Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete

There is no statistical evidence that supports Mr. Rhoden's claim that Black athletes are disconnected and unconcerned about the problems in the Black community. In fact, if he would do his research, he would learn that most of them have foundations to help the needy. There is also no statistical evidence that the NFL and the NBA has exploited African American players. The NBA has created more African American millionaires than any other industry in the world, and this is the thanks that they get? Also, it should be known that most Blacks work for White on corporations. Would Mr. Rhoden consider himself a slave because he works for a white own business? As a matter of fact many of our popular black magazines are owned by whites. Would he consider most of the black journalist slaves? Because of their wealth, Black athletes have been the target of undue criticism and jealousy within the Black community.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Read

It me me look at sports in a different light!

Interesting research, but the author completely misses the point...

This book is a great source of sports history in the United States. However, the legitimacy of the conclusions is complete and utter non-sense. As far as I know, being athletically gifted enough in the United States yields a life-style that few will ever achieve. The salaries paid have the capacity to open a multitude of doors that most never knew even existed. Claiming these athletes are slaves is preposterous! Those athletes achieve the pinnacle of what is referred to in the saying, "the American Dream." Professional athletes are just one fine example of why millions have immigrated to this country to improve their lives. If people cannot handle this opportunity with responsibility and prudence by squandering it frivolously, that is their prerogative. Secondly, why is there this understood obligation for all black athletes to immediately kick down to the black community as soon as they have made it big? Why can't the black community simply use this as inspiration to go out and earn something of their own? This idea that black athletes "owe" their community is bollocks because it is simply another form of socialism. This idea of entitlement is actually what is enslaving the black community. Everyone thinks they are entitled to this, that, and the other thing. Get this straight: in the United States you have the RIGHT to life, liberty, and the PURSUIT of happiness. Notice it does not say you are ENTITLED to happiness. This right to the pursuit means you MUST EARN your keep. You are entitled to all rights and protections provided by the law. Everything else is by the sweat of your brow. When I see someone driving down the road in an expensive automobile, do I think, "Hey, why does that person get to drive such a nice car? I think they owe me money because they drive that car." The answer is a resounding NO. It seems the black community is so fixated on what they are owed, instead of what they can achieve. Sadly, I see this as a tremendous cultural flaw in this country. If you want something worthwhile, go out and take it. As a historian, slavery is certainly one of mankind's darker sins. However, slavery ended nearly 200 years ago in Europe; and was officially abolished in this country after the Civil War. I also understand the significance of events such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950-1960's. However, I do know many people I went to college with, who's PARENTS came to this country not knowing english. Those people I went to college with went on to attend MEDICAL school. Their parents came to this country with nothing but determination and sent their kids on to higher education. That is a gap of ONE generation to send children to college. So for anyone else to tell me how the shackles of slavery has held them back and how the black community is burdened and disadvantaged is an imbecile. For the masses out there (including the author of this book) that feel they are entitled to a better life and believe in such a thing as "white privilege," WAKE UP!!! The solution to all of this is PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY! Hold YOURSELF accountable! If you grow up poor and you have to scratch and fight for every inch, then DO IT! Do not go out and conceive children out of wed-lock or beyond your financial means. Be responsible. Take control of YOUR life. The people who excel most at manufacturing excuses will never achieve. The level of your success in this countr

Sports...more than recreation

Rhoden's 40 Million Dollar Slaves offers a historical study of the world of American sports focalized from the perspective of marginalized African American athletes. The book addresses how the struggles that Black athletes have faced are synonymous with the struggles of African Americans in society. However this is not a book where THE MAN is simply blamed...modern day athletes are not let off the hook for abdicating their responsibilities to the communities from which most of them came. There are also examples of men (and women) who have accepted the challenge of sacrificing money in exchange for their integrity. The overall tone of the book is not pessimistic, but optimistic and hopefully athletes will be able to tap into the power that comes with their wealth.

