 November 2002
American Skin
by Leon E. Wynter
Will there ever be a time where the color of one's skin will not matter in the scheme of societal culture? Will the melting pot have enough room to stir together all that separates the races for harmonious coexistence?
The end of White America as we know it, and the beginning of truisms that the author explains in a rather stark and introspective way in his book, American Skin. Leon E. Wynter's writing style here is reminiscent of his memorable essays on race, business, and American culture (or disculture depending on how you look at it) that he's known for writing for such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Times, and the New York Newsday.
The author will have you believe that the true American identity is being usurped by a new modicum for change...that white culture is declining in value, has no measure for continuity, and that which is on the rise is the sharing of consumer idioms and the blending of cultural tenets. As you read this book, one can't help but marvel at how Mr. Wynter came about to make analogies to support his thesis.
Take a look at the chapters and you will agree that the emphasis he places on amalgamation reflects diversity in his point of view. Getting to the gist of what the author is trying to convey is told through the eyes of the main character, Alex Verdi as he deals with the angst via the class and racial tensions that pervade our society. It reads like a coming-of-age saga fraught with all of the ingredients inherent of a young man struggling against society to achieve success and happiness amid race matters that he has to deal with.
In reading this book, one will definitely come away either impressed (depending on readers having a pragmatic sense of reasoning), or disappointed (only if readers expect something more that what hasn't been already hashed and rehashed as it pertain to racial mores). I advise one to read it with an open mind, and let the conscious dwell along with the subconscious for realism to dismiss institutional racism. Besides, the new order that the author conjures up here may not be the norm in this lifetime. Judge for yourself!
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