"Callus on My Soul"

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews this book, which tells the story of Dick Gregory, who worked his way up from poverty to become a very popular comedian, eventually more politically active and aware and turned activist in the Civil Rights Movement, the antiwar movement, and various efforts to assure human rights. He also became a nutritionist and a promoter of healthy diet. The book tells part of this man's story in a first-hand manner and so introduces the reader to an important leader in the black community.

From the Paper:

"Actually, this book is not merely a continuation of Gregory's story after his earlier biographical writings but retells much of his life story, suggesting the link between the activist he became and the life he led before that time. As a comedian, Gregory was also an activist, using his position as comedian to talk about race and so to reach a wide audience--including a growing white audience--with his message. This part of his story shows what can be done even under adverse circumstances by the committed individual with an ability to communicate with others. Gregory was often more interested in activism than comedy but knew that comedy was a way to communicate. A performance at the Playboy Club before an audience of largely Southerners showed how he could use comedy to defuse a difficult situation and also set him up for the success to follow."

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