Patriarchy Blues
Reflections on Manhood
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4.4 • 9 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"[A] scorching treatise on toxic masculinity. Joseph’s critiques of “the patriarchy... both overt and ingrained” are razor-sharp, but it’s the clear-eyed reckoning of his own place within it that tethers the soul of his book." —Publishers Weekly
"Joseph has learned a great deal from bell hooks here, and I think she would be proud because Patriarchy Blues is such a moving, inspiring, rigorous vision for living.” —Robert Jones, Jr., New York Times bestselling author of The Prophets
In this personal and poignant collection, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Black Friend examines the culture of masculinity through the lens of a Black man.
What does it mean to be a man today? How does the pervasive yet elusive idea of “toxic masculinity” actually reflect men’s experiences—particularly those of color—and how they navigate the world?
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and “manning up” to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of men’s lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.
Written in Joseph’s unique voice, with an intelligence and raw honesty that demonstrates both his vulnerability and compassion, Patriarchy Blues forces us to consider the joys, pains, and destructive nature of manhood and the stereotypes it engenders.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Concepts of privilege, power, race, and gender are put on trial in this scorching treatise on toxic masculinity. When Joseph (The Black Friend) was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 24, he took stock of his life and saw he'd been navigating the world "through a misogynistic" perspective. In addressing that, he delivers a series of stringent essays aiming to "uproot" a contemporary cultural landscape that has "conditioned us to uphold not only homophobia, misogyny, and transphobia—but white supremacy as well." In "The Shore," he uses the film The Matrix to examine the ways society's racist and sexist power dynamics act like a "computer-generated world" designed to oppress its people (Christianity, he argues, "gaslight believers" to perpetuate a similar hierarchical system). He also takes searing aim, in "The Rot in the Garden," at social media—which "open a world of possibility" while reinforcing harmful prejudices—and wonders whether, rather than "canceling," people should be "asking each other to evolve." Joseph's critiques of "the patriarchy... both overt and ingrained" are razor-sharp, but it's the clear-eyed reckoning of his own place within it that tethers the soul of his book: "As a Black man I should not be above reproach... simply because I also face oppression." This potent work makes a systemic issue immensely personal.
Customer Reviews
Patriarchy Blues
“Being oppressed doesn’t absolve you from being privileged…. We can’t strategize the destruction of any oppressive system without also knowing how we exist within or benefit from it.”
Patriarchy Blues is a beautifully written book comprising poems, letters, and essays. Frederich Joseph describes his complex and challenging experiences with patriarchy. He also details his experience with white supremacy and how white feminism is complicit in white supremacy.
I agree with Joseph that we all need to be open to having difficult conversations, look at our actions, and decide to make necessary changes if we ever want to see real change.
"May we brave enough to look in the mirror and find out not just what we are-but what we may become. In hopes that you find your shore."
On a personal note, Joseph's essay, I Come Apart, had me emotional, and by the end of the essay, I found myself crying.
"It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault."
I highly recommend this book.
Edifying and Eye-opening
Patriarchy Blues is a great read. The modernist cover alone harkens back to books from the mid-20th century. The eloquently written essays and poems have made me aware how even people from marginalized groups also uphold patriarchal mores which abets white supremacy. This book is highly recommended for every adult.