About the Book

"Dispels the myth that people of color are somehow predisposed to poor health, blaming systemic injustice in the health care system." —New York Times Book Review

Legendary comedian D.L. Hughley uses his "hilarious yet soul-shaking" (Black Enterprise) humor to confront racism's unjust impact on the health and wellbeing of Blacks and minorities 

White people love survival guides. But have you noticed they’re always about ridiculous activities in locations far from home, with chapters like “How to Survive an Avalanche" or "How to Live on Bugs in the Jungle.” Huh?!

You know who really needs a survival guide? Black and brown Americans. For surviving their own damn country! Minority populations wake up every day in a battle for their health and safety. Thankfully, legendary activist-comedian D.L. Hughley offers How to Survive America, a fearless satire that exposes racism’s unjust toll on our bodies and minds.

Even before COVID-19 disproportionately impacted minority communities, life expectancy for Blacks was a full three years less than for white Americans. The very air we breathe is more polluted, our water is more contaminated, our local food options are toxic, and our jobs are underpaid. Despite the obvious need, the quality of our health care is tragically inadequate. Our communities are statistically less safe than the average, and yet we’re terrorized by the law-enforcement and criminal-justice systems that are supposed to protect us, sending Blacks to prison at five times the rate of whites. Not least, our means of addressing these injustices—voting—is perennially under assault.

It’s enough to drive you crazy. Well, guess what? According to Cigna, Blacks are 20 percent more likely to report “psychological distress” yet “50 percent less likely to receive counseling or mental health treatment.” It’s almost like the entire country has been structured with no regard for our welfare. Hmmm.

Whether you’re Black, white, brown, or Asian, don’t leave home without arming yourself with How to Survive America!

Critical Praise

"Hughley dispels the myth that people of color are somehow predisposed to poor health, blaming systemic injustice in the health care system." — New York Times Book Review

“Hughley combines his comedic talents with personal history and experience as a political commentator to address glaring discrepancies between White and Black populations regarding overall health, access to health care, toxic environments, educational bias, and violence. … Darkly humorous. ... An acerbic and laser-focused demand for restorative racial justice from an ardent advocate.” — Kirkus Reviews

"Searingly hilarious." — Joy Reid

“Hughley uses his trademark humor to address the stark divisions in society that stem from centuries of white supremacy. His solution involves a reckoning with America's history, reparations, and a hard look at oneself.” — People on Surrender, White People!

“A satirical look at white supremacy, which examines racial inequality in the United States across education, health care and the housing market.” — New York Times on Surrender, White People!

“Brilliance. The book is amazing.” — Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Dept. of African American Studies, Princeton University (via Twitter), on Surrender, White People!

“A simultaneously humorous and serious take on race relations in the wake of a near unprecedented resistance effort to stem fatal police violence. ... The author effectively combines his outspoken comedic sensibilities with his longtime experience with political commentary. ... Mixes important statistics and earnest policy reforms with his witty perspective gained from his upbringing in South Central LA and decades of successful comedy tours in front of black and white audiences. Readers will frequently laugh out loud, but there’s far more to this couldn’t-be-timelier book than just jokes. ... Bitingly comedic.” — Kirkus Reviews on Surrender, White People!

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063072763
• ISBN 10: 0063072769
• Imprint: Mariner Books
• On Sale: 06/07/2022
• Trimsize: 5.500 in (w) x 7.250 in (h) x 0.540 in (d)
• Pages: 240
• List Price: $16.99
• BISAC1 : HUMOR / Topic / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional
• BISAC2 : SOCIAL SCIENCE / Race & Ethnic Relations
• BISAC3 : HUMOR / Topic / Political