Debating race is a series of conversations between Dawson and a wide swath of people from Scholars: Gary Orfield, Cornel West, politicians: John McCain, John Kerry and pop-political commentators Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher. They tackle many aspects in this book which is broken down into 7 areas.   Civil Rights Ethnicity Conflicting Loves Youth & Violence Black Masculinity Catastrophes Anatomy of A Conflict Why Bill Cosby is still wrong   Overall I found this book very powerful and presents a very deep dive into very controversial areas. Unfortunaly their is not enough dialog about those very serious issues. There is such a wealth of ideas presented in this book I could start a blog just tackling those issues. From reading the book here are a few thoughts.   The 7 areas discussed in his book, are not black and white but many shades of grey. I‘ve gained an appreciation of how complex each of these areas discussed in the book are.   The real struggle is about power and control. Those who have it the "ruling elite" and those do not "everyone else" To illustrate that example here are two facts. Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans constitute about 25 percent of the population together. They have about 6 percent of our nation’s operating businesses. ...

Although this book was written in the 1930's Dale Carnegie book how to win friends and influence people is a masterpiece on human relations. The key points in his book still hold sway today.   If you are a shy person, or even someone that is out going you will find great nuggets of wisdom in this book. After reading the book, I have tried to implement some of his key techniques, with varied success. I consider the key points in his book common sense, but very few people use these techniques consistently, if at all.   Here are the key points from his book. Fundamental Techniques in Handling People Don't criticize, condemn or complain "Give honest and sincere appreciation." "Arouse in the other person an eager want." Six Ways to Make People Like You "Become genuinely interested in other people." "Smile." "Remember that a man's name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language." "Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves." "Talk in the terms of the other man's interest." "Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely." Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking "Avoid arguments." "Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never tell someone they are wrong." "If you're wrong, admit it quickly ...

My wife really enjoys listening to the Steve Harvey morning show, I prefer NPR. One of the hosts is Nephew Tommy. His back and forth banter with Steve Harvey is entertaining. With that said we went to see his stand up show at the Miami Improve on Saturday. His show was sold out, but luckily we were able to get seats very close to the stage.    His show was very good. His energy was infectious... to the point I was laughing when I didn't have a clue what he was saying, but his energy and deliver were impeccable.  His standup consisted of current events through the eyes of the black community, and their general feelings to such events. He talked a bit about relationships, and some good old slapstick humor, with a pinch of sexual innuendoes to spice things up.    I would say if you like Steve Harvey or Cedric the Entertainer, you will like his style of comedy.   Would I go see him again when he has new material, I would say yes.