Exploring Black Sexuality

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In this pioneering, nonobjective study, a distinguished Black sexologist tackles one of the most controversial aspects of American race relations. The subject of Black sexuality has been widely discussed in every possible popular format for the past four hundred years, yet serious scholarship in the area is lacking. While Black sexuality has been a pervasive force in American life, it has been too sensitive a topic for Black or white authors to write about in a serious, non-polemical format. Robert Staples explores same-sex attitudes and behavior, interracial sexual relations, rape, prostitution, pornography, and the stereotypes of Black sexual superiority in this scholarly yet accessible collection. Staples shows how vaunted and feared sexual differences were the 'raison d'etre' of Southern school segregation, race-based laws, white flight from the inner cities, the double sexual standard, lynchings, and race riots. This groundbreaking study concludes with a speculation on the future of Black sexuality in the 21st century based on our knowledge of current demographic and economic forces.

Reviews

Occasionally ribald and often maddening, but sure to spark lively discussions and debates. * Book Review Digest *
The dean of Black family studies has done it again through this scopic examination of Black sexuality in a society hopelessly committed to capital and profits over social justice and equality. Unlike recent books on Black sexuality, which are concerned with gaining university tenure and positioning Black scholars vis--vis whites in practically all-white academic departments, Staples captures the sexual mores, folkways, and values among African Americans. Like one of his earlier works, Black Masculinity, this book keeps it real and should be required reading. -- Anthony J. Lemelle Jr., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Author Bio

Robert Staples is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of California, San Francisco. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Family Relations and the Black World Foundation. He is the author of Black Families at the Crossroads.