“This book deals with complex racial and social psychological issues
in a direct, forceful and straightforward manner.”
- Kenneth B. Clark, Author of Black Rage
In this important classical work Dr. Cheek connects the traumatic history of the black past with the complex issues of the present as he explores the psycho-historical effects of Jim Crow in America and offers an assertiveness training program specifically designed for blacks. His powerful training techniques offer a positive program for developing black self-assertion and personal effectiveness in order to help remedy racism and ultimately benefit all Americans.
This book acknowledges the potential cultural barriers between a puzzled white community trying to understand, but usually misinterpreting, the assertive actions of a black community. Dr. Cheek examines the roots of the differences between blacks and whites in style, thought, attitude, oral and written communication, music, peer groups and “making it” in America.
Although written to benefit anyone who has ever pondered the reasons behind these differences, Assertive Black…Puzzled White becomes a “must read” for those counseling blacks, particularly teachers, law enforcement personnel and mental health workers or any business people dealing with demographic groups and with people of color.
Raised on the streets of Harlem, but educated in the halls of academe, Dr. Cheek has developed a unique perspective with which to measure not just the quantifiable facts of the black experience, but also the intangible truths of black culture.
From that broad background and experience, Dr. Cheek has forged his assertive training techniques and has provided a step by step foundation for those who would like to counsel blacks more effectively.
