Feature

Selling Ghetto

Monday Jan 18, 2010 – By Alaina L. Lewis

9780312536961 Growing up in the early 80’s and recognizing my likeness and its celebration in every area of mainstream media was like finding a four leaf clover in an abandoned cemetery; rare.

But as the years went by, media granted us more room to express ourselves. On television, we quickly graduated from the Cosby Show to the independence of Girlfriends. In music, we saw the path grow from Grandmaster Flash and onto the era of Jay-Z. And make no mistake about it, more of our stories were being bound within the pages of a fiction novel.

Tyree, Dickey, Harris, Cleage, Danticat, Campbell, Jackson, Morrison, McMillan, Monroe, Walker, Haley, Sister Souljah and the list continues. Not only were those the African American Authors to whom which I personally fell in love with, but I feel they also presented a platform of relatable work that touched the souls of a multicultural audience.

I spent most of my youth with my nose tucked inside of books by these authors. It was there within those pages where I happily absorbed words of magic and read many a black tale that easily defined my point of view. It was also through their words where I became inspired to pick up the pen and build my own reality from a blank canvas.

But somewhere from then to now, during those excessive hours when I wasn’t pushing creativity through the keys of my own computer, I’d be out heavily thumbing through the book aisles in search of those new brown skinned authors to whom which I could support during my reading endeavors.

But for some reason I got lost trying to find ones who spoke of my journey.

As more and more people in the world demanded a tailored voice to highlight their own personal stories, so came a facelift to our written reality; a change that could either be embraced by readers, or one that some feel suffocates our growth.

Through articles like Why Radio Is a Piece of Gahbage, and BET Why Do You Hate Us, we’ve come to recognize the downshift in Black Radio and Television content. Although we don’t like it, we’ve accepted the ill truth behind the media’s comfortable stance in insulting our overall character as well as our intelligence through each production.

So where does the madness draw the line? Well… we’ll always have literature to fall back on won’t we?

Well, depends on who you’re asking.

As more and more authors popped into the market, and as big publishing houses like Random House began to offer “imprints” to advance the publication of Black fiction, that same shift altered the dynamics of story telling and no longer were we locked into the safe themes of reading about success and romance.

And then came…

Ghetto Fiction – a blanketed term used to describe the endless volumes of HoodRat-esque novels plaguing the shelves of a bookstore near you. To many people these street chronicles are a welcomed presence in the African American book market, but to others these “thuglife fairytales” are as undesirable as the world many of us are still struggling to get away from.

Section 8: A Hood Rat Novel, Stackin’ Paper, The Last Bitch Standing, A Project Chick, Married to the Game, The Dopeman’s Wife…

The titles above and many others like it that target the struggle, the streets and the ghetto lifestyle have become more the norm than books like Breath, Eyes, Memory, and to many readers, these hood chronicles are deemed to be quite entertaining, which is okay in my opinion.

But when does the introduction of each street driven lesson that these stories evoke, go from being a welcomed change to the fiction game to nothing more than another bound tale of backsliding monotony that keep us from getting ahead in the Black Community?

Rather than impose my one sided opinion on this piece, I decided to sit down with a couple African American Authors and a few readers to get their take on the state of African American Literature.

But if I was to offer up my personal sentiment on this topic as I often do in many of my pieces, whether by a true opinion or journalistic fiction, I’d say this about street novels: I sometimes wonder if during our victory dance towards affirmation, if we’ve focused too much on having a voice in literature, that we’ve somehow forgotten to care about the content within what we’re saying to one another through that platform.

Author Keith Walker on the shift in Black Literature:
“I think it has a lot to do with the Hip Hop Culture and the way it’s been glamorized and how it’s become extremely popular as of late. To feed that market, a lot of the publishers are just following what else is selling and since the Hip Hop Culture seems to be selling well and a lot of different people are attracted to it, publishers don’t necessarily want to publish anything they consider weak or wholesome that they think won’t attract a crowd. The publishers are filling the demand as the Hip Hop culture becomes more commercialized with people like Lil Wayne branching out so much. It worked its way into literature and got stuck there. Every time I go into a bookstore, everything seems to be the same in my opinion: the bad girl characters in the hood doing those kind of things, or the struggling woman looking for Mr. Right- I try to go a different route with what I write in my books.”

Keith Walker writes Romantic Fiction and is the author of Fixin’ Tyrone which is available in bookstores everywhere or at www.keithwalkerbooks.com.

Author Steven Morgan on his stance of street literature:
“Overall, our culture has become more and more diverse. Hip Hop has opened a lot of doors so now people are becoming more aware of black literature so we can now put more of an emphasis on the streets which hits home more so with our black readers and urban minorities. I feel that Donald Goines and Fillmore Slim paved the way for us and now we’re creating our own lane. I think it’s important that we speak through street literature because this is what happens in everyday life. We’re writing about what we’re experiencing and not something made up. I don’t believe other African American authors who cover a different genre are losing their voice. I believe they’re in their own lane and have created a foundation for themselves that successfully targets their readers. They’ll always have an audience because they’re the forerunners. I do think people are now taking heed to street literature because it’s very raw, very violent, and blunt and that’s exciting and entertaining to all readers.”

Steven Morgan writes Street Fiction and is the author of the upcoming book Discombobulated due in stores this year. Please visit www.citystonepublishing.com/discombobulated for more information.

