About the Book
Funny Stories About White Privilege and Black Identity from a Black Nerd's PerspectiveAuthor and Ebony Magazine podcaster Ron Dawson lends his wit and comical social commentary to tell the story of how one of the "whitest" and nerdiest of black men finally woke up, found his blackness, and lost all inhibitions at dropping the f-bomb.
A coming-of-age story of black identity. In the suburbs of Atlanta, Ron was a black nerd (aka "blerd") living very comfortably in his white world. He loved his white wife, worked well with his white workmates, and worshiped at a white church. On November 8, 2016, everything changed when Trump became POTUS. Ron began a journey of self-discovery that made him question everything--from faith to friendships.
Part social commentary and part fantastical narrative. This book goes where no blerd has gone before. In a psychedelic way, Ron is guided by a guardian "angel" in the guise of Samuel L. Jackson's character from Pulp Fiction. Sam is there to help Ron, well, be more black. Ron confronts his black "sins" and wrestles with black identity, systemic racism, and what it means to be "black" in America.
Uncomfortable conversations. Throughout this book, you'll learn lessons from a man who deconstructs his faith and confronts personal demons of racial identity. Gain new perspectives through these funny stories that will reshape your current views on black identity.
Inside, you'll find:
The funniest social commentary on white privilege and black identity
Political satire wrapped in funny stories of a man's journey to confront the systemic racism and Christian hypocrisy around him
Comical if not uncomfortable conversations about what it means to be black in America
If you liked You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, or I'm Judging You, you'll love Dungeons 'n' Durags.
About the Author :
Ron Dawson is a satirical writer, filmmaker, self-admitted blerd, managing editor of a major filmmaking blog, and author.
Chris Spencer is a versatile comedian and actor with irrepressible flair and commitment to his art. The Los Angeles native began his acting career at age six, starring in a national television commercial for Mattel's "Tuff Stuff" toys. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from University of California, Los Angeles, but decided to continue with his real love --performing.
Chris Spencer has co-starred on the television series Soul Food and had recurring roles on The Jamie Foxx Show and In Living Color. He has had starring roles in the NBC/Bravo show Significant Others and the feature films Two Can Play That Game, The Sixth Man, and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Juice in the Hood.
In addition to being an actor and comedian, Chris Spencer is also an accomplished writer. His writing credits include the popular book 150 Ways to Tell if You're Ghetto, the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, the 2003 ESPY Awards, and the popular comedy specials Jamie Foxx Unleashed-Lost, Stolen and Leaked! and Jamie Foxx: I Might Need Security.
Review :
"My first encounter with Dungeons 'n' Durags was with the podcast Ron produces for Ebony's Podcast Network. It's funny, clever, and full of surprises. But nothing prepared me for what he had in store in the book. Ron does a masterful job at tackling provocative topics in a way that often feels uncomfortably raw. It's a hilarious and biting commentary on not only white supremacy ideology, but also points a mirror at Black culture."--Lavaille Lavette, president and publisher at Ebony magazine "As someone who grew up in a blended family that was wall-to-wall identity struggle (my own included), I tend to love stories about reckoning with who we think we should be. Ron's profound and hilarious journey is like if Conversations with God had a baby with Hollywood Shuffle. And his love for cinema and popular culture makes it a great read for any cinephile and nerds everywhere. But Ron's voice is wholly his own, and fantastically entertaining, endearing, and truthful. This book is tailor-made for anyone who wants to spend a few hours with a really great storyteller."--Mishna Wolf, author of I'm Down: A Memoir "It's so important that we tell our stories, and Ron does a masterful job telling his. The same kind of passion and biting wit he's brought to An Injustice!, he expresses all throughout Dungeons 'n' Durags. He strikes a good balance of biting commentary on white supremacy ideology, as well as some aspects of the Black community, all while lacing it with a self-effacing humor that most people would find unable to share publicly."--Zuva Seven, founder/editor-in-chief of An Injustice! Medium Publication "It's not often you see Black men, or people in general, get this personal when sharing their stories. I appreciated the authenticity and vulnerability Ron shares in his experiences as a black man and how a white-dominated world influenced him, as well as his complicated faith journey. Lastly, as a fan of film trivia, how could I not love all the hilarious cinematic homages?"--Nichelle Protho, SVP Loud Sis Productions "Dungeons 'n' Durags is a hilarious, masterfully written love letter to us 'Blerds' and so-called 'Oreos.' Dawson uses humor to seamlessly highlight and unpack his personal experiences and insights as a Black man in America. This book will make you laugh out loud and think deeply about racial identity and what it means to be Black."--Brandee Blocker Anderson, CEO and founder of The Antiracism Academy "Funny. Smart. Provocative. A hilarious page-turner that pulls no punches at addressing issues of white privilege and hypocrisy in the evangelical church."--Talicia Raggs, writer/producer The Equalizer, NCIS: New Orleans, and The Originals "I love everything about this book. The way Ron uses popular culture, his excruciating honesty, his humor, and especially the confessions (there's nothing an ex-Catholic likes more than a good confession). It's a timely work!"--Peter Crowe, writer and editor of the humor and satirical collection Dishonour the Right Thing "Witty, sarcastic, hilarious, and, well, blerd-y, this must-read story affirms the diversity within the Black diaspora and reminds us there is room for Durags, D&D, and even, maybe, Ron."--Chrysta Wilson, racial justice and equity consultant, author of the award-winning cookbook Kiss My Bundt"What is truly GREAT and sets Ron apart is his sincere and ongoing willingness and pursuit of self-examination and laying bare what some might deem his shortcomings, honestly to himself and for all to witness. That pursuit is always aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the truths of his own humanity and behaving and interacting with others in accordance with that truth. If only there were more like him walking around in the world, it'd be a better place. But the book isn't just about Ron taking his medicine. It's actually spectacularly relatable and entertaining. In fact, as a producer, I know gold when I see it. I'm bound and determined to make it a hit TV show."--Yolanda T. Cochran, Film & TV Producer/Academy member "I wouldn't be surprised if there are Trump supporters reading this book who are gonna think, 'How the hell did this mutherf*cker get me to read this thing?' Ron Dawson is Black Magic."--Chris Spencer, handsome comedian, writer, director, producer
