Hustler’S Paradox


Book Description

When your heart is pounding milliseconds times a hundred-thousand-fold and your adrenaline is pumping to the overflow capacity, then and only then, are you engaging in the Philadelphia nightlife, where this could be the last day of your life or the first of many nights that you dance with the devil. Will you stand and deliver and make your presence known in this environment? Or will you duck, turn tail, and run? Or will you defy the odds that are stacked against you and rise above the mayhem and be a positive motivating force in the fabulous city of Philadelphia? This tale tells the journey of two black men born of humble Southern beginnings that came to the city of brotherly love and changed their fates. This is a Philadelphia urban tale!




Understanding the Male Hustler


Book Description

This book is a serious study of male hustlers using experiential dialogue to introduce the reader to real-life concepts and experiences that otherwise could not be effectively conveyed. An intriguing attempt to get into the mind and personality of the male hustler through a largely imagined series of dialogues between a well-known fictional hustler and his so-called amanuensis, Samuel Steward, this unique book covers all aspects of the hustler’s motivations, activities, life style, adjustments, advantages, and disadvantages. It accomplishes this dispassionately, without prejudgment, moral censure, approbation, or more than cursory involvement. Therapists and counselors in all fields of sexual functioning will find here some understanding of the causes and impulses (beyond the popular “broken home syndrome”) that lead young males into prostitution. It signals some of the signposts to danger and serious threats to health that accompany the profession of prostitution and also explains to counselors some of the activities and practices of the male prostitute, enabling them to have a better understanding of the fascination and peril of the hustler’s life. The brevity of success in such a calling is also considered, with some consideration for the necessity of long-range planning for the hustler’s future. Important contents: interview of a well-known hustler brief look at early male prostitution--Greek, Roman, Burton’s theory the peacock period and youth as a prerequisite for hustling lures of the profession--money, power, other motivations paths and mechanisms leading to hustling characteristics of different types of hustlers types of clients patronizing hustlers literary illuminations the modus operandi of the male hustler extraordinary dangers confronting the male hustler today the attractiveness of the “seeing-through” of a hustler to past clients quo vadis for the hustler after youth passes Readers will be amazed by the daily hazards and drawbacks as well fascinated by the curiosities and rewards of the hustler’s profession. Especially of interest to therapists and counselors, Understanding the Male Hustler is also valuable for sociologists, anthropologists, medical specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists.




The Paralysis of Analysis in African American Studies


Book Description

Stephen C. Ferguson II provides a philosophical examination of Black popular culture for the first time. From extensive discussion of the philosophy and political economy of Hip-Hop music through to a developed exploration of the influence of the postmodernism-poststructuralist ideology on African American studies, he argues how postmodernism ideology plays a seminal role in justifying the relationship between corporate capitalism and Black popular culture. Chapters cover topics such as cultural populism, capitalism and Black liberation, the philosophy of Hip-Hop music, and Harold Cruse's influence on the “cultural turn” in African American studies. Ferguson combines case studies of past and contemporary Black cultural and intellectual productions with a Marxist ideological critique to provide a cutting edge reflection on the economic structure in which Black popular culture emerged. He highlights the contradictions that are central to the juxtaposition of Black cultural artists as political participants in socioeconomic struggle and the political participants who perform the rigorous task of social criticism. Adopting capitalism as an explanatory framework, Ferguson investigates the relationship between postmodernism as social theory, current manifestations of Black popular culture, and the theoretical work of Black thinkers and scholars to demonstrate how African American studies have been shaped.