Tomi Bean, reader from Los Angeles, CA
“Too many people are internalizing the messages in these books and life’s situations and making it their home environment rather than opting for change. If you don’t think you’re better or believe you should have better, then you won’t achieve it. That information crosses over in these books because none of them strive to get us out of the ghetto rather they tell us how to survive and profit illegally in the ghetto. They think the thug is going to save us or be the one to uplift us. There’s a Native American tribe who practice the Seven Generations Philosophy: What do I do today that’s going to impact us 7 generations from now? That philosophy needs to be adapted into both our books as well as our lifestyles because this ghetto lit is setting us back ages.”

B. Still, reader from Minneapolis, MN
“It’s not really about not writing books like this or trying to write books like Dean Koontz, Clive Barker and so on, it’s about challenging yourself and your audience. These books don’t challenge me. It’s sad in a way. Black writers could do something that could be the voice of the generation. Look at Lord of the Rings. You have to give guys like Tolken and all the others credit because these people created universes out of their work. To this day you can see it in film, you can see people role-playing his books. It changed popular culture. You can’t go anywhere and say Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and not have people know what it’s about. People all over the world love these books; Black, White, Asian, Hispanic or whomever. They identify with the myth because it gives them hope. I’ve seen more adults buy these books then children, and that’s because they want something that takes them away. You don’t get taken away from books like “Jameelah’s Revenge” or “Baby Mama Drama” or “Requiem for DeAngelo,” which are just titles I’ve made up, but you know what I’m saying. Books like that take you to a sad state of street issues, from authors who don’t explore any creativity. These books are carbon copies, of carbon copies upon another carbon copy. What these books teach people is how to have dysfunctional lifestyles and relationships and they glorify being a thug. They teach the black woman that you will never have a suitable mate, you will never be that woman who gets swept off her feet, and that you will never get anywhere further than the streets. The same kid who reads a comic book about Superman might be influenced to go fly airplanes someday, just like a kid who enjoys Star Wars novels will probably lead our generation further into outer space. When our black children read these street novels, what do you think that’s teaching them to grow up and do? When authors don’t inspire their audience with substance, they’re leading our youth to fulfill these ghetto prophecies.”

Alicia Miles, reader from Rustin, LA
“I personally enjoy reading street fiction because most of the authors write to such a degree of depth that you feel like you’re sitting in a movie theatre seat watching it happen right in front of you. I’m an educated woman, who doesn’t mind getting off into a little danger, suspense and drama. What’s wrong with that? I think if you have a level head and can differentiate between real life and that of a book, you should be able to sit down and read a K’Nan novel just like a person who runs to the theatre to watch Saw 5 or Lethal Weapon. Why should we censor our content or whitewash our stories. Black people know we come from struggle, these books just explore that and give us a different look at how the world is for others. I say, keep em coming because there’s power in diversity and I’m tired of reading about some chick getting married or left at the alter for a younger woman. Street Lit keeps it fresh and entertaining and we need that so I applaud these types of books.”

So Clutchettes and Gents… What’s your take on “Ghetto Fiction”?

Clnmike says:

January 18, 2010 at 5:26 am

A good story is a good story regardless of the topic for me it’s about how the author tells the story which makes the difference between a good book and a throw away.

↑ Reply

Ebony says:

January 18, 2010 at 5:28 am

Thank GOD someone wrote about this! I am saddened by the massive amounts of these types of books getting published lately. It’s also shocking that they sell very well, like the Section 8 that’s an ESSENCE best seller! These type of books out sell authors like Zadie Smith and a host of other fantastic writers. It seems like Ghetto Fiction is just like gossip blogs. You know you shouldn’t really be reading it (or there’s something better to read), but you just can’t cause you are nosey or crave extreme drama. smh.

I also agree that it’s because of hip-hop and the fascination of the “hood” life too.

binky says:

January 18, 2010 at 5:36 am

I’ am A BIG READER! I love books but to be honest here MY BEST FRIEND AND I SKIP OVER THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FICTION SECTION COMPLETELY when we go into our local bookstore. I know it is sad but it is true! The only time I go to the AA section is when one of my favorite black authors (it is only black authors I read 3 faithfully) has a new book out that doesn’t follow this trend above! Sorry but books like that just don’t appeal to me and it doesn’t offer me any escapism when I read, which is the main point in reading right! I can’t relate to any of the characters or the situations in these “ghetto” books and when I read them, I just feel bad because it makes me think “do people really see black women or black people in general like this?” because the female characters are very stereotypical most of the times! They are either in your face with an attitude or overly sexual. I think black authors need to step up and write a variety of books! NOT just one! I would love to see more black authors branch out, you don’t know how many other black readers that are into stuff like Twilight/vampire fiction, Nicholas Sparks romance novels/romance novels in general, Sci-Fi, interracial novels etc. I think black authors who write “ghetto” books are missing a big chunk of black readers when they write books like this! I WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT MORE BLACK AUTHORS WHO WRITE BOOKS THAT I LIKE READING, not every black person relate to street/urban culture that is litter throughout these books

Keisha C says:

January 18, 2010 at 5:38 am

Section 8 love. OMG. No words :(

Angela says:

January 18, 2010 at 7:39 am

Sorry, as someone who works hard to promote black genre fiction (with a focus on romance and sf/f), I wholeheartedly disagree with this sentiment: “I don’t believe other African American authors who cover a different genre are losing their voice. I believe they’re in their own lane and have created a foundation for themselves that successfully targets their readers. They’ll always have an audience because they’re the forerunners. I do think people are now taking heed to street literature because it’s very raw, very violent, and blunt and that’s exciting and entertaining to all readers.”

