With an intellectual boldness and redemptive passion, West addresses the growing nihilism among African-Americans; the failure of both liberal and conservative approaches to race; the taboos surrounding black sexuality; and the cult and legacy of Malcolm X.  West's subject matter ranges from the crisis in black leadership to the myths surrounding black sexuality; from affirmative action to black-Jewish relations. He never hesitates to confront the prejudices of all his readers--or wavers in his insistence that they share a common destiny. Bold in its thought and written with a redemptive passion grounded in the traditions of the African-American church, Race Matters is a work that is at once challenging and deeply healing. With an Epilogue by the author.

Contents

Introduction: Race Matters

1. Nihilism in Black America

2. The Pitfalls of Racial Reasoning

3. The Crisis of Black Leadership

4. Demystifying the New Black Conservatism

5. Beyond Affirmative Action: Equality and Identity

6. On Black-Jewish Relations

7. Black Sexuality: The Taboo Subjects

8. Malcolm X and Black Rage

Epilogue to the Vintage Edition