The Racism Room

Black Like Me is John Howard Griffin’s journal account of his participant observation journey into the Deep South in 1959. Griffin, a white journalist from Mansfield, Texas who covered the Deep South states, wanted to find out what it was like to be black (a “negro”) in that area and the only way he could think of was to become a negro...literally. Through medications and ultra violet ray treatments, he darkened his skin sufficiently to pass as a negro and traveled in the same areas he had traveled in as a white man. Black Like Me is the book he wrote after his 28 day adventure was over.

This is a powerful book...even his and its detractors admit that. It covers so many areas germane to an Introductory Sociology class, not the least of which is racism itself. Yet, its a history book, too...taking people of today back to a time of overt segregation...enabling its readers to assess just how far we have or haven’t come since then. It gives us a perspective on how social change takes place and the institutional restrictions impeding change. It shows us how, on the other hand, those very institutional patterns actually can and do change and how the micro level is connected to the meso and the macro levels. Then, last but not least, the book illustrates a compelling participant observation, a popular methodology in social research. Griffin’s accounting of his ongoing reactions highlights the dangers and pitfalls of P.O. and at the same time illustrates the benefits of empathetically identifying with those one is studying.

To say the least, Black Like Me is one of those books which once started is hard to put down. It plays on almost all aspects of our humanity...but especially the emotions. Yet just as much, it makes one think and reflect about others and oneself on a level many don’t achieve otherwise. Although there are those who don’t like this book for their own variety of reasons, I believe that most readers would agree with me that Griffin was a truly courageous man who served his fellowmen well. Griffin passed away some years ago, but as long as this book is published and read, he will remain a living example of what a critical approach produces when seeking answers, not proof.

David H. Kessel