When was the last time you saw a black writer of genre fiction featured in ELLE Magazine (the way this author of street lit has been)? Black authors who write genre fiction are being squeezed out of the market by the monster rise of street lit. Granted, I can’t knock their hustle since so many of them self-published and hit the pavement, marketing and selling their books at street fairs and at hair salons, BUT, the same way BET/VH1/MTV and radio stations play a finite number of artists, publishers do the same with street lit vs genre fiction. What makes the situation even more difficult is that the historical segregation of black fiction has caused the wider (aka non-black) audience black genre fiction could reach to ignore them b/c of being shelved in “that” section, but the prominence of street lit makes a lot of readers (black, white, Asian, whatever) assume that all fiction written by black authors is street lit. Try taking a look at blogs of veteran, but under-the-radar black authors who’ve been writing and writing well just as long as their white counterparts, but due to segregation and now the image street lit promotes, they will become even more obscure.

January 18, 2010 at 7:40 am

Another link, where horror writer Brandon Massey talks about the double-edged sword of being stuck in the African-American fiction section here.

And also, author Monica Jackson.

Hidi says:

January 18, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Hi, I read the article, and I agree with Brandon Massey about the double-edged sword of being stuck in the African-American fiction section; it is unfair. I do not think Black authors want their books to be categorize based on their skin color;I feel the authors are being place in a box. Moreover, there are non-black people who would not even visit the “African-American” section of the bookstore because it is label “African American”, which I think is ludicrous. I do not choose my books based on the authors race and ethnicity. These black authors deserve to have their books located in all sections (genre) of the bookstore.

By the way, Brandon Massey books are good. :)

Erin says:

January 18, 2010 at 10:21 am

I just wonder why the women on the covers of these books have to be half – dressed so much of the time? And thanks Angela for the Brandon Massey link! I’ve been looking for something new to read so I’ll definitely check him out:) Peace.

Alysha says:

January 18, 2010 at 10:28 am

This has is something that has enraged me since I was 17, when the AA section in my borders when from the end of a free standing shelf to a part of the wall unit. Whenever I tried to point it out to other people or explain why I thought it was a disservice to the writers and the Black community all I got was uncomprehending stares. I am so, so, so happy to see that I am not the only one thinking about this.

I’m always a little tempted to ask the Sales Associate at Borders, if he/she could point me to the White Literature section, because if the books in the “African-American Fiction” section are obviously for African-Americans, hence the title, I would be interested in seeing where they keep the books that are clearly for white people. Of course, I never do, because they have no control over what corporate decides, but sometimes I am so very tempted.

I’ve actually spent many a Borders trip standing in front of the that section trying to figure out what the formula is that decides what gets placed there and what doesn’t. Does the author have to be African-American or are all writers a part of the African Diaspora included? What percentage of the characters have to be Black? Can a book in the African-American section also be in the literature section? Where are books by Black authors who write in specific genres of “fiction”, like sci-fi or horror, placed? Are stories about written by Black people and about Black people ONLY for Black people? Can no member of another race identify with Black characters? On the other hand, since the larger Literature/Fiction section has a general title without specifying a group of people, does that mean that anyone- man, woman, child- of any race can find a book there with characters they can relate to? Taking it a step further, considering that the majority of the books in the Literature section are white and so are their characters, does that mean that stories about White people written by White people are for everyone and everyone can relate to them? I have such a problem with White being neutral in the eyes of a lot of people. If you don’t want to pidgeon hole something and present it for mass consumption to a wide range of people, make it about white people, because if it’s about any type of person of color, it becomes for only that group of people. (Side note: if any of you have heard for M. Night Shyamalans’ Avatar the Last Airbender movie casting controversy, you know a bit what I’m talking about.)

Hegemony is so real.

I apologize if I got a bit off topic, but once I get going on this it’s a little hard to slow my roll.

jenna pearle says:

January 18, 2010 at 11:01 am

this is a bit off topic as well but still somewhat related. i don’t appreciate b&n putting many books that they assume black people are interested in behind the register/counter. when i inquired about this, i was told that these books are high risk ones (ones they expect to be stolen). i was so insulted! i am not interested in those books (examples were karrine steffans, russell simmons how to book, to something by ll cool j) but am disgusted to know that b&n is waiting for me to steal these books from them.

Kellea Tibbs says:

January 18, 2010 at 2:46 pm

I believe that this issue of “Urban Fiction” has many layers. As a reader who entered college on the cusp of the onset of the “Waiting To Exhale” era of the single black women genre of literature, by some very fabulous female writers, I grew weary of those novels because, at the time, when I was experiencing my own relationship drama, I certainly didn’t want to read about the issues of others, and while I fully support authors like Bebe Moore Campbell, Connie Briscoe and others who paved the way for that genre, I gravitated to the Harlem Renaissance like writers like Dorothy West and others whose writing transported me to a time in Black life that I had not experienced.

I point this out because, it hasn’t been until recently that I find myself able to read Romance based novels again, because, as a woman, I have grown. But, if young women and men are only exposed to this new “Urban Lit” and never are told or encouraged to read the Black Classics or even the Teri McMilan’s of the world (who to me are the go between of the Black Classics and Urban Lit), as I was made to in college, then, to me, that is where the disservice is taking place. If a child or student never has to read Invisible Man, Cane, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Bluest Eye, etc. and tend to choose or gravitate to the Urban Fiction only, then, that to me is a problem because they will never get to see both sides, nor both types of writing styles.

