Writings on the Wall

June 13, 2016
An endearing lack of cynicism pervades Abdul-Jabbar and Obstfeld’s fifth book together, following What Color Is My World? Their latest work focuses on “continental divides” in American society such as “young versus old” and “men versus women.” Hoping to “expand the discussion about what America is and what it means to be American,” the book deploys easily grasped metaphors alongside current polling data and pop culture references. Each chapter ends with a numbered list of possible answers to the questions explored earlier. The prevailing tone is a plainspoken and principled defense of reason over emotion and education over ignorance. Betraying an encyclopedic knowledge of American culture, the book quotes an impressive array of figures as broad as Francis Bacon, Michelle Obama, and Gwendolyn Brooks. There are some missteps; the authors’ comments on gender roles may strike feminists as paternalistic, and their partisan derision for the GOP ignores Democratic foibles. Little here is startlingly original, but the book excels in translating, supporting, and passionately defending the ideas behind “the document that defines who we are and what we stand for: the U.S. Constitution.”

June 1, 2016
Insights into life from the cultural commentator and former Hall of Fame basketball player.Combining his personal experiences as a black Muslim male with statistical data, research, and a bit of humor, Abdul-Jabbar (On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance, 2010, etc.) explores the divisions in the United States along lines of race, class, religion, and gender, and he offers concrete, easily implemented solutions to fix these ongoing problems. Opening with an examination of the Constitution, the author explains why this document is still a vital part of American democracy. "Too often people who are all puffed up on their own ideals of patriotism propose actions that are contrary to what the country stands for in an effort to codify their personal beliefs as law," he writes. "These are America's greatest threat....The genius of the Constitution is that it was written by men who acknowledged their own frailties and biases." To uphold the Constitution, we must elect officials who think critically about the issues in front of them and use reliable, nonpartisan research to make informed decisions. Providing children with a solid education is the first step. Abdul-Jabbar confronts the race issue head-on, giving readers numerous facts that unequivocally show that racism is still widespread. He suggests public awareness, anti-racist laws, and more minorities on TV and in movies will help combat this. The author also voices the difficulties he's faced due to his religion, and he proposes interfaith activities and hate-crime laws to ease the tension. Abdul-Jabbar also covers gender equality and the plight of the elderly. His concerns are deep, his arguments well-founded, and his solutions straightforward. The trick is to get people to listen, but Abdul-Jabbar provides a good jumping-off point. Heartfelt sentiments on how racism, gender equality, and other social and cultural issues in America can be changed for the betterment of all.

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July 1, 2016

NBA Hall of Famer and author Abdul-Jabbar (What Color Is My World?) tackles racism, sexism, economic inequality, and more in his latest work, which is inspired by his own experience and frustration with the growing racial and social divide within the United States. This is not an autobiography; other than the chapter on religion, in which the author discusses his conversion to Islam as a young man. Abdul-Jabbar draws primarily from published studies as well as popular music and movies (at one point he quotes political commentator James Carville and German playwright Bertolt Brecht in the same paragraph). Each chapter closes with specific recommendations that vary from the practical (raise the minimum wage to $15) to the aspirational ("fact-check every politician every time they speak publicly"). VERDICT While the book will likely most appeal to those who share Abdul-Jabbar's progressive outlook, it is recommended for all readers seeking a clear, concise overview of many pressing issues facing the country today.--Nicholas Graham, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

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