Black men have never had more opportunity for success than today--yet, as best-selling author Cose puts it, 'We are watching the largest group of black males in history stumbling through life with a ball and chain.' Add to that the ravages of AIDS, murder, poverty, illiteracy, and the widening gap separating the black 'elite' from the 'underclass,' and the result is a paralyzing pessimism. But even as Cose acknowledges the obstables that confront black men, he refuses to accept them as reasons for giving up; instead he rails against the destructive attitude that has made academic achievement a source of shame instead of pride in many black communities--and outlines steps black males can take to enhance their odds for success.