I will be brutally honest, the biggest problem I have with this Urban Lit, is not necessarily the topic, but the level of writing, and I don’t really read it. Most of it is just not good writing. I work in higher education and some of our students’ writing is atrocious, and if we are supposed to be teaching our students how to write and communicate well, especially in the age of texting, twittering, etc, then some of these authors, need to return to the basics of English Composition and are doing a disservice to readers and to themselves. What I fear is that this will become the idea of what good writing is to our students and they will never explore anything else. If you lack proper writing, punctuation, and editing skills, that’s a turn off.

On the flipside of my argument, however, I do know, that before this genre of Urban Lit came along, not many people from certain areas of the Black community were reading. If this encourages more reading, then I’m all for it. My only concern becomes, again, making sure this is not the only thing people are reading. I am a big fan, and encourage my students to be media literate, meaning not only being able to have the luxury to read what they like, if that’s Urban Lit, but to also encourage them to read their local and national news sources, magazines, speeches, commentary, etc. Much like the fact that there is an audience for what we know as the “chitterling circuit” of Black theatre, the plays that Tyler Perry got his start in, we also need to make sure that people in our community are exposed to the Black Classics on Broadway as well.

There needs to be a balance and it’s up to us to make sure it happens.We need to work to make sure that the bookstores are not only featuring Urban Lit (which is akin to the oversaturation of the Chic Lit in the white community), but that the Black Classical or traditional writers are featured right next to the Urban Lit books.

binky says:

January 18, 2010 at 4:53 pm

First, I co-sign on everything you said from the beginning of your statement ot the END! But the main thing that you said that I agree with is the writing and skill levels of these books! I don’t think it is the subject matter that is the big bother but the LEVEL OF WRITING THAT IS INSULTING to the reader. Do they assume that black readers aren’t educated and only use improper English and grammer? I read one of these “urban” books with writing so bad and full of slangs that I couldn’t finish the book! I think it is almost a back hand slap to black readers and like someone said, why is there an AA section of a book store? That always struck me as odd too!
Hidi says:

January 18, 2010 at 8:54 pm

Hi :) You took the “words right out of my mouth”: “There needs to be a balance and it’s up to us to make sure it happens.We need to work to make sure that the bookstores are not only featuring Urban Lit (which is akin to the oversaturation of the Chic Lit in the white community), but that the Black Classical or traditional writers are featured right next to the Urban Lit books.”

My sentiments exactly; there is no balance. I do not have a problem with “Urban”(why does this word exist???LOL) literature, but the oversaturation is bad; these books do not need to dominate every single shelf; is this really necessary???

Momo says:

January 18, 2010 at 6:02 pm

This article is on point and a genius read. Thank clutch so much for covering this subject. I thought I was the only one that felt so upset about the state of black novels.

Val says:

January 18, 2010 at 7:55 pm

What I hate is that because I read books by mostly Black authors Amazon recommends street lit to me. WTF?! Obviously Amazon does not distinguish between street lit and Black lit. It’s all just Black to them.

zyzyx says:

January 18, 2010 at 9:28 pm

what about ice berg slim? people love his work.

jayla says:

January 18, 2010 at 11:35 pm

Omg. And I thought no one in the world would ever bring this up! These books are embarassing, ridiculous and keep us from getting ahead. B. Still said it incredibly real.

ms. complexity says:

January 19, 2010 at 12:28 am

I dismiss all ‘ghetto lit’. It can stay right there on the shelf. Give me some Pearl Cleage, some Erica Kennedy. NO ghetto lit, please and thanks. I don’t understand the need to indulge in ’street novels’. They are so poorly penned, it’s disgusting that they can get ‘book deals’ while honest, intelligent writers have to self-publish.

Nia Whaley says:

January 19, 2010 at 1:15 am

The truth is that these books are dumbed down for the lowest common denominator Black consumer and marketed as “Black Literature.”

Gone are the days of James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, Edward P. Jones, Edwidge Danticat, Ralph Ellison, and other poignant works of Fiction by African American writers because they are overshadowed by the crap that’s marketed wholesale to the consumer who’s willing to buy it.

Every time this topic comes up its all like “I respect their hustle and come up game…” and blah blah blah but honestly these books represent the African American experience in such narrow, one-dimensional ways that aside from this hustle making money what else about it can I respect?

Toni won a Nobel Prize for her literature….A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE! That will reverberate longer throughout history than any come up “I sold my book” hustle story ever will. Fast food might taste good at first but eat it for about ten years (Fast Food Nation anyone)… and it’ll raise your pressure, swell your ankles, and jaundice your eyes….

Short term gains vs. Long term strategy.

We are such short term ninjas now. Now anybody’s who’s making money are the only gatekeepers of black culture and that’s just a shame.

January 19, 2010 at 2:27 am

There is a very elitest tone being spit on here that mimics the arguements made about jazz vs other forms of music. People are going to buy what they like, what they can relate to, and what they and understand. And if the highbrow authors dont fit in that picture then tough for them. What kind of arrogance is that for people to be upset that no one is interested in “other” genre of lit or the writing is not sophisticated enough for them. If those “other” authors cant dumb it down, find the readers that will pay for their books then they need to go the way of the dinosaurs. But being upset cause a particular genre is favored by large readership is selfish, to paraphrase a line in a famous movie, “the people dont but it because you grandiose muthfuckas dont write the shit that they like, if you write the shit that they like they’ll buy it.”

