Samantha Nunez

Professor Jackie
English 101
December 5, 2105

Condemned
Adam Mansbachs novel, "Angry Black White Boy" conceals many stereotypes and
forms of racism. The question of who is to blame for it is extremely looked upon and
spoken of throughout the story. Whether or not to look for a reason, a culprit, for the
distance between races, the priviledges of certain ethnicities and the judgements made
based on a person's skin is greatly targeted, bullseyed and thrown at one race.
The many faults of lifes misegnation is blame enitrely upon the sole existence of the
white race. To Macon there is no greater harm done to this world other than that of his
own ethnicity. Through Macons understanding of history and admiration of Malcom X,
he finds that the truth lies behind the doings of white people. Who but white folks, his
folks, have been brutal for so long? (17). Not only was Macon so sure of his grasp of
knowledge which had leorrid accusations, but he even pointed a finger towards the
education system for the lack of enlightment on decieving heroes such as that of John
Brown, a fiery abolitionist and man of action, whom could not be tamed in his fight to
end slavery and overthrow its institution. Macon goes on to explain that his actions were
out of pure hatred for his wife had left him for a slave owner.You know why John
Brown tried to free those slaves? His old lady left him for a slave owner. The whole thing
was a crazy, ill-concieved act of revenge. Fuck John Brown (51). Thisd him to create
such h absense of information presented to students is viewed upon as a pot full of lies
fed to people of color that want to learn their past. To Nique, it only shows how oblivious
citizens are made to be and the overall picture of how easily information can be hidden
from others. Feeding the black man nothing but his-story, tricknowledgy, and

sinformation. Locking him away in the library, where the white man buries the lies (51).
With this Macon adds the hassle that black men make in order to pay for his education.
With it, Nique then concludes that the hassle itself is the reason for the violence made by
black men in order to obtain money for schooling. Yes indeed. Causing the black man to
fall deeper and deeper into financial bondage until he is forced, despite his fancy degree,
to return to the ghetto from whence he came and sell posion to innocent black babies, just
like whitey planned. Because the only B.A worth a damn in this world, brothers and
sisters, is your Black Ass (51-52).
While speaking publicly on Pedantic Perspectives, a popular show on current events,
Macon shifts every implication on whites when asked a series of questions referring to
global crisis. When asked, What do you see as the biggest obstacle in improving the state
of race relations in America? (203), Macon bluntly replies with White people(203).
Jackfruit Preston, Macons opponent in the discussion, objects to this by putting out that
there shouldnt be a source to blame but rather there should be work to make
improvements. Our duty as a nation is to improve is to move beyond the problems of the
past and embrace the principles of equality on which the country was founded(203).
That being said, the shortage of responsibility becomes humorous to Macon as he states
the issues of african americans over and over again making the situation obvious as why
it is not so easily forgiven. Economic and political power bases were placed into the
conversation as a solution to the problem all the while outcasting people like Macon
where Macon again proceeds to point out white. Unfortunately, the fact is that yall cant
rebuild the black community unless white people decide to let you do it (204). It is
greatly argued by him that white people cannot and would not stand for such things.
As all arguments lean to the direction of white people being the ones at fault, it is implied
that they should be begging for forgiveness for the many burdens presented. Though
looked upon as something outrageous and out of line to do,it is okay in the minds of some
and is therefore proposed by the host as a day made purely of apology but not of

acceptance. He clarifies the possibility of not being pardoned or even spoken to in the
least but rather it is essential to recognize their mistakes. I want white folks to meditate
on what it is theyre apologizing for and then to follow Brother Malcolms advice and
walk right up to black folks on the street and say theyre sorry . Dont expect forgiveness;
the point is to acknowledge how fucked up--whoops, sorry---how messed up things are
and to take responsibility. Hows that?(204-205). Controversy speaks that blacks should
take liability of their own lives, again shifting away the burden and blame from white
people. Female ally of Macon responds, Whats wrong with white people
acknowledging the roles theyve played in oppression?(205). Blame is again on white
and an entire day dedicated to apoligizing is formed.
Putting thought into what it is that should be apologized for, a set of reasons is talked
about by Andre that seem ridiculous to him despite agreeing with their liability.What are
crackers gonna say? Im for the crimes my people have committed? Sorry im racist?
Sorry about slavery, segregation, church burnings, glass ceilings, Jim Crow, and stealing
rock n roll? What?(220) Macon shrugs this off being that he does not care what they are
sorry for as long as they are sorry for something because they are the ones in the wrong.
Anything. Just as long as they acknowledge something (220). With it blacks are
confirmed believers that they must be asked forgiveness. Andre and Nique walk in pride
while teaching white folks to apologize and just for what. The act of having judgement is
blamed entirely on them Imagine youre walking home late at night and you see me
coming down a dark alley right toward you. Whats the first thought that crosses your
scared honkey minds? Apologize for that(229). Oppression also is continued to be seen
as a white only crime as they expect to be begged an apology for. People unaware of the
necessity of it are puzzled with what they had done to be merciful to begin with.Man,
aint you watch the news? Macon Detornay and shit? You sposed to apologize for
opressing my black ass. Whussup?(235). But as the situation keeps going, whites are
continued to be pressed into taking culpability in the burdens faced by african americans.

It even goes as far as to mixing in that God only can forgive the actions played by white
people. Pardon me for saying so in front of young ears, but I dont give a good
goddamn. I dont forgive you, and neither does anybody else. Being as old as i am makes
you honest, son, and the truth is, theres not enough forgiveness in this world for white
people. No, sir. Only God is that forgiving (243).