A serious eye opener

This book was one of the most informative books about Blacks in sports. It illustrates how many of these black athletes went from the slave plantation to the sport arenas. The only difference of a black male and a black professional athlete is their status: money, wealth, etc. Many of the Black Athletes came from poor backgrounds and they are living in up. Many of them forgot who fought for them to be where there are: Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Medgar Evers. Many of these Athletes are rich, they feel immune to their former communities because they made it on their god given gifts. Michael Jordan has been dubbed the greatest basketball player who ever lived, Yet, he was used by Wizards owner Abe Pollin and then fired when he hung up his sneakers for the third time. It goes to show you, no matter what you did the past, they will let you know, who you are and we will put you in your place.

Enlightening & Informative

To get a background and an understanding the complexities of the black athlete this is your book. Easy Read! As a former student-athlete and now as a coach, this is a must read. Understanding who paved the way and how. Names never mentioned, achievements never acknowledge today that would change the view of blacks in the sports industry. I think that he does a good job in laying the foundation from the slave ship to the new phenomenon of Lebron James. Fantastic Book and Easy Read!

Awesome

He writes eloquently about how the sports Demo Gods reel players in and chew them up and spit them out afterward. This book explores some very deep pressure points on responsibility, dignity and integrity. The sad reality is that the most players dont realize they are being played until it is over. MUST READ!!

A reviewer

From a professional athlete's perspective I can directly relate to William Rhoden's work and feel educated, enlightened, and ashamed. The historical background of the book is vast, with enormous once-hidden information. The author truely makes past forgotten black athletes visible from boxing to horse-back riding, to cycling to baseball. The 'conveyor-belt' theory really made me open my eyes to my life and other 'spoiled athletes' in general. Rhoden's defintion of the athlete's problem is very well articulated: a lack of responsibility to the larger black community. The only, but major downfall of the book is the author fails to offer an in-depth solution to the problem of the '40 Million Dollar Slave.' The only other problem I had was Rhoden's constant negative tone toward integration.

Very Interesting

I actually went to a book signing for this book and Bill Rhoden spoke. The brother is deep. It took him, I think, 8 years to complete this book. Now that I'm reading it, I understand why. There is so much history in this book, the research alone must have taken several years. He is very frank about White America's feelings toward Black athletes and the constraints they have tried to put on them over the centuries. Whether you're Black or White, if you like sports and you have an open mind, read this!

About Time!

i thought that w. rhoden did an excellent job in writing this book. just the history alone was very educational. i do agree with his premise that the power structure in american culture wants the black athelete, without their blackness. there is no coincidence the nba has modified recent rules to illustrate that point,(age requirements when other non black dominated sports don't have them, the use of zone defenses, dress codes, new balls to prevent dribbling associated with 'black game', no arguing with refs, and the sudden over saturation of european players to 'balance' things out. anyone who lives in america without blinders will enjoy this book for its many truths, and not try to pretend that we all are equal. great book.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete

Michael Jordan has given just as much (if not more) to the Black community as any famous movie star. Denzel Washington and Halle Berry make more money in one film than the average star athlete makes all year long. Have they done any more for inner city youth, than Michael? Besides Michael's contributions of time and charity, his mother is actively involved. Like many athletes, not only do they give back time and effort, their mothers (and some fathers) rally to support the community. In addition to parents, the majority of the married athletes have wives that have formed groups and are heavily involved in charity work. If Black athletes are being attacked, then it's only due justice to place all wealthy African Americans under the same scrutiny. Besides, most star atheletes are in the 50% tax bracket that takes nearly half of their annual salary. Haven't they already given enough? The author of this book has singled out black athletes apparently for no reason. What are other other rich Black Americans-especially actors and recording artist doing?

REALITY OF SPORTS IN AMERICA

It is likely no author in American history has ever written such an insightful and skillful exploration of the meaning and the reality of American sports for African Americans,for us all, from the days of Slavery until today. If you want to understand and appreciate sports in these United States you MUST read this groundbreaking book.

No text was provided for this review.