Beyond Death and Jail: Anti-Blackness, Black Masculinity, and the Demonic Imagination

Beyond Death and Jail: Anti-Blackness, Black Masculinity, and the Demonic Imagination challenges ethical, political, and religious thinking about anti-Blackness and Black masculinity in the US, emphasizing the need for a renewed imagination and new theories of justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

Beyond Death and Jail: Anti-Blackness, Black Masculinity, and the Demonic Imagination is a groundbreaking book that demands a complete reassessment and overhaul of ethical, political, and religious thinking with respect to anti-Blackness and Black masculinity in the United States. In the wake of the prison industrial complex and a decade of homicide (2012-2022) of Black men and Black boys, which sparked the Movement for Black Lives, Ronald B. Neal draws attention to a crisis of imagination on the part of elite social activists and intellectuals. Neal challenges more than four decades of academic theory concerned with justice, which has and continues to inform the most popular expressions of Black American activism. The book encourages readers to engage with the dilemmas faced by Black men and Black boys as a starting point for a reinvigorated imagination, including the development of new theories of justice and new paradigms of action. Neal believes that we can achieve better outcomes in our efforts to combat anti-Blackness in the United States.

Introduction:
The book "Beyond Death and Jail: Anti-Blackness, Black Masculinity, and the Demonic Imagination" by Ronald B. Neal is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complex issues surrounding anti-Blackness and Black masculinity in the United States. In this essay, we will delve into the key themes and arguments presented in the book and analyze their significance in understanding the current state of race relations in America.

Anti-Blackness:
Neal begins the book by examining the historical and cultural roots of anti-Blackness in the United States. He argues that anti-Blackness is not just a product of individual prejudice or hatred but is deeply embedded in the fabric of American society. From slavery to segregation to mass incarceration, anti-Blackness has been used as a tool to maintain power and control over Black communities. Neal highlights the ways in which anti-Blackness manifests itself in various aspects of society, including media, education, politics, and popular culture. He also explores the psychological effects of anti-Blackness on Black individuals, including feelings of inferiority, trauma, and a sense of disconnection from society.

Black Masculinity:
Neal then turns his attention to Black masculinity and its relationship to anti-Blackness. He argues that Black masculinity has been constructed as a threat to white supremacy and has been used to justify the oppression and marginalization of Black men and boys. Black masculinity is often portrayed as violent, aggressive, and sexually promiscuous, and these stereotypes are perpetuated in the media, education, and popular culture. Neal challenges these stereotypes and argues that Black masculinity is diverse and complex, encompassing a range of traits such as strength, resilience, compassion, and creativity. He also highlights the ways in which Black men have been historically marginalized and oppressed, including through the criminal justice system and the workplace.

The Demonic Imagination:
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Neal's exploration of the demonic imagination. He argues that the demonic imagination is a tool used by those in power to maintain control over Black communities and to justify their actions. The demonic imagination is characterized by the belief that Black individuals are inherently evil, dangerous, and deserving of their oppression. Neal uses examples from history, literature, and popular culture to illustrate how the demonic imagination has been used to justify the mistreatment of Black people.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Beyond Death and Jail: Anti-Blackness, Black Masculinity, and the Demonic Imagination" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding anti-Blackness and Black masculinity in the United States. Neal's book provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of these issues, challenging readers to think critically and engage with the challenges facing Black communities. By examining the historical and cultural roots of anti-Blackness, the construction of Black masculinity, and the demonic imagination, Neal offers a framework for rebuilding and transforming the relationship between Black individuals and society as a whole.

ISBN-13: 9781498572729