Social Sciences
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Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood
"[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.
"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.
Editorial Reviews
"[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…This potent work makes a systemic issue immensely personal." - Publishers Weekly
"In Patriarchy's Blues: Reflections on Manhood, Frederick Joseph deftly peels away the layers of innocence we all attempt to cling to when confronted with our own complicity in harmful paradigms, providing a blueprint for how we might be able to reclaim ourselves by replacing the horrors of domination with projects of radical compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and self-inventory--which is to say, finally become human. 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.
"Patriarchy Blues is an incisive, provocative, and challenging call to action. Through his own turbulent and tender life story, Frederick T. Joseph shows us what patriarchy costs all of us and precisely what's at stake if we don't dismantle it. This book is pure fire, the forging kind, the healing kind." - Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
"Frederick's perspective is poignant and necessary and the questions he poses about intersecting identities are stunningly urgent. In a world filled with despair, this book gives me hope." - Liz Plank, author of For The Love of Men: From Toxic to Mindful Masculinity
"Joseph covers a great deal of ground, taking on rape culture, White privilege, victim blaming, the rights of sex workers, and the fact that "the Black American experience is not monolithic," always returning to the intersectionality that governs how people are defined and, too often, oppressed… A well-reasoned, wide-ranging plea for a new conception of personhood and justice." - Kirkus
"In Patriarchy's Blues: Reflections on Manhood, Frederick Joseph deftly peels away the layers of innocence we all attempt to cling to when confronted with our own complicity in harmful paradigms, providing a blueprint for how we might be able to reclaim ourselves by replacing the horrors of domination with projects of radical compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and self-inventory--which is to say, finally become human. 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.
"Patriarchy Blues is an incisive, provocative, and challenging call to action. Through his own turbulent and tender life story, Frederick T. Joseph shows us what patriarchy costs all of us and precisely what's at stake if we don't dismantle it. This book is pure fire, the forging kind, the healing kind." - Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
"Frederick's perspective is poignant and necessary and the questions he poses about intersecting identities are stunningly urgent. In a world filled with despair, this book gives me hope." - Liz Plank, author of For The Love of Men: From Toxic to Mindful Masculinity
"Joseph covers a great deal of ground, taking on rape culture, White privilege, victim blaming, the rights of sex workers, and the fact that "the Black American experience is not monolithic," always returning to the intersectionality that governs how people are defined and, too often, oppressed… A well-reasoned, wide-ranging plea for a new conception of personhood and justice." - Kirkus
Readers Top Reviews
Kori GervasioJ
Fred’s voice as a writer balances the tension between being part of the solution and also the problem. The system was meant to oppress and we all have to unlearn it. Fred’s candidness about MS and living with a chronic illness was another layer of empowerment. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thomas Perry Ko
Such a good book, as soon as I saw the author wrote another book I had to immediately order it! Great resource! The issues discussed are so important.
josue colonThomas
I read The Black Friend in a day so the bar was set pretty high for Patriarchy Blues. It did not disappoint! I have learned so much from this author and appreciate everything he does.
Jordan J.josue co
This has been a great read. The thoughts and how they’re presented flow really well. Growing up in a very patriarchal culture this really has been helping me break down my conditioning. I would also recommend The Black Friend by the same author.
Lynn SawyerJordan
If you're looking for a book to read, please pick up this book! This is easily one of my new favorite books. It was refreshing to read from a Black man's perspective on these topics. The author did a phenomenal job exploring how caste and intersectionality play a dual role in helping us understand patriarchal violence and how people can occupy roles as both victims and abusers. He also does a great job speaking on white supremacist systems but written in a way that is easily digestible for everyone to understand. I read often but recently have been uninspired by most of the material I've been reading. At first, I thought it was me, BUT, after reading this book, I was reminded I am drawn to books that make me process, reflect, engage in conversation, and most importantly ask more questions. Thank you so much for writing this important book and I think it will be relevant for decades and centuries to come in understanding the systems we are a part of.