Angela says:

January 19, 2010 at 5:25 am

Clmike, the reason why Street Lit strikes a nerve is:

a) it’s the only thing black teens (and adults) read. I’ve yet to see black readers (or heck, fans of any ethnicity) of street lit springboard off this genre to read classic black literature, or even become a plain old voracious reader.

b) it’s mainstream, mindless rap music and the thug life–an altogether synthetic image of black life in the inner city–turned into book form.

c) the books don’t provoke any deep thought or analyzing.

d) street lit has become synonymous with “black fiction”

e) it is comprised of all around bad writing.
Clnmike says:

January 19, 2010 at 6:11 am

Angela,

The points of why some people are not in love with street lit is noted, although you make a lot of generalizations about it.

If people dont like the books thats fine, Im sure they can find something out there to fit there taste.

But acting like that these books are some how dragging society into a end of days type hell is a bit much.

What are you going to do?

Tell people what they can and can not buy with their money?

Put a gun to their head and force them to read Toni Morrison?

Ban the books because they dont fit a certain criteria?

If people want to write it and some one wants to read it then why try to block it?

This kind of talk is hinting at censorship, and that sword cuts both ways, cause lord knows I would take a can of gas and matchs to a lot of these chic lits, romance novels, and the complete works of Alice Walker, Terry McMillian, E. Lyn Harris, Omar Tyree, and Eric Jerome Dickey.
Nia Whaley says:

January 19, 2010 at 11:51 am

You know Mike.

You’d make a really good attorney. I agree wholeheartedly with your viewpoints but it doesn’t change the way that I FEEL (key word: FEEL) about the denigration of quality literature. Now I know the word “quality” is subjective and that there’s an elitist snobbish feel to those who share their dislike for urban fiction…but the truth is we don’t live in a world without snobbery or high culture and there IS a difference between a Mickey D’s burger and a burger made with foie gras and topped with arugula…

It feels unfair that what sells the most should have the most respect. Jay-Z sells the most…is that the best Hip-Hop? Beyonce sells a lot of stuff…is she the best that R&B has to offer? Tyler Perry sells the most movie tickets…is he the best black film director?

I’m not picking on these folks cause I love them all. It’s just sad when their money making power (commercial success) overshadows those who are of critical acclaim. It’s like the scales are tipped to those who sell to the lowest denominator leaving no room for those with true talent (again subjective)…

You can’t win this argument. You can only tell how you feel.
Whomever :) says:

January 19, 2010 at 1:08 pm

@ Nia Whaley

Beautifully put Ms. Lady!

jenelle says:

January 19, 2010 at 6:44 am

i LOVE you for writing this!
but the sad thing is, many people think that they are reading when they pick up books like these! Half of these books are filled with spelling errors and profanity. I personally do not consider these ghetto novels to be ‘real’ books.Besides, once you’ve read one, you’ve read them all— they all talk about sex, drugs, projects, stripclubs and etc.

What has happened to great literature?!?!

Margo Harris-Lockhart says:

January 19, 2010 at 10:58 am

What I “hate” more, than these books is young women who don’t/won’t read.
If this genre is what helps to increase the literacy rate among young adults,
then read on.

I “hate” the genre and have for many years. Then one day I went on vacation and told a friend I wanted a good book, nothing serious, something fun. On the beach with drink in hand I had the time of my life reading this trash, one after the other and I had the time of my life! The very genre I blasted her about for years became my best friend in between cocktails and naps. I laughed aloud, and both grinned and blushed at the sexual parts, and was able to visualize some scenes because these books bought me back to the ghetto life I once lived in. I had long forgotten about those characters in my young life and these books reminded me about them for a moment.
They served a purpose and I was no longer as judgmental of my friends taste in books.

I prefer J. California Cooper, or Octavia Butler any day of the year….except on vacation. It’s all about balance.

Deauna Hale says:

January 19, 2010 at 2:25 pm

This Clutch article was right on time. I want to write a book, but what I’ve read from black authors is not the way I want to go. I’m glad that from this I was able to get the names of more authors that write books outside of our normal ‘black’ experiences. Thanks for writing this.

City Stone Publishing says:

January 19, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Great article. In my opinion, this may be related to many things including: literature has followed mainstream music and Hip Hop as brought forth a different lifestyle that is now widely accepted & we must look at the demographics going into the big book retailers to buy books from the African American section, as small as it may be. Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc will showcase whatever books bringing in the big bucks. It’s a business of numbers to them.
There may be so many great writers out there like a Pearl Cleage(one of my favs!) that’s not recognized. As a publisher of fiction novels, about 95% of the submissions coming across my desk are considered Urban/Street fiction. I always wonder why I don’t get a wider selection of manuscripts. However, we shouldn’t eliminate any genre because literature gives different groups a voice in the world. A good book is a personal judgment based on personal preferences. It is something out there for all of us!

Sharay says:

January 19, 2010 at 3:54 pm

I agree with your response whole heartedly, people should have the right to read whatever type of book they want and ghetto lit should be available as long as there is a demand for it. As a publisher though, I wonder what writers/readers need to do to even out the market, because as someone above stated, ghetto lit does have us kind of leaning to one side. So for those of us who still like reading romantic/suspense fiction how do we make that popular again when it seems like White Publishing Houses, White Bookstores and Hip Hop are filling the demands not the people.

