Do you think THE SELLOUT puts a positive light on blacks in America or does it have the opposite effect?

Think about your perception of blacks in America before and after you read Beatty's novel. Also consider what race you are, and if you were a different race would you have had a different view.

I don't think it swung the pendulum either way for me. The satire form kept me at a remove.

For me it was an informative view of a community just doing what was for them the best way to get by and make their way. The author's style made it an easy read and yet totally interesting.

I think it put them in a negative light- e.g. speaking honky-tonk and asking to be beaten for pleasure.

I don't think it shone either a positive or a negative light on black people or culture in America -- nor do I think it was intended to. Rather than criticizing or praising black culture, Beatty is portraying black people taking control of their own destinies, in whatever ways work for different individuals.

The light was neither positive nor negative. It was just informative.

Neither positive or negative. It is just a story of survival being told.

More negative than positive, a story of survival but a sad way in which to live.

No, I do not think it puts a positive light on blacks in America. Although the novel is a satire, it makes black people look rather stupid. This kind of humor does not appeal to me.

Although there is a "mixed bag" effect, I believe "The Sellout" leaves more of negative light on blacks in America. I worked in an inner city hospital for much of my career which meant that I worked with blacks of many ages most of these were of modest incomes. I found most of the parents that I worked with were warm, caring and hard working individuals who wanted the same thing for their children that I wanted for mine. The satire in this book failed to adequately portray that quality that, for me, is very real.

I have a little trouble with the picture it paints of blacks, but the satire is interesting and well done.

Neither positive or negative but it did make me uncomfortable which satire often does and is intended to do.

The story is about a small insular section of the country. It doesn't really put a positive or negative light on blacks in America. You can't judge the whole from one tiny dot. To me, it only shows that people - no matter what color - can be smart and can be stupid. Can be strong and can be weak. Can be honest and can be deceitful. Can look for the truth or hide from it.