Robert Rossen


Book Description

This book calls for a re-evaluation of the films of Robert Rossen. Over a 30-year period, he was the most accomplished writer and director who was also a longtime member of the Communist Party, but his achievement has not been recognized, his films have been belittled or ignored, his legacy denied. Rossen's films reflected his times and the American scene with a dramatic intensity and personal expression unmatched by any other filmmaker of the period. The stages of his political journey, from idealism about Communism to his rebellion against the Party's betrayal of those ideals, influenced the rendering of his concerns and themes--the flaws of human nature, the complexities of motives, the paradoxes of betrayal, personal and political. Yet Rossen testified against his fellow filmmakers, and so his morals and character have been denounced, his work diminished as fatally marred by his moral flaws. The opposite is true. Here is a thorough analysis of each of his 22 films and their place in the developing themes of his body of work. It integrates this study of the films with a documented narrative of his relationship to the Party, its history and conflicts, its duplicities--especially the relations of the Party and its followers to the oppressions of the Soviet Union. And so it challenges the validity of the conventional wisdom about the moral issues of the blacklist period.




The Greatest Works of G. K. Chesterton


Book Description

In 'The Greatest Works of G. K. Chesterton,' readers are treated to a collection of some of the most profound and thought-provoking essays, fiction, and poetry by the renowned author. Chesterton's literary style is characterized by his wit, humor, and keen observations on society, religion, and philosophy. His works are known for their paradoxical and witty nature, which challenges readers to think beyond the surface. The collection includes masterpieces such as 'Orthodoxy,' 'The Man Who Was Thursday,' and 'The Ballad of the White Horse,' showcasing Chesterton's versatility as a writer. This compilation provides an in-depth look into the mind of one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Gilbert Keith Chesterton, known as G. K. Chesterton, was a prolific writer and thinker whose works continue to inspire readers to this day. His unique perspective on various topics such as religion, morality, and society set him apart as a leading intellectual of his time. Chesterton's ability to blend humor with profound insights makes his works both engaging and enlightening. I highly recommend 'The Greatest Works of G. K. Chesterton' to anyone interested in delving into the brilliant mind of this literary giant. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of Chesterton's body of work and is sure to leave readers with a newfound appreciation for his contributions to literature.




Cultural Criminology


Book Description

Winner of the ASC Distinguished Book Award for International Research! 'Beautifully written and superbly conceived, with illustrations and examples that combine theory and practice across a range of disciplines, Cultural Criminology should be read by anyone – academics and smart readers alike – interested in crime, media, culture and social theory. Bravo to Ferrell, Hayward and Young on a tour de force that is at once cool and classic! Cultural Criminology will influence the field for a very long time to come.' - Professor Lynn Chancer, Hunter College, CUNY, USA `This is not just a book on the present state and possible prospects of our understanding of crime, criminals and our responses to both. However greatly criminologists might benefit from the authors' illuminating insights and the new cognitive vistas their investigations have opened, the impact of this book may well stretch far beyond the realm of criminology proper and mark a watershed in the progress of social study as such.' - Zygmunt Bauman, Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds, UK `Cultural Criminology offers a fresh new perspective on both criminality and criminal justice. It outlines the cultural hegemony of the powerful while also documenting the growing resistance to mindless criminalization and mass incarceration. Artfully written, the authors also document the work of those consciously creating a new political space to challenge the increasingly global, security society that seems inextricably tied up with late capitalism.' - Meda Chesney-Lind, University of Hawaii at Manoa `Creative, challenging and controversial: a manifesto for mean times' - Tony Jefferson, Visiting Presidential Scholar, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, USA Here is the definitive book on cultural criminology. Lively, innovative, engaging and accessible, Cultural Criminology draws together the work of three of the leading international figures in the field today. The book traces the history, current configuration, methodological innovations and future trajectories of cultural criminology, mapping its terrain for students and academics interested in this exciting field. The book highlights and analyses issues of representation, meaning and politics in relation to crime and criminal justice, covering areas such as: - Crime and the media - Everyday life and everyday transgression - Popular culture - Consumerism - Globalisation - Social control The use of vignettes, case studies and visual material throughout the text brings the subject to life. Cultural Criminology is indispensable to students, lecturers and researchers in criminology, sociology, cultural studies and media studies. Jeff Ferrell is Professor of Criminal Justice at Texas Christian University and Visiting Professor at the University of Kent. Keith Hayward is Director of Studies for Criminology/ Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Kent. Jock Young is Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent and Distinguished Professor at John Jay College, CUNY. For more information about the authors and cultural criminology, see http://www.culturalcriminology.org




That's the Joint!


