My American life

the long version

In this memoir, Cobbs reflects on his life and the development of his own theory of black rage based on his medical doctor internship and residency experiences. Applying his theory to himself, Cobbs recognizes the need to accept rage but to channel it to secure rightful entitlement rooted in self-worth. He sees this as the challenge for black Americans today, to turn rage into positive action that better addresses historic and continuing obstacles rather than toward self-destructive behavior.