel like reading it. Black Like Me tends to have a lot of those. There's the beginning; the first few pages you read seem to go by super slowly, then some parts in the middle, and almost the whole ending. I thought that he often repeated his feelings about Negro discrimination, which after a while was a bit tiring to hear. In my perspective, this was the only downfall to this book.
This story had many, many lessons toward the 'rights and wrongs' of discrimination. I have to say that my favorite part of the book was when he was invited to stay overnight by a Negro family. The family that he stayed with consisted of a husband, wife, and six children. They were a poor family in dept, with only two bedrooms, and ate cooked beans every night for dinner. He compared how these Negro children acted, with his own children; he concluded that there was no difference than just the pigment in their skin. It saddened him to think that these perfectly capable, bright Negro children have less potential in their future. I thought that there was also a connection between this book and When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago. In When I Was Puerto Rican, she too was discriminated when she moved to America. She wanted to become a movie star, an actor, but because of her looks, ethnicity, and poor background, she too was looked down upon. But this scene from Black Like Me touched me in a very emotional way to just think that what he is experiencing and documenting, it is real.
I think the reason I like this book so much, is because it gives a sense of what's really happening in the world, even though it was written a few decades ago. I would recommend this book even though there were some difficult parts to read. If you do chose to read it, I hope you liked it as much as I did.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Black Like Me

I found this book very enlightening and highly suggest it. It kept my in suspense and had a hard time putting it down. This book is well worth the read. Very provocative and touching. Great story!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Unforgettable

Everyone has heard the saying to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes", well John Griffin literally does this. Black Like Me is a true story about a white man named John Griffin that sets out to conduct a social experiment. In this experiment he darkens his skin with the use of medication and a type of dye to give him the appearance of a black man in the late 1950s in the Deep South. Griffin travels to locations such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia all of which are filled with racial tension. We see Griffin encountering discrimination, prejudice, segregation and horrible living conditions, which he describes in great detail. This book is amazing and everyone should read it. Black Like Me has given me the best picture of life as an African American in the 1950s and none of the history books I have read have painted a picture nearly as well as this book did. I always knew about segregation and acts of prejudice, but to hear Mr. Griffin's reflections of the events that are happening give a description that I have never been able to get before. His story describes his feelings and emotions, which makes it even more personal and more realistic for the reader. Although this social experiment cannot be considered fully accurate because Mr. Griffin was in actuality a white man, it still is a great book and gives greater understanding to the topic of the life of a black man in the 1950s. This is a fast read that keeps your attention throughout and it is definitely one of my favorite books. I recommend this book to everyone!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I'm reading it again

This book shaped my thoughts, feelings, ideas--everything--about African-Americans when I read it many years ago. As a Southerner, it helped me see beyond what I was hearing, seeing and experiencing around me. I recommend it for all young people as they begin to build their lives around relationships that will impact them in their careers, families and social lives.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Inspiring!!!

It makes you realize the horrors that African Americans lived with just because of their skin color. Even today if your skin color is not white[peachy, pasty, or pale] there are people who will judge you. John's book helps readers understand what life was like back then and even what life is like now for some people. It made me wonder, 'if we still lived like that, where would I be in this world?' I have been inspired by John's book to do more with my life and to keep an open mind when it comes to people[whites,blacks,hispanics,and other races].

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Valorous

I read this book many years ago and I am truly grateful that a person would even consider doing such an experiment. Mr. Griffin proved that racism existed at a time when most whites questioned whether or not blacks were making this stuff up. I do believe that Mr. Griffin was also battling his own racial demons and he bravely went into battle. He won. The fight continues.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

To walk in another man's shoes

It is said one cannot understand or empathize with someone else unless 'you walk in his or her shoes.' John Howard Griffin did just that, darkened his skin and took a walk into the Deep South to see how it would feel to be a member of a despised minority during 1959, the height of the Jim Crow years, when water fountains and rest rooms were separate for the races, when a black man or woman couldn't eat in a restaurant or get a hotel room. He suffers the indignity of finding everyday tasks like these almost insurmountable. Daily he experiences the cruel racial divide of the South and realizes that racism is as rampant as rumored. Without ceasing Griffin reveals the truth of Prejudice, by exposing the hidden mask of tolerance. Griffin uses an excellent blend of facts and personal experiences to premise the question of identity as it relates to race. As this theme deepens so does the internal need for Griffin too disclose the elements of racism. This force calls him to shed off his white identity and transform into a black man. I¿m much obliged to confess this novel helped me to fathom the level of discrimination African-Americans faced. The only discontentment was found in the lack of description of what his family might have faced throughout his journey. I recommend Black Like Me to anyone looking for a straightforward testament of prejudice, but only if your willing to put on some uncomfortable shoes.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very informative

'Black Like Me' is a very informative book.It helped me to understand past segregation a little more. The book also helps people to know that all people in the south did not treat blacks poorly, but they did not do anything about it. John Howard Griffin crossed over the line of segregation. Though he could probably not fully grasp the concept of being an African American he tried however, he understood more than most. In my opinion he helped African Americans most white people tried to cover up the racism that exiated in our country. He made those people who belived them aware. If they would not belive a southern black man they would definitly belive a white man who experienced it firsthand. Who changed his pigmentation to become the other half and he knew the truth.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The truth shall set you free

This was one of the best books I have ever read!!! It summed up the struggle of African America during the Civil Rights Era and sadly, present day. I have recommended this book to EVERYONE I know.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended

This is the second time I've read this book. It is a keeper. Thought provoking, inspiring, memorable.

