Masculinity Under Construction: Literary Re-Presentations of Black Masculinity in the African Diaspora

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Masculinity Under Construction: Literary Re-Presentations of Black Masculinity in the African Diaspora analyzes Black male identity as constructed by Black male authors. In each chapter, Dr. Jefferson-James discusses a different "construction" or definition of masculine identity produced by men of African descent on the continent of Africa, in the Caribbean, and in North America. Combing through the works of James Baldwin, Chinua Achebe, Ralph Ellison, George Lamming, and other pan-African authors, Masculinity Under Construction argues for the importance of analyzing the historical context that contributed to the formation of Black male identity. Additionally, Dr. Jefferson-James draws a relationship between Black feminists and writers, such as Anna Julia Cooper and her contemporaries, and these works of literature viewed as primarily about Black masculinity.

Reviews

Masculinity Under Construction is an exciting, much-needed study. Through deft readings of anti/postcolonial authors, including Aim Csaire, James Baldwin, Mariama Ba, Ernest Gaines, Amos Tutuola, and George Lamming, Dr. LaToya Jefferson-James broadens and transforms our understanding of masculine identity within the African Diaspora. This engaging, most-welcome work opens new vistas on Black Manhood, Postcolonial Studies, and African Diaspora Studies, and clearly constitutes a major scholastic accomplishment. -- Verner D. Mitchell, University of Memphis
In clear, lucid and jargon-free language, Dr. Jefferson-James reflects on her own heritage of strong, Black Mississippi men, writing them into an analysis of Black male writers, and offering nuanced alternatives to masculine identity. Her touchstones are James Baldwin and Ernest Gaines, but she enriches and complicates her argument with discussion of the lesser-known Caribbean writers George Lamming, C.L.R. James, Jacques Roumain, Roger Mais and E.K. Brathwaite. This is an essential text for graduate and undergraduate courses in American history and literature, as well as Diaspora Studies, Black Studies, White Studies and Queer Studies. Hopefully, a second edition will include texts by Hispano-African male writers. -- Cynthia Davis, San Jacinto College

Author Bio

LaToya Jefferson-James is assistant professor of literature at Mississippi Valley State University.