Btw. To the author, this is an incredibly well written and refreshing article, and out of all the clutch articles I read on here, your writeups and Zettlers are the ones I always tune into because I never know what your going to say, outlandish of not! LOL. Good read clutch, keep them coming and I will always be a fan!
Hidi says:

January 19, 2010 at 4:46 pm

I cosign. :) “A good book is a personal judgment based on personal preferences. It is something out there for all of us!”

mo says:

January 19, 2010 at 2:44 pm

I’m soooooooooooooooooooooo sick and tired of ghetto novels. I want to read books about people like me. And ghetto is not me.

Mekaelia Davis says:

January 19, 2010 at 3:44 pm

Awesome piece. I think there are many things being discussed here and I feel that they are being amalgamated as if they are one issue. Most importantly there is the question of the role that street lit plays in the sustenance and expansion of negative media images of black culture and society. Secondly I think quality (of literature) should be defined. What metrics are we using to say that literature is good or bad?

Personally I must say that I read a few of these books, when I was younger and have since moved on…Not because I look down on them but because I don’t think they have a place in my reading list. When I select books to read, I look to experience an engrossing story line, learn a new line of thinking or expose myself to something entirely foreign. Now these are my personal values and they directly affect what I chose (and chose not) to read. I think that is the third issue that is being discussed- is why do we choose to read these books? I mean its the same with mainstream rap, why do you choose to listen, what about the music is appealing.

I really value this thread of discussion. However, I would love to hear us start talking about the questions at the heart of this topic.

January 19, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Nia Whaley,

I see your point about how you feel about the genre.

Dane says:

January 19, 2010 at 9:06 pm

Barnes and Noble doesn’t put any genre fiction by black authors in the African American section. They usually put all fiction in fiction, all mystery in mystery, etc., etc., and the African American section is usually near cultural studies. The books in there are more along the lines of cultural studies, things like The Souls of Black Folks and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl etc. To the person that said that their B&N puts AA books behind the counter. Items that are constantly stolen are placed on cycle count. Those books are usually placed behind the counter. It doesn’t matter what their subject matter is. This is done by inventory and by the amount of shrink that happens in that section. In my store, those books are medical books. They are always behind the counter. Why? Because sticky fingered medical students like to walk out with them. In your particular store the AA fiction section must have high shrink.

Rhonda Crowder says:

January 20, 2010 at 1:23 am

The biggest problem I have with these debates about “ghetto lit” is some people act like it’s the only thing by Black folks out there to read. That’s so far from the truth. Black people write in every genre imaginable! We even create genres. So, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. There’s plenty to chose from if you know where to look.
And, don’t criticize it if you’ve never read it.
As far as the writing goes with some of these novels, I don’t think it’s to insult the reader. It’s more of the author’s writing ability, which is reflective of larger societal issues. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not to say they shouldn’t write. They’ll get better if they continue to write and is passion about the artform.
At the same time, I’m totally against suppressing any author’s voice “ghetto” or otherwise because everyone has a story to tell.
Futhermore, before “ghetto” fiction came along, I was tired of reading “the successful Black woman who couldn’t get a man” stories. There’s just as many of those as there are “ghetto” writers. However, they didn’t reflect my reality.
But, the ghetto fiction was like these authors had taken pages of my own stories.
Also, books, records, and what’s on tv is not holding us back as Black people. The fact we get so consumed with those things holds us back in addition to the lack of education and gainful employment. Too many of us simply don’t value that.
Now, do these this stories glorify such reckless behavior… depends on how you read it.
Most importantly, I think the stories can provide the framework for some serious discussions with our youth if we move beyond talks of what it isn’t to what it can be.

ebwriter says:

January 20, 2010 at 2:36 am

As a writer and avid reader, I find that the majority of urban lit keeps many black people with a “ghetto mentality” and not strive for a better life through education, having a “legal” job, integrity and hard work.

January 20, 2010 at 3:17 am

For those who are looking to write a book:
http://www.blackwriters.org is a great reference. And nary a ‘ghetto street novel’ in sight. :)

Ticia says:

January 20, 2010 at 7:38 pm

This is a great subject to debate! Nice one Clutch, keeping the articles like this coming because they are better to discuss than superficial subjects like Rihanna and ignorant ole Tiger Woods!

Personally I think ghetto lit rocks! We need to make sure that all people are given a voice though and I’m happy that finally my lifestyle is given a voice to be heard!

I’m proud to be ghetto and all you haters that have a problem with it, can kick bricks!

Ben Leonard says:

January 20, 2010 at 7:41 pm

This is the best article I’ve ever read. Ever. In my whole life.

Crys Mack says:

January 20, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you for addressing this issue! This has been on my mind for a long time now.
I think that “Urban Fiction” has its place. Every shelf in the African American fiction section of Borders or Barnes and Noble is NOT it.

I hear the comments defending it…and that’s fine. These books are on the shelves because they sell. Just like negative images in rap music, movies, and any other cultural outlet where Black folk are represented.

My issue is the same as it always is. WE are a widely diverse culture. We shouldn’t be offended when one aspect is highlighted more than another…Urban fiction doesn’t represent or appeal to all of us just like cheesy romance novels don’t appeal to or represent all White women.

I just wish that the folk who order books for stores would recognize that and assign “Urban Fiction” its own section, seperate from Afican-American LITERATURE. I’m tired of my Octavia Butler, Pearl Cleage, and Toni Morrison being pusehd aside for the likes of fly-by-night authors with rap-star like aliases.

Oh, and in regards to Iceberg Slim, He was the FIRST of his kind. Black stories had never been told like that before. THAT’s the difference.