Inspirational

I've just finished this book and it's left me speechless. Definitely a must read. It's a beautiful reminder of what some courageous men, like Griffin, have gone through so we all can be viewed as equal human beings. I love this book and recommend it to all people. It's important that we never forget the fight they've put up for us so we can succeed in life. We have to stop hurting each other, killing each other, and come together not forsaking the privilege we now have to be treated as equals. I wonder how Griffin and others who fought for our rights would feel now knowing all the violence people of the same race (who they fought for) commit against each other. It's such a shame. We (minorities) seriously should not be taking these things for granted.

Black like me

This is a very good book it can teach people about racism

Why

Why do so many people believe that only the south mistreated people of color when it was the whole of the united states that did. I just heard an interview yesterday by one of the black actresses that was in the movie the help and she lived in new hampshire or maine and she said she was spit on everyday and white boys chased her home from school everyday. I was born in the deep south and i never saw anything even remotely like what seems to be accepted as the truth but when i lived in ohio i saw prejudice on a daily basis. Frankly i think there is enough blame to go around. It is ridiculous to judge anyone based on the color of their skin. We were all created by god and we are equal in his sight. Who are we to judge.

Okay

I started reading this with my classmates today. It's good so far. I'll post as we keep reading.

Ignorance of the Whites

Since I am white, Black Like Me, By John Griffin really had an impact on me in see how badly the African Americans were treated. I knew that they were not given the same rights as white men, but I did not know, as did most of the white men who did not live in the South, that the blacks were brought up being taught that the whites are superior and that the blacks are inferior.
One of my favorite excerpts from the book was when John's real feeling are revealed after he was chased by a white man in New Orleans. John pondered to himself, ".It was an area of unknowing. I wondered if it could ever really be bridged" (39). John is starting to wonder if it really was worth it to go through all the work he did to end up nowhere closer.
Sometimes, during the book, I wondered to myself, how could these white people be so ignorant about how they treat the blacks. When John is in another black man's house, He can practically hear the whites criticizing the house, saying "Look at that shanty. They live like animals. If they wanted to do better they could. And they expect us just to accept them? They like to live like that." (111).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It is a great historical memoir that gives you first hand experiences of what really happened in the South United States in the 1950's.

A Compelling and Insightful Memoir

I began reading this book, not quite knowing what to expect. Aside from hurriedly reading a brief synopsis of the memoir, I knew nothing of the book, my motivation to read it being a class assignment and a recommendation from a friend of mine. Needless to say, I found these recollections of John Griffin's travels through the deep south to be incredibly insightful, allowing me a detailed glimpse of the racial distress throughout the United States during the 1950s. Reading about Griffin's travels through New Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, I was never bored by the memoir. Griffin's writing style is delightful, and the absolutely amazing experiences he has had me constantly wanting to read more. I found such moments as his brief stay in a monastery and his long hike down the Mississippi highway at night to be incredibly compelling, showing the depth of Griffin's travels as well as the depth of what he discovered on his six-week voyage through the South. While I did find the lengthy afterword to be boring, for the most part repeating what had already been stressed by Griffin, I absolutely loved this book. Having grown up in a still slightly segregated town in northeast Texas, Black Like Me hit pretty close to home. I hope that anyone reading this will hopefully take something out of what I've said and give this book a chance. I hope that anyone reading this will see as much as I have in this memoir, one of the most compelling I believe that I've read thus far. - David W.

A view into the unequal world- great read

Black Like Me is one of those books that motivate you to make changes in your world on how you view different people. Black Like Me is about Mr. Griffin transforming himself into a middle-aged black man to journal about the ways of their lives and how the black lives contrast with the lives of a white folk. Throughout his journey in the un-equal world, he tests his boundaries, finds true danger in everyday life, learns the rules of the black population, and moves around seeing what the black community is like in different areas in the south. Reading how John Howard Griffin's thoughts and beliefs change through this experiment, the readers state of mind molds to his and feels what he is going through every day in the black community. Throughout this reading, we see racial intolerance, prejudice opinions, and stereotyping at best. Having these negative actions being portrayed throughout the book, the reader becomes sympathetic towards the black race. Reading further in the book, you feel the urge to think about how you treat different people in your life and how lucky we all are to have a combined world with people just as equal as we are. Over all, I genuinely liked this book. For being a nonfiction book, it's actually one of my favorites. The only thing I would say that I disliked in the book would be the long pieces of history that don't pertain to anything that has or had happen in the reading. I would recommend this book highly to someone interested in racial history or someone who is just looking for a good nonfiction book to read in their spare time. Being that this book has very heavy concepts, I wouldn't recommend anyone under the age of 15 mostly because they wouldn't get the full just of the book and its meanings. One of John Howard Millers other books I would recommend would be Scattered Shadows : a book about him being blind. Knowing his writing style, to anyone who enjoyed Black Like Me should read Scattered Shadows. My overall rating of Black Like Me would be 4 stars out of five because the concepts touched me and I related to Mr. Miller going throughout his journey like I was right beside him.