In this personal and poignant collection, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Black Friend examines the culture of masculinity through the lens of a Black man.
What does it mean to be a man today? How does the pervasive yet elusive idea of masculine toxicity actually reflect mens experiencesparticularly those of colorand how they navigate the world?
In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and manning up to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of mens lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.
Written in Josephs unique voice, with an intelligence and raw honesty that demonstrates both his vulnerability and compassion, Patriarchy Blues forces us to consider the joys, pains, and destructive nature of manhood and the stereotypes it engenders.