Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America,   ISBN:9780807004234

Customer Rating: 

I think that FIST STICK KNIFE GUN is really a book on how you can't rely on protection from the authorities. I remember telling my students "don't fight, because fighting is wrong" and then having the kid ask me "if somebody has a padlock-in-a-sock and whacks your head with it, are you telling me that you're going to do nothing?" I realised what the kids in the worst neighborhoods go through; they have to fight, or they will be taken advantage of.

Dr. Canada's Harlem Children's Zone is proof of this way. Rather than take what the public education system offered, he founded his own school and health center to serve Harlem's kids. I find the same principal can be applied to other problems in this book; take for instance where an event has to be posponed because a street gang is "occupying" the space. Rather than call 911, he should've rounded up 50 people to go in there and force them out. Neighborhood watch programs do more to fight crime than the police.

Bill Cosby states the same thing in his "Pound Cake" speech; when the police can't help, you call the Fruit of Islam, and they chase away the drug dealers. So why can't the neighbors do that themselves?

Never rely on the government to educate and protect your children. Do it all yourself. If you rely on Uncle Sam, he does a half-assed job.

Customer Rating: 

I read this constantly waiting for drama, a new and inspiring message, anything. Here's the poop: Impovershed neighborhoods are dangerous places filled with young people who grew up fighting and now have firearms. If you visit certain streets in Harlem, sounds like a bullet proof vest is in order. It sucks to be poor. The author is a good person who has helped many in need. This book should have been a pamphlet.

Customer Rating: 

Dr. Canada in stark detail and personal revelation captures the critical need to address violence in our society. His experience in dealing with the issue and sensitivity to the realities of life in our day package this message beautifully.
I was spellbound and given concrete actions I can take to help turn things around.

Customer Rating: 

If you have never really understood inner city or gang violence, read this book. If you live in the inner city or must deal with gang violence, read this book. If you are prone to pass judgment on inner city youth, read this book. If you want your eyes opened about violence in America and contributing factors to that violence, read this book. If you want to read about a program that works, ...yes, read this book. Geoffrey Canada is a fellow martial artist that is using his skills to make a positive difference in the world. I have tremendous admiration for what he is doing.

Customer Rating: 

Awesome story about life growing up in the Bronx. Those who grew up in the Bronx, can definitely relate to many of the stories.