Cool Pose: The Dilemmas of Black Manhood in America

Argues that Black men adopt a ritualized posture, speech, and behavior in order to present an image of strength and control Black men learned long ago that the classic American virtues of thrift, perseverance, and hard work did not give them the same tangible rewards that accrued to white men. Yet they have defined manhood in similar terms: breadwinner, provider, procreator, protector. Without the means to adequately fulfill these roles, many have become frustrated, impatient, angry, embittered, and alienated.