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African American News
"Author Joseph C. Phillips releases new book "He Talk Like A White Boy""
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Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics and Authenticity
by Joseph C. Phillips
In the six years since George W. Bush became America’s 43rd president, the battle lines between our two major political parties have hardened into predictable wars of words between well-known combatants, with both sides less receptive to debate and constructive discussion. Worse still, many on each side believe they know the others position well—and are almost automatically opposed to it. This polarized lens through which we view our world can easily marginalize those who don’t fit into our neat preconceptions; now, one bold voice steps forward to challenge us to defend our views, and makes a persuasive case for his own.
In May, a new, young, surefooted social commentator explodes onto the national stage with a collection of provocative essays that will make readers think twice about a wide range of issues, regardless of their professed affiliations. Joseph C. Phillips—actor, writer, lecturer and more—has written a fresh, wide-ranging collection of essays, with sometimes surprising opinions on issues from politics and race to marriage and family in HE TALK LIKE A WHITE BOY: Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics and Authenticity (Running Press; May 2006; $22.95; Hardcover). As popular radio and TV host Tavis Smiley notes in the book’s foreword, “It takes a lot of courage to write and say things that aren’t politically correct, or to challenge black leaders and the beliefs held by many black folks in this country…[and] to broach the subject of race or racism, even among people who look like you.”
Phillips is the voice that is missing from our national discussions. When we imagine black conservatives, figures of a certain generation like Ward Connerly, Clarence Thomas and Alan Keyes, come to mind. An unabashed black Republican, Phillips, in the vanguard of the next generation of political observers, isn’t afraid to defend his beliefs or share views, some of which are startlingly contrary to stereotypical views of the African-American social agenda.
“I’ve grown tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of black life in our cultural discourse,” Phillips observes. Through the lenses of five important categories—character, family, faith, idealism and identity—Phillips takes aim at hot button issues in today’s society, aware of—but undeterred by—the backlash he might receive. “I for one would welcome open, rational debate,” he notes in one of the book’s longer essays, “Black Conservatism, Black Pride.” “It sure would be nice to engage in discussions without being perceived as a non-thinking boob or worse, a cancer in need of excising from the black cultural body.”
National polls may reveal that most African-Americans side with Democrats on social issues—but Phillips is not one of them. “I campaigned for George W. Bush during the 2004 election,” he reveals. “His leadership has been steady and his moral courage cannot be questioned…There is little question George Bush is a man of vision, conviction and faith” (from “God Give Us Men”). Nor does Phillips mince words about Bill Clinton: “Had he not been a lying snake who harbored genuine contempt for the people he was sworn to serve, he may very well have distinguished himself as a leader,” he writes, and goes on to describe Colin Powell’s refusal to run for President as “one of the greatest political tragedies in my lifetime.”
The father of three sons and a devoted husband, Phillips’ opinions on matters of faith and family are strong. In “My Father’s Hair,” he writes, “It is a shame that as social currency, fatherhood has been so drastically devalued,” and later adds, “Consider that birds with brains the size of peas demand that their mates demonstrate their worthiness. Far too many women today give themselves to men without consideration of that man’s worth as life partner or father of their children.”
Phillips’ observations of social issues are equally impassioned. About rap music, he writes, “It is difficult for me, however, to take seriously young men who call themselves musicians but who can’t read music and make money from sampling (stealing) other’s people’s music” (“Old School”). Phillips takes issue with the contentious topic of African-American reparations: “These folks [who support the idea] confidently reason that a few more trillion administered by them will solve the problem…Who are they to determine how money due me because of my suffering is best spent? Is my brother now my master?”
Yet Phillips is not without humor, and describes his unconventional love of Westerns and the cowboy culture (he and his wife spent their honeymoon on a Montana dude ranch), records in his collection that reveal he is a square (his affection for Johnny Mathis and Broadway show tunes), and occasional confusion about gender roles (“Why is it my job to remove the dead mouse from the garage?”). He also shares deeply personal recollections about his mother’s suicide, lessons learned from a young friend with cancer, his work as a Big Brother, his deeply held faith and a call to action (in “Power of Faith and Religion”), and is frank about his personal shortcomings, like holding a grudge.
HE TALK LIKE A WHITE BOY: Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics and Authenticity is that rare book that offers readers thoughtful challenges and solid reaffirmations. A man of strong conviction, but open to discussion, Joseph C. Phillips soon will be recognized as one of his generation’s most influential thinkers.
About the Author:
Joseph C. Phillips is an actor, writer, lecturer, and social commentator best known for his role on The Cosby Show as the character Denise’s (Lisa Bonet) husband, Lt. Martin Kendall. He has also been on a variety of TV shows and in such films as Strictly Business, Midnight Blue, and Let’s Talk about Sex. His writing has appeared in Newsweek, Los Angeles Daily News, Essence, Upscale and USA Today and his weekly column, “The Way I See It” appears in newspapers around the country. He was also a regular contributor to NPR’s Tavis Smiley Radio Show. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.
Visit www.josephcphillips.com
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