Trina Morris says:

January 21, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Alaina, this was such a fulfilling read. Thanks ; )

I totally relate to your 80s perspective on mass media, and have learned to appreciate our uniqueness. Our mental remix of pop culture and tradition allows us to still see media as hopeful, helpful and humorous. (hence, this very article). Our multimedia generation has learned the steadfast integrity from Bill Cosby, Susan Taylor, Black Radio and Oprah, and spun it with the ambition and urgency of Russell Simmons, Beyonce, Blackberry and reality TV. As with all things, however, there must be moderation. And for tomorrow’s generation, today’s Leaders must be responsible.

That said, I do have a huge problem with the character disparities of AA within our literature. Hip Hop was born. OKAY. We all love and get that, and thus, our images have drastically diversified. But I’m not just speaking on ‘image’ as a look and/or socio-economic profile; I’m also talking about ‘image’ as character. The root of why we enjoy literature in the first place, right? It’s a timeless experience of character(s), human struggle and morality.

As a creative entrepreneur/media maven, with an urban contemporary lifestyle, my ‘image’ (in both capacities) represents a HUGE chunk of the pop culture/mass media market, and that’s well before its sorted by ethnicity. So what about MY character(s)? On our best and worst of days… who, where and how are they?

If the comeback to this ‘street fiction’ debate is in fact about our literature needing to ‘reflect everyday life’ (such a well-beaten dead horse)… Then where are the countless options of fictional adventures from what I experience? Where is my multitude of modern day authors who fuse life, love, career, travel, food, wine, music, art, spirituality, family, fashion, wellness, world culture and politics and more? **crickets** Exactly.

Well, aside from characters created by our seasoned AA literary vets (among several you’ve acknowledged), I was thoroughly entertained by the brand new cosmopolitan character Christian Cullen in the novel, Shaken and Stirred (www.shakenandstirredbook.com).

To answer your question (of which side I’m on), I’m gonna play it back (like an 80s DJ ; ) and say Shaken and Stirred is one among several new novels ANSWERING THE CALL! You all just stated or asked for…

“… a black tale that easily defined my point of view.”
“… new brown-skinned author who you can support… one who spoke of my journey.”
“… representing relatable work that touches the souls of a multicultural audience.”
“… care about the content within what we’re saying to one another through that (media) platform.”
“… without inspiration with substance, you are fulfilling a ghetto prophecy…”
“… We’ll always have literature to fall back on won’t we?”

After reading that book and now your article, I still have faith and will keep hope alive! YES WE WILL!! ; )

Patrice says:

January 21, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Thank you soooo much for this article…I read clutch weekly and never comment, but this subject is something that really strikes a nerve with me. About a year ago I took a position as assistant manager at an African American cultural boutique. The store is divided into three sections: An art gallery for art and home furnishings imported from Africa, a boutique area with jewelry and accessories from around the world, and a bookstore filled with books solely written by African and African American authors. Though I am a fashionista at heart, I was more excited about the bookstore than anything else. Since being in school I hadn’t been reading as much, and was eager to grow the library in my new apartment to match that of my parents at their home. Fast forward to now, an entire year later, and I have only purchased two books since working at this store (“Faith and the Good Thing” and “Push”). The reason being is because all of the titles written by my favorite authors have been banished to a small section on the top shelf of the fiction section (less than 20 titles), while an entire wall of countless tales of “thug life” are threatening to take over the entire room (well over a hundred if not more)! Initially I wondered why the store owner, an educated “strong black sista” who was the complete antithesis of these heroines, would stock so much of this kind of nonsense. I soon found out…The daily sales records show that these books sell more than all of the other genres put together. When customers come in the book department, they make a beeline for the Urban Fiction section and never so much as glance at the other titles. The same customers come back often to pick up the latest installments to these sagas, because there is very little time in between each book. Its basically cheap fast fiction. We’ve all literally waited a decade for Midnight to come out, while Bitch 3 and 4 are only released a month or two apart. It should tell you something about the quality of the writing.

I understand that these books are made for entertainment, but the thing that sickens me most is that it isn’t strong minded and educated thirty-somethings that are buying these books. It is impressionable twelve and thirteen year old girls, who think that this is the way that life should be, because if its printed in a book it must be true. They don’t even notice that we sell books geared towards girls their age, instead they zero in on the books with half naked women rolling around in money, because she looks way more interesting than the characters in the Drama High series and the Cheetah Girls. I fully believe in freedom of speech but it should be done so with some responsibility. Why is there no age restriction on buying these books? Kids can’t go into a porn shop and buy xrated dvds, but they can go to the local book store and read about it.
I just wish that printing Urban Fiction didn’t mean poisoning the minds of our youth and phasing out quality authors that we have grown to love.

Sparkle says:

January 21, 2010 at 2:39 pm

My problem isn’t that “ghetto fiction” exists. My problem is the market’s over-saturation of it with very few options. And 90% of these stories aren’t even well written! Go to Borders or Barnes & Noble and in the African American fiction section and you will see either these hood books or Zane-like erotic fiction. What really bothers me about it is the youth read these books, and that’s all they are reading!!!

It motivating me to start my own publishing company.

But there are still many good African American books on the market, and there has been a rise in African literature as well. I encourage you all to look at the works of Carleen Brice and Kalisha Buckhanon.

And by all means branch out of the African American Lit section as well!

