I'd Rather We Got Casinos: And Other Black Thoughts

Larry Wilmore

Language: English

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Published: Jan 13, 2009

Description:

EDITORIAL REVIEW: Within these pages are the musings, the revelations, the ruminations, and the reflections of the incomparable Larry Wilmore. Here, collected for the first time, all in one place, are his Black Thoughts. From why black weathermen make him feel happy (or sad) and why brothas don't see UFOs to his search for Black Jesus or his quest to replace "African-American" with "chocolate," Wilmore has finally relented, agreeing to share his unique (black) perspective. Soon, you too will have the ability to find racism in everything. Bring back the Shetland Negro and do away with Black History Month! After all, can twenty-eight days of trivia really make up for centuries of oppression? In Wilmore's own words, "I'd rather we got casinos!"

From the host of Comedy Central's newest program, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, comes the first paperback reprint of his funny and provocative musings on race in America and other nightly topics--updated with new material for this edition.

Now boasting three new chapters and an introduction exclusive the trade paperback edition, I'd Rather We Got Casinos And Other Black Thoughts by Larry Wilmore gives Wilmore's on-screen character of the same name a place to voice his opinions on controversial topics in a way that anyone can find amusing ... and eye-opening. Exploring various literary forms such as op-ed pieces, epistolary entries, graduation speeches, and long-lost transcripts, the result is a collection that the expanded audience from his successful Comedy Central program will enjoy, including: why black weathermen make him feel happy (or sad); why brothas don't see UFOs; letters to the NAACP; and more, including his frustration with Black History Month--after all, can twenty-eight days of trivia really make up for centuries of oppression?

**

From Publishers Weekly

As "Senior Black Correspondent" on cable TV's The Daily Show, comedian Wilmore provides some of the program's most hilarious moments while turning its satiric edge on his (largely white, middle-class, left-leaning) employers and audience, as well as his own people-retaining the full measure of his cynicism even in the midst of Obama-mania. In this collection (including essays, fake radio show transcripts, letters and wisecracks), readers get a tour of Wilmore's smart, sarcastic approach to race, media and the modern American psyche (perhaps most efficiently captured in back-to-back thought pieces, "Black Weathermen Make Me Feel Happy" and "Black Weathermen Make Me Feel Sad"). Part of Wilmore's appeal is the straight-faced mix of conviction and arch absurdity-more Steve Colbert than Jon Stewart-that's sometimes lacking without his deadpan, vaguely deprecating delivery. Still, fans will find consistent laughs, even if some of his longer, one-note pieces could have been better balanced with more of his goofy one-liners ("Random Black Thoughts"). Several of Wilmore's modest proposals, like his ongoing campaign to replace terms like "African-American" and "Black" with "Chocolate" ("everybody loves chocolate!") display a classic satirist's ability to convince, confound and compel in equal measure.
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From Booklist

Wilmore, the “senior black correspondent” with The Daily Show who has made a career out of taking jabs at race relations, offers a faux collection of articles, essays, radio transcripts, and letters exploring the more ludicrous angles on race. He begins by taking issue with racism being presented as an abstract concept rather than as a “problem that could use a concrete solution like a backed-up sink.” Wilmore suggests “rebranding” racial designation from African American to chocolate and includes several pitch letters to the NAACP. He conducts a post-Katrina radio interview with “the Man,” who, it turns out, is very ordinary and not the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful force but something more random and less pernicious, though just as aggravating. Scoffing at the notion of a Black History Month, Wilmore derides 28 days of trivia and would “rather we got casinos.” With wit and humor, Wilmore skewers the serious and silly aspects of American racial politics. --Vanessa Bush