He Talk Like a White Boy: Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics, and Authenticity

by Joseph C. Phillips

Book Overview

As a young student, Joseph Phillips once overheard someone say of him, "He talk like a white boy " The Denver native never thought that speaking correctly would cause others to question his authenticity as an African-American. Little did he know what lay in his future. His choices in music, politics, faith, and family have given rise to many accusations of his not being "black enough." As an actor, Joseph has encountered even more pointing fingers,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762423994
• ISBN13: 9780762423996
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Observations and reflections paint quite a different view of the black male in modern America

HE TALK LIKE A WHITE BOY: REFLECTIONS ON FAITH, FAMILY, POLITICS AND AUTHENTICITY comes from an actor, writer and social commentator best known for his role on the Cosby Show, who is tired of the limits impose on black individuality and the pessimistic vision of black America. He's not a politician or an academic, but a father, an actor, and a conservative black man: his opinions, observations and reflections paint quite a different view of the black male in modern America than many titles and provides many candid assessments a wide audience will appreciate. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Welcome to the Club

This book introduces a conceit of the black community: To be black, not only do you have to talk a specific way, but act a specific way. Neither of these ways necessarily works with other people who are non-Black. Phillips humorously and seriously hits home with tales of growing up enjoying his heritage while defending the principles that formed America, disputing (with strong references and opinion) the notion that being Black is to be professionally angry and socially undecipherable to anyone other than another Black. Liberals may not enjoy Phillips' conservative views, but this is not a book on politics as it is on what it means to be who you are, regardless of what a majority of a minority consider kosher within itself. Insightful reading for everyone.

Like Looking into a mirror

I just finished "He Talk Like A White Boy," and I am moved beyond words by what Joseph C. Philips has written. As a black man who moves more easily in white circles, not necessarily by choice but because of the fixed notions of politics, race and culture that exist in the African-American community, I feel like I've walked in his shoes. This is the first book I've read from cover to cover in a long time because I found myself enthralled by his story, which is so much like my own. His courage, candor and eloquence only made it more compelling. I sincerely hope that this book flies off the shelves and fattens his bank account. He deserves the financial blessings that come from a work well done. Thank you!

He is an American

In He Talk Like a White Boy, Joseph C. Phillips proudly, even defiantly, proclaims that he is an American, a husband, a father, a man of faith, and a Republican. So what? Well, Mr. Phillips is black, an actor and lives in the blue city of Los Angeles. He is supposed to believe that America is inherently and irredeemably racist. He is supposed to believe that black men should not be expected to overcome the obstacles that this racist society throws in their path. He most certainly is not supposed to be a Republican. With searing honesty and self-deprecating humor, Mr. Phillips explains why he is who he is and believes what he believes. He loves America because it offers freedom and opportunity. He rejects the idea that that opportunity does not extend to blacks. He notes that all black Americans have a share of the "sweat equity" in America earned by earlier generations. For Mr. Phillips, marriage and fatherhood have been hard work. However, he leaves no doubt that it is his most important work. If this book is about anything it is about the difference that commitment to family can make - for adults and children. As a regular on The Cosby Show, Mr. Phillips worked with one of the great television husbands and fathers of all time, Bill Cosby. Many of Mr. Phillips' family stories would have made good Cosby episodes. But it's his real life. Okay. He's patriotic and a family man, but a Republican? How can he embarrass his family like that? Read the book and find out. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his politics, you will not be able to deny the right he asserts as a human being to reach his own conclusions. More importantly, you will not be able to deny him his birthright as a black American. He is black, he is American and he is an individual. He Talk Like a White Boy is an extremely personal book, but, ultimately, it is an affirmation of each person's right to define him or herself. If you have wondered whether it is is possible for Americans to transcend race, read this book. After you stop laughing, you'll realize that we will get there.

Joseph C. Phillips Rocks This Book!

I couldn't wait to get my hands on He Talk Like A White Boy by Joseph C. Phillips. As a fan of his work as an actor, I was interested in what he had to say. I was also intrigued by the title. As the mother of a black daughter who is told that she "talks like a white girl" ... I wanted to hear what he had to say about it and wondered if it was similar to what I had to say about it. It was. While I was interested in the book for the reasons stated, I have to say Mr. Phillips has a lot more to say and he knows how to say it. He can definitely turn a phrase. His writing style keeps your attention and I caught myself laughing out loud, nodding my head in agreement, and even reading particular passages out loud to anyone that would stand still and listen. I even handed the book over to my oldest daughter at one point just so she could read what I had been saying all along about boys and their relationships with girls ... but from a man's perspective. Now, of course, Mr. Phillips did have some things to say that I didn't agree with. We didn't agree on Bill Clinton or George W. Bush. We somewhat agreed when it came to Ronald Reagan and we agreed with each other completely when it came to Colin Powell. Even though I don't agree with some of his politics and was kind of discouraged to read some of the same old Republican talking points, I really did enjoy the book and what Mr. Phillips had to say. He also reminded me that while we won't always agree with someone on everything, there is still value in their opinions. Unless it is regarding Bill Clinton and then I will just have to call hogwash, hogwash. ;) He Talk Like A White Boy is not just about politics and race. It is about family, love, faith, community, and a multitude of other topics. He writes about what it means to be a man and a father. He writes about ethics and values. He writes about honesty and commitment. You will definitely find yourself agreeing with Mr. Phillips on much of what he has to say, conservative or not. Honestly, I don't think his views have as much to do with conservative ideology as it does with just plain old-fashioned common sense. I warn you, this book is hard to put down. I recommend it whole-heartedly.