The Black Rage of Psychiatrist Price Cobb - Book Report/Review Example

One of the subjects of the case study provides a good example of the conflicts and the source of anxiety for African Americans. In this particular case study, a highly intelligent and well-educated African American man was destined for a successful career as a professional. The moment his company sent him away for training, he became self-conscious and riveted with self-doubt. The hotel in which he resided during the training program immediately made him painfully aware of his humble beginnings and he suffered anxiety over whether or not he deserved the plush surroundings and whether or not he would be able to achieve and maintain a life of this nature.

Thus, once the training program was over, the African American lost all of his self-confidence, and making matters worse, he had difficulty exerting his authority over African American, white, and white female subordinates. He did not want to leave African American subordinates with the impression that he had become white and he did not want to raise the ire of white subordinates. With white female subordinates, he was afraid of retaliation in the form of false complaints of sexual harassment.

In short, the social and racial realities of the times cause significant inner conflicts and anxieties for this African American and to such an extent that he lost his job and an opportunity for success (Grier & Cobb, 1968).Rapper George Wallace of the post-1960s era might be a good example of how success may not be enough to help some African Americans to overcome oppressive pasts. Despite his enormous success as a rapper, Wallace retained demons from the past. He was constantly in fear for his life and expresses some anger in entirely unhealthy ways.

Therefore, black rage truly does transcend the times and is a manifestation of the profound damage the ill-treatment of African Americans caused.The three case studies were presented as a means of explaining that African Americans are wounded and are no less wounded than those who go out there and use violence against white Americans.