Honky

In his memoir "Honky," Dalton Conley explores how race, class, and privilege shaped his coming-of-age in 1970s New York, revealing the impact of these factors on his life and the lives of his schoolmates and neighbors. Conley also provides an update on the informants' trajectories and reflects on how urban areas have changed over the past few decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Dalton Conley's Honky is a captivating memoir that delves into the intricate interplay of race, class, and privilege during his formative years in 1970s New York. The author's honest and introspective narrative takes readers on a journey through his experiences growing up in predominantly African American and Latino housing projects on the Lower East Side. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, Conley reveals how these factors shaped his life, as well as the lives of his schoolmates and neighbors.

In a new afterword, Conley, now a well-established senior sociologist, provides an update on the lives of his informants and sheds light on the broader societal changes that have occurred over the past few decades. He reflects on the persistence of poverty in New York and the challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities. Honky is not only a gripping coming-of-age story but also a profound case study that illuminates the cultural capital of whiteness, the social construction of race, and the complexities of upward mobility.

Through his memoir, Conley challenges readers to consider the impact of privilege and discrimination on individuals and communities. He highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and social change in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Honky is a valuable contribution to the literature on race, class, and social inequality, and it will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520397835