The Rage of a Privileged Class: Why Are Middle-Class Blacks Angry? Why Should America Care? Paperback – December 2, 1994

Very thought provoking and really let's you see we have a long way to go to bring about equality. Would definitely recommend this to all my friends, black and non-blacks.

i recommend this book and have purchased it for others...the writing is clear and not bogged down in the presentation of boring stats...the writer spares the reader of this...though he does all of the work to substantiate his assessments...i could relate to the rage of the middle class...i've suffered many of the same slings and arrows aimed at blks in amer. i'm expected to dress-up to shop at a discount chain store, in 2011. as soon as, i enter an art supply super store, i'm followed... security offers to assist me, but admits he doesn't have a clue... loudly, admonishing tone, in front of other shoppers...a women who can't speak english feels so free that she identifies me as a "type" and let's me know that she will follow me every step...and will summon the police if i make one false move... both instances are before i begin to shop...i am still angry as hell and sorry that i didn't sue...if for no more than principle...i could go on and on...i'm also tired and demand, verbally and in writing, that my rights be respected...but yes, i'm still enraged.there was one aspect or reference in the book that left me confused ...and that is seemingly, private and ivy league schooling...equals privileged class...but at the same time middle class...confusing.i was taught that the differentiation of class, for blacks was not the same as for whites...considering the ceilings placed on black accomplishments...who promised those blacks of "privilege" that the rules of class and discrimintion were going to be relaxed or removed...for them?i'm old enough to have known blks. who were pre-60's ivy league, they had special privileges...but they never expected america to share its wealth or acknowledge their accomplishments...they lived in my neighborhood, shopped on the ave., voted in my district and some sent their children to neighborhood schools...they knew class lines differed esp. regarding race.i felt that there was something related to class that i was supposed get by reading between the lines...but the lines were skewed... privileged and middle classes are separate and distinct...esp., when race is a part of the equation...expect that the rules will not apply.i recommend the book, esp. to "privileged" blacks...they may find that their feelins of frustration are real and shared...the reading may give insight to other classes who're experiencing similar frustrations...what would happen, if they banned together to demand fairness for all...straight-forward reading, except for the lines that separate privileged and middle classes?

Ellis Cose presents a thoughtful, well researched book that investigates the complex nuances of racial discrimination. Cose chooses to focus in his book on middle and upper middle class blacks, who show the most dissatisfaction with their social and economic standing according to his research. The feeling of exclusion among this group of people runs deep, whether social exclusion in the mostly-white neighborhoods where many of the people interviewed for this book live, racial exclusion from other members of their race who do not enjoy the same economic standing, or professional exclusion from the track that leads to corporate success.Cose begins by presenting several stories of middle class blacks who, for one reason or another, have a reason to be dissatisfied with their position in life. What is most striking about these stories is that they are not rich with examples of egregious racial discrimination (though a couple of them are), but that they are mostly stories of affluent blacks who have more or less "made it," in spite of having a deck stacked against them. It is here that Cose introduces his first common theme: though the people interviewed for his book were more successful than most Americans, they have no idea where they may have ended up had they been given a chance to fulfill their potential.During the course of his numerous interviews with middle class black professionals, Cose found a curious pattern. There were approximately 12 common threads among the many stories he heard. The author named these common threads "The Dozen Demons." They were, in essence, the most common hurdles to the success of today's black professional. Managers would do well to study these 12 complaints, for they are not what most would guess them to be. In fact, more introspctive white managers might find that they unconciously engage in undermining behavior every day, without even knowing it. In this respecet, the book serves as a valuable tool for self-aware people who accept that racism exists, yet do not want to accept that condition.The central theme of the book is that modern racism is less about hatred and hostility than it is about condescension. Since the implements of racism now have a decidedly lower profile, it is more difficult for people who are not the victims of racism to show much empathy or acknowledgement. That being the case, middle class blacks have generally tended to find that being vocal about racism is not a particularly effective means of creating dialogue. Instead, Cose observes, they tend to keep a low profile, stay outside the mainstream, and distance themselves emotionally from their white counterparts in order to cope. Unfortunately, many white people mistake this reaction for "reverse discrimination," or anti-white prejudice.Rather than eliminate racism, it seems that Americans have instead eliminated many of the effective means of protesting, arguing against, or even identifying racism. It is becoming more fashionable to insist that race does not matter rather than start any meaningful discussion of the remaining efforts necessary to eliminate racism. When someone treats a black person with respect as an individual, it is a deed to be rewarded with praise. Yet white people expect that same treatment as a social norm.Cose theorizes that the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s had the unfortunate effect of creating a great deal of "White Guilt". That white guilt is responsible for policies that see minorities as targets of charity, which serves to reinforce the low expectations and perception of laziness that unconciously pervade the minds of many white people.The problem is not that people do not feel guilty enough, it is that they are in denial. Cose's work goes a long way toward opening eyes, if we can set our fear aside long enough to take a very hard look at ourelves. Reading this book is a good start.

I could not put this book down. From beginning to end, I read it in three days. It was definitely an eye opener and it provided answers to some the challenges that I’m experiencing as a professional black man.

This is a must read book for all young black men. Mr Cose mentions that's not the reason for writing it but it is a beneficial book to read. Mr Cose speaks any many instances of the black experience which you can only speak of because of experience.I couldn't put the book down and found myself on purpose reading over material that I had already coveredamazon.com/author/johnjeffrey

This is an outstanding book by Ellis Cose. It is deep, well thought out, and well written, and brings up some excellent points!. I highly recommend as it makes for excellent reading!!! I found this through a show I saw on TVONE, and excellent African American station!.

A read that will make you think. This book points out views and experiences that really help the reader to better understand the plight of middle class African Americans and will make you think.

Good work,but it reflects the opinions of the black middle class of years ago.