Our Kind of People

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Good Historical Reference book for all Americans - Rated
Everyone seems so angry about simple history. I think those who were angered by this book were angry before they picked up the book. I come from humble beginnings and may not identify with the circles described in this book but I still enjoyed it. The historical facts in this book are very relevant to all African American (blacks) living in America. I even felt a bit inspired by this book knowing that black people in this country have established themselves and made a name for ourselves in various professions other than entertainment. As for the not so appealing attitudes expressed by some in the book (i.e - hair texture, skin complexion and etc.), are attitudes that most African Americans need to deal with no matter what class they consider themselves.

Confusing and Repetitive - Rated
I am still not sure of the point Mr. Graham is trying to make. I don't know if he's sure why he wrote the book in the first place. He certainly does a lot of name-dropping. There has always been, and will always be, class distinction based upon income, education, family history, physical features, etc. It happens in every race and culture, and I am not surprised that it happens in the African-American race. I believe that many of the organizations that Mr. Graham allude to in his book were initially formed as "support systems" for those few Blacks who became educated and successful. During the early years, these organizations were probably nothing more than social clubs. But over years, I believe that many of the organizations' members have re-identified their main purpose and developed a social conscience. I hope that those of us who have blessed to find any degree of success and happiness, must realize that of "much is given, much is expected".

It's like something you always knew, but no one expounded on - Rated
Review of Presentation - The material was presented in a reasonably orderly manner. The constant name dropping was a bit annoying. However, in addition to providing insight into the social circle(s) mentioned, the book also provides some useful reference type material about some of the groups and organizations discussed. As the author has indicated that he is a member of the elite of which he writes, one could be inclined to be a little forgiving of the self-indulgent tone of his prose. About halfway through the book, it becomes apparent that the majority of what could be said on the subject has already been previously stated. The second half of the book is more or less chaptered by social organizations and educational institutions. As a result, this part of the book looks more like reference material than leisurely reading material.

Review of Subject Matter - The vantage point from which I view this material is that of a female of African, Carib Indian, and Eastern Indian descent, whose family hails from the tiny Eastern Caribbean Island of Dominica. In that culture, bourgeois is a cultural entity known even to very small children. This is a word which describes an individual who is more than likely light skinned, is affluent, and wields some amount of political and/or economic power in the society. Apparently, Mr. Graham is presenting a view of the self-same against a backdrop of a white dominated American super culture. Somehow, Mr. Graham's presentation serves to highlight the fact that while we are sometimes fooled into feeling heartened to see some icons of African descent celebrated in the broader American culture, they are only that, icons. They do not represent the masses. And, as Mr. Graham so eloquently points out, they have no desire or intention to represent the masses. Mr. Graham depicts his social circle as singularly selfish and self-absorbed. Thank God for Dr. King and others who did care about more than just themselves.

Mr. Graham, take it from me, the color of any individuals skin is an incidental thing. And, it is possible to be educated and have standards without being cruel and self-centered. I think the cruelty and self-absorbtion comes from having a warped yardstick by which you measure yourself. God made us in his image. That should be everyone's yardstick. Why should you contort yourself to fit into some form that you feel will be acceptable to the white race. You are who you are, a thing of beauty fashioned in God's image. Why would you want to change that? And if you want to improve yourself, you have to consult your maker, not someone else. Above all, God's law is love. And, his yardstick is how much we care about each other. Please share this message with "your kind of people". Because, when all is said and done, God's yardstick is the only one which will be present at the final judgment call. "Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last".

Why? - Rated
Why are people so resentful of those who have done better in life? So someone has a better job, education, more money, and belongs to clubs. Why care? It doesn't affect your life. Every group of people has a class system, we are no different. Let people enjoy what they have worked hard for, what their parents and grandparents have worked for. No one should feel "sorry" for these people because they want to hang with each other, and not on the streets of Harlem. Stop the "player hatin'" people! And no one really cares about that whole light skin/dark skin thing. I have never felt I was treated differently by any black person because of how light my complexion is or isn't. Calm down everyone...

Boring, arrogant, self-agrandizing - Rated
Poor, poor upper-class Blacks! To think that they are suffering so because of living a life most of us cannot live because we don't have their money! I am so very sorry that they have to strive so hard to be accepted.

I find it interesting that only a handful of people were interviewed to reach conclusions about Atlanta, Philadelphia, Spelman, Morehouse, etc. It is clear the author had none of these experiences, because some of the information he was given simply is not true. I kept looking for names of people who really were movers and shakers in the places with which I am intimately familiar. Just because someone is a member of Jack and Jill does not make them elite.

I am a graduate of Spelman and cannot believe some of the things he wrote about my alma mater. For instance, this is the first time I heard that Camille Cosby is a graduate of Spelman. I grew up in Philadelphia and never heard of some of the people mentioned as being the "old guard".

I think the time has come to throw all this nonsense about class out the door and begin recognizing people for the accomplishments they have made.

Like an earlier reader, I was not able to completely finish the book because it was so repetitious. I found myself reading the "pedigrees" of the same people over and over! Perhaps, next time, the author can find a more appealing subject - one that doesn't turn off the majority of his race.