A Man's World: How Real is Male Privilege--And How High is Its Price?

This was easily one of the best general books written in the 90's on the plight of men in post-patriarchal America.Cose is one of the country's top journalists, though he is more well known for his coverage of race-related issues. In this book, he applies his skills to presenting men's perspective(s) and tries to explain why, when they're allegedly masters of the universe, so many are unhappy and complaining. Just about everything of substance, from beat-dead-dads to the epidemic of male suicide to men's frustration with female hypocrisy in the dating/mating area, is touched on. Some of the most outspoken in the men's movement are given a significant voice for a change. Yet the story is well enough told that someone new to these issues, while certainly receiving a jolt, would not be turned off or intimidated. And the chapter on the black male experience is unique in the genre, so far as I know.If I have any thing to say on the downside, it's that the book sacrifices some depth for breadth. And it's perhaps not radical enough for my tastes, but that's a personal bias. The views of a few important authors are over-looked, again IMO, and the book is more about reportage than it is about activism directed towards change. Still, getting the word out is important.Try to find a copy of this excellent book and read it!