“Black Privilege” by Charlamagne tha god
Black Privilege was amazing though! Charlamagne is a radio personality on the Breakfast Club (on Power 105.1)and has always been pretty upfront about different things that he has done in the past, as well as being brutally honest and opinionated- which I love. But in this book- he gives readers a more in depth look into his [past] life- highlighting various decisions he’s made along the way, some good, some bad; he talks about how he made his way to being on the radio and television; as well as just giving sound advice for those trying to make it- whether it be in radio, acting, education, or playing in a band.
I really enjoyed reading and retaining the information and advice he put into the book, and definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for some tips on how to get the ball rolling, advice on your actions after you’ve gotten the ball rolling, but especially for young people out there- who may not be making the best decisions at the time, but have all the potential in the world to succeed and be great. This book is most definitely for you!
For this particular review, since it’s a self-help book, I wanted to highlight on key things I found interesting from each chapter (which he made into “principles.”)
*SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t read the book already, and don’t want anything to be ruined, from this point forward I’ll be going into more details about topics and points mentioned in the book. But do grab a copy and dig in!*
-Principle 1: It’s not the size of the Pond but the Hustle of the Fish
This chapter gave a more in-depth look into where Charlamagne came from how he was brought up, and a little about his parents, and what they did… I love how he makes a point to discuss how regardless of where you come from- it is possible to make it out of that environment if that’s not ultimately where you want to be, providing you put in the work and do what you need to do on your end. Another great point was looking to the people around you and paying attention to their success stories and how they got to where they are. Not to copy their path- but more so as inspiration, whether it’s your parents, different professionals in the field you want to go into, or mentors.
-Principle 2: PYP (Pick Your Passion, Poison, or Procrastination)
We get right into how Charlamagne was excessively smart growing up- but after getting bullied by his cousins for so long and seeing some of the different “cool things” they were doing, he decided that he wanted to dip into the “thug life” and started presenting himself more as the class clown. We also get the details on his first time being arrested, as well as how he started off selling drugs [crack.] He then discusses the “poisons” that people can pick: things that feel good in the moment, but ultimately can destroy us. Our “procrastination” are the things that don’t necessarily hurt us, but really don’t propel us in life either (Side note: this part really stuck with me, because I’m a HUGE procrastinator. So even though it’s just minor things that I tend to procrastinate with (art projects, school deadlines, etc.) this was the small kick in the ass that I needed to hear.) The last pinpoint was picking your “passion”: never settling, nor letting your circumstances dictate the decisions of how you live your life.
-Principle 3: Fuck Your Dreams
I absolutely LOVED this chapter! In short, it wasn’t about discouraging people or telling them their dreams don’t matter- but more so about helping them follow THEIR dreams, and the path of success that they SHOULD be on. Not following in the footsteps of someone else’s dream, just because that person’s dream looks glamorous at the moment; he makes a point to say that not everyone is meant to be an entertainer, basketball player, or musician. Some of us are meant to be educators, doctors, lawyers, radio personalities, etc.
-Principle 4: There Are No Losses, Only Lessons
See the lesson in everything. Even when things seem to be going in left field and you don’t really see the “light at the end of the tunnel,” see the lesson in those experiences. Take what you can positively from that, things that you learned and that helped you grow- and carry those things into the next situation to make it better and more efficient. In this chapter Charlamagne discusses his climb through the radio business and how he got to be co-host on the Wendy Williams Show. We get an inside look on how he was fired from previous radio stations, as well as what led to him being fired from Wendy’s show. And with all of that happening- he could have easily given up and became defeated, but instead he chose to learn from those mistakes- and continue pushing forward, which ultimately lead to his role as a host on the Breakfast Club.
-Principle 5: Put the Weed in the Bag
Do the necessary steps required, to get to where you ultimately want to be! Basically- you need to put in the work first. You can’t just see the end and expect to get there without doing anything to actually get there. I love how this chapter aims more so for the young and inexperienced; here Charlamagne encourages readers to not be afraid and against working for free (when it comes to jobs that will lead to the career path you want.) I totally agree with this, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and do a little bit of free labor, if that leads a greater end result. Also, the importance of internships (or apprenticeships depending on the field.) This is also very important, because it’s pretty much getting your foot in the door, and showing your value to the team/company and getting that hands-on experience that you’ll need.
-Principle 6: Live Your Truth
This portion of the book I would recommend to teenagers especially; Charlamagne highlights on owning up to your mistakes and actions, and not backing down about them when confronted. He also discusses looking at all of your flaws, and making them known so that people can’t use them against you. (He used Eminem [Rabbit] from the movie 8 Mile, and when he was about to battle Poppa Doc, and immediately pointed out all his “flaws” before Poppa Doc could use them and destroy him.)
-Principle 7: Give People the Credit They Deserve for Being Stupid
There is a difference between being stupid, and being ignorant. And when you’re being stupid, you’re not being open to learning and understanding things which you don’t know. There’s also the discussion of being coachable; being open to those who are more knowledgeable and experienced, giving you help and insight to making you better. Also being open to growth in your relationship; don’t be afraid to make positive adjustments and changes that will help strengthen and maintain your relationship.
