Sweet Release: The Last Step to Black Freedom

Davison Jr., James

The central theme of Sweet Release is that the forces that impinge most upon psychological freedom for black Americans come from within. Guilt for being successful, shame in reaction to the misbehaviors of race peers, demands to give back to the community, and accusations of trying to be white are just a few of the mechanisms that thwart psychological freedom for black persons. Dr. Davison argues that individual lifestyles, aspirations, even identities are constrained by the specter of racial unity. As a result, for black advancers, what remains to be overcome is not "the system" or "them," but internalized community attitudes that put a choke hold on individual freedom.

ANF Current Events & Politics 001