Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America

Written by Michael Eric Dyson

Narrated by Michael Eric Dyson

This program is read by the author

"Elegantly written, Tears We Cannot Stop is powerful in several areas: moving personal recollections; profound cultural analysis; and guidance for moral redemption. A work to relish." —Toni Morrison

"Here’s a sermon that’s as fierce as it is lucid. It shook me up, but in a good way. This is how it works if you’re black in America, this is what happens, and this is how it feels. If you’re black, you’ll feel a spark of recognition in every paragraph. If you’re white, Dyson tells you what you need to know—what this white man needed to know, at least. This is a major achievement. I read it and said amen." —Stephen King

As the country grapples with racist division at a level not seen since the 1960s, one man's voice is heard above the rest. In his New York Times op-ed piece "Death in Black and White," Michael Eric Dyson moved a nation. Isabel Wilkerson called it "an unfiltered Marlboro of black pain" and "crushingly powerful," and Beyonce tweeted about it. Now he continues to speak out in Tears We Cannot Stop—a provocative and deeply personal call for change. Dyson argues that if we are to make real racial progress we must face difficult truths, including being honest about how black grievance has been ignored, dismissed, or discounted. Short, emotional, literary, powerful—this is the book that all Americans who care about the current and long-burning crisis in race relations will want to read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jan 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781427287250

Michael Eric Dyson

MICHAEL ERIC DYSON is an author, professor, and broadcaster. He grew up in Detroit, becoming an ordained minister at nineteen and working in factories to support his family. Dyson started college at twenty-one and went on to earn a Ph.D. in religious studies from Princeton University. Currently, Dyson is a professor of sociology at Georgetown University, host of “The Michael Eric Dyson Show” on NPR, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, and contributing editor for the New Republic and ESPN’s website The Undefeated.

Reviews for Tears We Cannot Stop

[Kim M. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I sought this book out after seeing Eric Michael Dyson on Bill Maher's show; the author schooling Maher on his joke, using the N-word. I have been researching Women's History that we were not taught and inevitably one will run into untaught Black and Indigenous Americans' history, when researching Women's contributions to the USA and the World. This book really brings home the idea that even Liberals do not comprehend how little we understand equality and what it really means to be advocates. I watched in dismay as my Liberal friends took offense to Black Lives Matter. I have been accused of having, "white guilt", simply for explaining some Black History on social media, simply because I have been searching for more than I was taught. I was also appalled at the 48% apathy rate in the 2016 election and this book has given me some idea of why that may have happened. I have asked a writer friend, "Why don't blacks follow police instructions?" He told me that they are simply fed up, and if I am fed up with the way men treat women and disgusted with our buried history, identities and contributions, then I already have my answer. If you want to keep learning and keep the dialogue open, then this book is a great part of that journey. The audiobook is especially nice, hearing Dyson's powerful oration. He gives many other references to keep your educational journey going. This book is time well-spent. I am thankful Scribd and Eric Michael Dyson have given us the opportunity to have this book so quickly.

[Greg Kasler · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Foul language - Harsh judgementalism of "whiteness" - very crude

[Robert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good! Eloquently described white privilege. Gave tools to act consciously

[Naomi Miller · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent, painful, moving book, especially if you are white. Every white person should read it!

[Barbara Markie · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Woke garbage to people that want to pretend they are better people.

[Terence · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a great book that I hope opens the mind of those who it was intended for

[Faheem Lea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dr. Dyson is a shining example of why White people never wanted us to learn how to read, because of the power of knowledge expressed in words. He so brilliantly and eloquently tells White people off, and tells them about themselves in a way that they need to hear it, as well as in a way that can be objectively received by a rational and conscious human being. He precisely identifies some of the problems of the psyche of White folks, such as the C.H.E.A.T. (Chronic historical evasion and trickery) disorder. This is a must listen for people who are concerned about true change, as well as for people who are stricken with the aforementioned disorder.

[Paula Millen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent read, so grateful for truth-sayers like Dyson, great book recommendation as well!

[kenzie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A necessary book for every white person to listen to. Dyson is poignant and well spoken. Very relevant in 2020.

[roger williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unsettling, must read book. To ignore yhis messsge is to continue to bury one's head in the mud and blood of a whitewashed history of America. Preach on brother Tyson preach on!

[Holly Fe de Leon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book every white christian should read or listen to. Very practical.

[Hilary Cheeley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful audiobook. I think I learned as much or more than I did after reading white fertility. All white people need to listen to this!

[Ron Oneal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great Read it was very informative and positive information to know that can be use to understand how the world works @ times.

[Robert Pasinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Been watching Dr. Dyson on Interviews and debates for years. Finally decided to read one of his books. Glad I did! It was eye opening! Definitely a must read!

[Jackson Wright · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An important message for white Americans and all Americans. Eloquently written and compelling.

[C3 PD · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book will give any open minded white person a lot to think about no matter how "not racist" we think we are. I can't help but thinking, though, after hearing all of the problems America faces and trying (and failing) to speak with friends about these matters, that our future is very bleak.

[Nancy Beyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must read for every White person in America. Truth