-Principle 8: Access Your Black Privilege
This chapter pretty much tied up the whole book, and was focused on encouraging readers to believe in themselves and understand that, regardless of their situation- it’s still very possible to accomplish their dreams and do what they want in life, providing they put in the work, time, and effort. Charlamagne also highlights in this chapter, remembering that as black people we have power and privilege, and are destined to be great and do great things.
Again, I really enjoyed this book and the topics discussed, and also appreciated Charlamagne giving readers a more in-depth look into him as a person, and who he was before he became “Charlamagne the god.” If you haven’t gotten a copy of this book yet, I definitely recommend going into your nearest library, book store, or online site, and grabbing a copy. I promise you want be disappointed… And once you’re done reading- let’s discuss! -Nina Michelle
This chapter gave a more in-depth look into where Charlamagne came from how he was brought up, and a little about his parents, and what they did… I love how he makes a point to discuss how regardless of where you come from- it is possible to make it out of that environment if that’s not ultimately where you want to be, providing you put in the work and do what you need to do on your end. Another great point was looking to the people around you and paying attention to their success stories and how they got to where they are. Not to copy their path- but more so as inspiration, whether it’s your parents, different professionals in the field you want to go into, or mentors.
-Principle 2: PYP (Pick Your Passion, Poison, or Procrastination)
We get right into how Charlamagne was excessively smart growing up- but after getting bullied by his cousins for so long and seeing some of the different “cool things” they were doing, he decided that he wanted to dip into the “thug life” and started presenting himself more as the class clown. We also get the details on his first time being arrested, as well as how he started off selling drugs [crack.] He then discusses the “poisons” that people can pick: things that feel good in the moment, but ultimately can destroy us. Our “procrastination” are the things that don’t necessarily hurt us, but really don’t propel us in life either (Side note: this part really stuck with me, because I’m a HUGE procrastinator. So even though it’s just minor things that I tend to procrastinate with (art projects, school deadlines, etc.) this was the small kick in the ass that I needed to hear.) The last pinpoint was picking your “passion”: never settling, nor letting your circumstances dictate the decisions of how you live your life.
-Principle 3: Fuck Your Dreams
I absolutely LOVED this chapter! In short, it wasn’t about discouraging people or telling them their dreams don’t matter- but more so about helping them follow THEIR dreams, and the path of success that they SHOULD be on. Not following in the footsteps of someone else’s dream, just because that person’s dream looks glamorous at the moment; he makes a point to say that not everyone is meant to be an entertainer, basketball player, or musician. Some of us are meant to be educators, doctors, lawyers, radio personalities, etc.
-Principle 4: There Are No Losses, Only Lessons
See the lesson in everything. Even when things seem to be going in left field and you don’t really see the “light at the end of the tunnel,” see the lesson in those experiences. Take what you can positively from that, things that you learned and that helped you grow- and carry those things into the next situation to make it better and more efficient. In this chapter Charlamagne discusses his climb through the radio business and how he got to be co-host on the Wendy Williams Show. We get an inside look on how he was fired from previous radio stations, as well as what led to him being fired from Wendy’s show. And with all of that happening- he could have easily given up and became defeated, but instead he chose to learn from those mistakes- and continue pushing forward, which ultimately lead to his role as a host on the Breakfast Club.
-Principle 5: Put the Weed in the Bag
Do the necessary steps required, to get to where you ultimately want to be! Basically- you need to put in the work first. You can’t just see the end and expect to get there without doing anything to actually get there. I love how this chapter aims more so for the young and inexperienced; here Charlamagne encourages readers to not be afraid and against working for free (when it comes to jobs that will lead to the career path you want.) I totally agree with this, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and do a little bit of free labor, if that leads a greater end result. Also, the importance of internships (or apprenticeships depending on the field.) This is also very important, because it’s pretty much getting your foot in the door, and showing your value to the team/company and getting that hands-on experience that you’ll need.
-Principle 6: Live Your Truth
This portion of the book I would recommend to teenagers especially; Charlamagne highlights on owning up to your mistakes and actions, and not backing down about them when confronted. He also discusses looking at all of your flaws, and making them known so that people can’t use them against you. (He used Eminem [Rabbit] from the movie 8 Mile, and when he was about to battle Poppa Doc, and immediately pointed out all his “flaws” before Poppa Doc could use them and destroy him.)
-Principle 7: Give People the Credit They Deserve for Being Stupid
There is a difference between being stupid, and being ignorant. And when you’re being stupid, you’re not being open to learning and understanding things which you don’t know. There’s also the discussion of being coachable; being open to those who are more knowledgeable and experienced, giving you help and insight to making you better. Also being open to growth in your relationship; don’t be afraid to make positive adjustments and changes that will help strengthen and maintain your relationship.
-Principle 8: Access Your Black Privilege
This chapter pretty much tied up the whole book, and was focused on encouraging readers to believe in themselves and understand that, regardless of their situation- it’s still very possible to accomplish their dreams and do what they want in life, providing they put in the work, time, and effort. Charlamagne also highlights in this chapter, remembering that as black people we have power and privilege, and are destined to be great and do great things.
Again, I really enjoyed this book and the topics discussed, and also appreciated Charlamagne giving readers a more in-depth look into him as a person, and who he was before he became “Charlamagne the god.” If you haven’t gotten a copy of this book yet, I definitely recommend going into your nearest library, book store, or online site, and grabbing a copy. I promise you want be disappointed… And once you’re done reading- let’s discuss! -Nina Michelle
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