Book Description

Spanning 25 years of serious writing on hip-hop by noted scholars and mainstream journalists, this comprehensive anthology includes observations and critiques on groundbreaking hip-hop recordings.




Cultural Criminology


Book Description

Cultural criminology has now emerged as a distinct theoretical perspective, and as a notable intellectual alternative to certain aspects of contemporary criminology. Cultural criminology attempts to theorize the interplay of cultural processes, media practices, and crime; the emotional and embodied dimensions of crime and victimization; the particular characteristics of crime within late modern/late capitalist culture; and the role of criminology itself in constructing the reality of crime. In this sense cultural criminology not only offers innovative theoretical models for making sense of crime, criminality, and crime control, but presents as well a critical theory of criminology as a field of study. This collection is designed to highlight each of these dimensions of cultural criminology - its theoretical foundations, its current theoretical trajectories, and its broader theoretical critiques-by presenting the best of cultural criminological work from the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere.




Hustlers and Seekers: How to Crush It and Find Fulfillment—Without Losing Your Mind


Book Description

In the world of personal growth, you’re told to pick a side: be a hard-charging, type A ambitious hustler or a grounded, spiritually inclined seeker—but what if that’s wrong? If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to find that sweet spot between a Hustler’s work ethic and a Seeker’s focus on self-care and fulfillment—you’re not alone. If you’re hustling, you’re not seeking, and if you’re seeking, you’re not hustling. We’re told it isn’t possible to chase our dreams while achieving the peace we crave. But, that’s a lie. Discover the life-changing truth in this dynamic guide from Tommy Baker designed to help you: Merge ‘doing’ and ‘being’ in life and business Know exactly when to step on the gas or let go Be grateful for what you have while wanting more Best of all, you’ll avoid the perils of too much hustle leading to a “never enough” mentality—or too much seeking that results in regurgitating principles of an actualized life...with little results. Written with eye-opening candor by the host of the popular podcast, Resist Average Academy, Hustlers & Seekers reveals the key to achieving mind-blowing progress and fulfillment comes from knowing when to charge ahead, and when to step back—not with “balance.” You’ll learn to operate in cyclical seasons—sometimes a hustler, sometimes a seeker—allowing you to go all-out, and find downtime to incubate future dreams. Hustlers & Seekers will open your eyes to a new way of approaching life and work without FOMO or thinking everyone has it figured out...except you.




The Complete Works of G. K. Chesterton


Book Description

The Complete Works of G.K. Chesterton is a comprehensive collection of the legendary writer's diverse and thought-provoking literary creations. Known for his witty humor, keen insight into human nature, and profound commentary on societal issues, Chesterton's works span across various genres including essays, novels, poetry, and detective fiction. His writing style is characterized by a unique blend of paradoxes, irony, and sharp observations, making his works not only intellectually stimulating but also highly entertaining. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Chesterton's literary legacy continues to captivate readers with its timeless relevance and provocative themes. G.K. Chesterton, a prominent figure in the literary landscape of his time, was influenced by his deep-rooted Catholic faith, social activism, and philosophical inquiries. His prolific output of works reflects his wide-ranging interests and profound insights into the complexities of the human experience. Chesterton's sharp wit and intellectual prowess shine through in his writing, earning him a place among the literary giants of his era. I highly recommend The Complete Works of G.K. Chesterton to readers who appreciate philosophical depth, social commentary, and masterful storytelling. Chesterton's unparalleled wit and wisdom offer a rich and rewarding reading experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who delve into his works.