Nathan McCall Message Board
posts on 9/5/2006 2:24:15 PM
Mr. McCall,
As of today I've finished reading your book “Makes Me Wanna Holler” It was suggested to me by your son Monroe. Although your book is about the circumstances and trials that black men have to endure in the white mainstream, as a black woman I have recently encountered (I would say for the first time that I was am able to recognize it) the insanities of working in corporate white America. I have worked for a few high profile companies in which I have to hold a security clearance. I decided to move away from the big corporations thinking I would get away from the political atmosphere they exude. I decided to work for a much smaller company thinking I would fit in a little better and be more comfortable, although there were very few African Americans working there. I never really understood what people meant when they spoke about the “good ole boy society” until then. I was made to feel like an outcast because I didn't fit into their “cultural environment” of being apart of the little clicks or join in gossip sessions the white women would sit around the cafeteria and hold. I was labeled anti-social because I didn't want to join in the after work activities. When they realized that I would not conform to what they wanted me too suddenly and abruptly I was let go. The more I read your book the more I began to realize what happened to me. I wasn't like the other black women who worked there; I didn't put on façade, or change my way of speaking to fit in. I always felt that if my work was complete, exceptional, detailed and did well above what was expected of me that my job would be secure. How naïve I was. Monroe and I have sat and had discussion about your book and I realized he shared some of your same views. Mr. McCall thank you for the knowledge and thank you for your contributions to our black race and society.
posts on 8/8/2006 1:43:06 AM
Dear Mr.McCall
I am a huge fan of your 1995 critically-acclaimed autobiography, Makes Me Wanna Holler and your subsequential novel, What's Goin On. I've read the former as many times as I care to count, because it touched my heart and my soul so deeply, because as a young African-American young male myself, I can relate strongly to your story, because I find myself trying to cope with living amongst white people and in my country. But I would like to know do you have any more novels in the future? Mr.McCall, you are a strong contributor to the Black Community.
posts on 7/18/2006 4:08:25 PM
I am a white mom returning to college and I am only in the beginning chapters but I put you book with the clarity of writing skills of Mr. Edward P. Jones's style and grace.
Would you consider visiting my college before summer session is over and totally surprizing my small class?
posts on 7/5/2006 3:18:42 PM
Nathan, I would like to speak with you regarding a speaking engagment at a middle school in Maryland. Please let me know how I can get in touch with you.
Kathy Barrett
(Lake Arbor)
posts on 7/3/2006 11:51:36 PM
Nathan, I received this book as a gift about 10 yrs ago and have finally read it. It was a very honest and brutal story from a young black man in America. As a black woman in America, I felt a lot of what you felt about dealing with white mainstream society. I do not socialize with whites unless I feel very comfortable with them. I always feel that they are out to get us. I grew up in the South and have been called a nigger by whites. It offends my very being when I her black people use that word and try to justify it as a term of endearment. I do not want that word to used to identify me by anyone. I too do not have a solution for black on black violence, but at least now I have a litte more understanding why young black men do and think the way they do. God bless us all in this white man's world. I am very proud that you found your way and have never forgotten where you came from and how easy it is to be there again. I felt bad reading how your ex-wife dogged you with the divorce. I am divorced and my ex is not there for his daughter as I feel he should be. A girl needs a strong relationship with her father so that she does not end up with the thug. Thanks again for a beautifully written story that was honest.
posts on 6/16/2006 6:00:59 PM
This was a beautifully written book, and I thought it was very eye opening and also brutally honest. He is clearly very intelligent, and very strong. The problems that he talks about in society are real, but I was very surprised that he does not seem to regret some of his actions if it had to do with assaulting white peole. I do understand his anger, but how does this justify attacking some random person who just happens to be biking in his neighborhood? There seems to be absoloutely no feelings of guilt, and there is even a feeling that somehow this random person deserved this. The book is always well written and I could really feel the anger he feels, but I also felt anger when reading about some of his actions while growing up, and as a man until he was sent to prison. He is an impressive indivisual in many ways.
posts on 6/2/2006 1:37:18 AM
Thanks for a tiny look into the destruction of the black community as it really relates to all of us who live in it, talk about it, or study it.
Although, I did not live the violent life as a young man that you did, It was just the same, only on a different level.
I graduated from Howard University in 1983, with a degree in journalism and film directing. I was never able to begin to play the game. I remember going to a communications conference at Howard U. and participating in a recruiting fair. A representative from the Washington Post asked me "Are Issabel Wilkerson?" She continued, "I only want to talk to her." (Hmm....) I was shocked and hurt. I never persued journalism as a career after that. I knew I was capable, but the likes of that ignorant representation of the establishment would never use the genius of my spirit in their backward and insane industry. Today, most people see me as a failure. I do what I want, when I want. I don't worry about the future and consider the past a most rewarding "lesson master." I think I am successful. My definition of "Success is the ablity to remanin happy with yourself and the friends and family around you."
posts on 5/18/2006 1:59:51 PM
Mr. McCall, thank you a million times over for this incredible book! For years I have been trying to find my place in an area that would help in elevating my young black babies...I now know exactly what I must do. Your book gave me insight to some of the needs of our young men. Thank you again. Will you be coming to Ft Lauderdale Florida anytime soon?
posts on 5/16/2006 9:54:34 AM
Nate, I would just like to tell you, I really enjoyed your book. Also you should thank my teacher for buying a book every semester since the students lose a book almost every day. I think it's very interesting how you've adjusted your life after going down the wrong path. I didn't like the part about when you guys did trains on girls but I'm thankful you didn't enjoy it. Also, I really think you should make a movie out of this book, it would be really interesting!!
posts on 5/16/2006 9:42:04 AM
I read your book and found it very interesting. You have lived a very interesting life that everybody wants to read about. I just want to know are you going to make a movie out of your book? I had a friend that is heading down the same path as you did when you were younger. Do you have some advice for him?
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