Paul Robeson by Martin Duberman- Super Amanda's Review

Martin Duberman is the Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus at Lehman College and the Graduate School of the City University of New York He was also the founder and first director of "The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the CUNY Graduate School".

Martin Duberman is as much an artist of the truth as he is a historian. He is endowed with an ability that few biographers alive today have; a lyrical and engaging style that shows you, clearly, a person's life without taking sides while still having the kind of empathy and equanimity as a historian that let's you melt into the subject matter as reader. He may be the greatest living Historian which is why he HAD to be the one to chronicle Paul Robeson, the 20th Century's greatest Renaissance man and the true forerunner of civil rights and anti-imperialism whose shoulders President Obama stands on as well as ANY political celebrity including Angela Jolie, Paul Newman, Harry Belafonte, Sean Penn and Bob Marley.

Duberman's almost innate ability to put Robeson's life in juxtaposition with the history of the 20th century makes it better than any film and indeed a film of Robeson's life would be crime as you would need at least nine hours to tell it properly. I know Paul Robeson,Jr. was not happy once the biography was first released but he needs to know from, the bottom of my heart, that I applaud him for choosing Duberman to write this incredible work on his father. The book transformed my life and it's made me a committed scholar of Robeson's life.
Anyone who loves Martin Duberman's "Paul Robeson" should also read Duberman's essay "Writing Robeson" which covers his experience as a Gay white man of Jewish ancestry in covering the history of a popular straight African America icon and the reactions he received from many Robeson friends and African American scholars and leftists. He unflinchingly challenges how much homophobia is on the Left. It makes you much more conscious that in Robeson's spirit we all need to continue to work towards tolerance. I love you Martin Duberman, you are a trusted friend to anyone who loves history and like Paul Robeson you transformed my life. Thank you!

-Super Amanda

Every month is Black History Month, European History Month, Gay studies Month etc. Never stop reading history folks! It is the key to the future. I made this for February 2012 but wanted to post it earlier.

Paul Robeson is my life. 2/3's of what you read online about him I wrote via over 2000 wikipedia edits which are quoted all over the news via sources like CNN, the BBC, Huffington Post. In 2005 when I found Robeson's wiki article it was mostly gross fiction and via a great deal of hard work with other editors like Malik Shabazz and itsmeJudith, it now looks decent. My main account on wikipedia was recently blocked though I'm still editing with another user account. My main account was due to go on my part anyway as I had been outed by a brown shirt as Super Amanda and was dealing with stalkers and death threats from Madonna fans who did not like my edits. Now I edit on wikipedia 100% anonymously.

Madonna's sheep like fans on wikipedia who have turned her pages into little more than PR one sheets. I truly believe madonna has the most poorly educated, racist and potentially violent followers of any public figure save for Jackass fans. Her fans prove what I've always maintained; those involved with progressive causes-even LGBT rights- can still be evil and as racist as those on the conservative right. Trends like this in pop culture are important to be aware of.

Join me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Super-Amandas-Official-Facebook-Page/124080...

and please visit http://www.bayarearobeson.org/

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[Xenu]

One of my favorite books. I've read it twice. Paul Robeson, Jr.'s 2-part biography of his father includes important stories that help explain his relationship to Communism which are not found in Duberman's book. Explains a lot. This prevents Duberman's from being definitive although I always hope that he'll write an updated version. PR, Jr.'s books ultimately aren't a substitute to Duberman's far more detailed one. I agree that Robeson is one of the most fascinating Americans of the 20th century

[BrickLaneBetty]

@Xenu Happy New Year Xenu! Agreed, both Jr.'s and Duberman are essential reading though Jr. has altered or added to the Feffer story so we have to draw our own conclusions. Paul Robeson Speaks is also required reading as is the Great Forerunner. Where Jr has been of outmost help to me as a scholar is the MKULTRA information. If you google Paul Robeson, the CIA and MKULTRA super amanda, I created a time line of what occurred and what information is available.

[ImaginedWriter]

I've always found the concept of Black history month both ridiculous and insulting, an entire races' history compressed into a month. As if they lack the content to fill in the rest of the year. Anyway another truly great unknown is Norman Borlaug who is responsible for saving the lives of over 1billion people from starvation. Unfortunately he is not very well known.

[BrickLaneBetty]

@ImaginedWriter wow! just saw your comment. What a great man! I'm going to spread the word! Thanks!

[BrickLaneBetty]

The lighting was really blearing because we shot late at night.

[TheArsenalgooner]

GREAT VIDEO!! what a voice. I could make a joke about powerful lungs but truly, your voice is magnificent. Become a TV presenter.

[Hemulen40]

Aye, Robeson´s a Renaissance man , indeed ! & Amanda´s an up & comin Renaissance woman ( just look at her Renaissance rear :p ) / pls read up on Joe Hill, children ! His biography is verry sad , but in da same time extremely heartenin .

[Capeau]

boobs

[Popadibs]

Listening to you speak it seems that you're really down to earth and friendly. I know we are already on good terms but you seem very friendly, Amanda. Wow, I don't know who Joe Hill is but I saw a suggested video titled Paul Robeson, "Joe Hill". The significance is that on madden I used to always create a running back by that name nicknamed "Mighty Joe Hill" and on nba 2k11 I created a point guard by that name. Maybe it's a coincidence, though.

[RavenMadd9]

your the coolest ....someone people in general should'nt forget about

[ricksIII]

I love you... Sexy and educated... And at least respect some black history... If I want married I would ask

[KENKENNIFF]

Thank you for posting a video. Paul Robeson is much appreciated this side of the pond.