January 21, 2010 at 2:40 pm

Great article Clutch! Kudos

Rashana A. Hooks says:

January 22, 2010 at 11:30 pm

Excellent story. As a writer and aspiring author I must say that I read to not only entertain myself and escape reality, I also do it to improve my writing skills. Unfortunately, most “Ghetto Fiction” novels do not help to improve ones writing skills…

Isis says:

January 23, 2010 at 4:16 am

I am the author of the upcoming book entitled “Reflections of Us”. I will humbly say that lack of inspirational books in the Black community along with my personal experiences from living in an inner-city and being a young Black woman has inspired me to write this book.

And for me personally I refused to listen to any music or read any literature that is not for the betterment of my people, mind, soul, body and finances. And it is up to us authors to create stories to uplift the Black community rather than glorify its ugliness. So that we can move forward as a people and break the addiction to struggle.

Kay says:

January 23, 2010 at 8:26 pm

First let me say that i’m not knocking street fiction because there’s an audience for everything.

I do want to say however that there are plenty of books in other genres such as young adult, sci-fi, contemporary fiction, literary, etc, written by African-American authors. You just have to do your research.

If you’re looking for books for TEENS that are good/clean reads by African-American authors and that are not street fiction, try some of the following authors:

Paula Chase -Del Rio Bay series
Sharon Draper – The Jericho series
Shelia Goss – The Lip Gloss Chronicles series
Stephanie Perry Moore – Beta Gamma Pi series
Celeste O Norfleet

If you’re looking for good books by African-American authors that are not street fiction, then try some of these authors. They write in a variety of genres:

Steven Barnes
Tananarive Due
Beverly Jenkins
Brandon Massey
Kimberla Lawson Roby

There are many more author selections I can give you, if you’re looking.

Sorry so long, but I just wanted to say that there are other options out there besides street fiction. African-American authors are putting out plenty of books in other genres however this can change, if people don’t start buying their books.

I challenge everyone to try some of the authors on the list.

January 24, 2010 at 3:47 pm

You don’t have to look far to see that dumbness sells.

Why should publishers invest in Black writers who have depth and dimension when today’s average black person could care less. How many of us are solely interested in being entertained but not enlightened?

Things have changed. The market has changed and media has changed. Reality TV anyone?

Successful media is about selling not about culture or preservation of critically acclaimed minds.

me says:

January 24, 2010 at 8:20 pm

Nia, you said a mouthful. So so frightening but true! : (

Charlotte says:

January 26, 2010 at 2:43 pm

I grew up in the hood I have always been a voracious reader going from genre to genre, my love of reading allows me to do this with ease. I have read a plethora of books by black authors as well as white authors my fave being Stephen King . This takes nothing away from my love of urban fiction which is not a new fad just a resurgence of the 70s where Goines and Iceberg Slim ruled now they are heralded as literary genuises for telling it like they saw it. What makes this new talented crop of authors diffrent? Yes alot of these stories are violent and sometimes a hot mess so is real life where most of these stories come from. More teens are reading now than ever before the shining fact is they are reading as a parent you should monitor your children’s books. As an adult you have a choice don’t read it! Whether you know it or not there are moral lessons in these books I myself read a letter from a teen who was on the verge of murdering his best friend until he picked up Street Dreams by K’wan there are countless other stories in which these books helped and inspired the lost youth you know the ones that you cross the street to avoid. To the critics I say where are you when K’wan takes it upon his self to drive for hours to donate cases of books to schools for at risk teens spending hours encouraging them to stay in school and do right. It was at one of these schools the question was asked why do you kill your characters so violently when he was gettin money and living the life the answer was
” You live by the sword you die by the sword in that life there are no happy endings my sword is my pen” Which is why I am his number 1 fan!

S Dot says:

January 26, 2010 at 5:35 pm

I agree with you on many levels, there are exceptions to the rule. and K’wan is one of them!

BUT on the other hand, some of the other authors out there do a poor job at not only telling an uplifting story, but also keeping the grammer tight.

I don’t think anyones on here dissing anyone, I think people are comfortably stating their side of the story. This is actually the first article of this nature that evokes such verve in its readers where it doesn’t end and beginning with a ridiculous argument and lines of disrespect.

I’m finally proud of clutch readers for getting it right for a change.
BUT I guess the reading crowd is different from the unruly folks that flock to Lil Wayne articles, and Amber Rose joints and don’t know how to keep tight to respect.

And yes, I read ALL fiction, and truly just like a good story no matter what it is.

Nichelle Walker says:

January 26, 2010 at 8:35 pm

You can’t judge a book by its cover?

What you did here was lump up every single urban book in one nutshell, doing so makes you no different than a racist person calling all black people lazy niggers. Not fair right? Don’t want to be classified as a lazy nigger just because you have the same skin color as the next person.

Honestly the whole argument is bias, if you don’t like something then it’s best to skip out on it. This is a free world, and we were given freedom of speech and we should use it without being judged.

Now I am a black writer and I own my own publishing company and to stereo type a book because it deals with inner city issues ghetto is flat out wrong. To say only black people buy these books when you don’t know how true of a statement that is, is silly. Honestly I have fans of all races. One of the biggest problems with this world is folks passing judgment without understanding. All we do is pass judgment on one another. Folks sit back and judge things and people but do not want to be judged back. No different from a woman sleeping around freely but doesn’t want to be labeled a whore because men do it to. If you put her in a box and try to call her out she will feel wronged.

The truth is in life, we all walk in different paths and go through different things, nobody life is the same and can’t be judge on the same level. Rounding up a group of writers and labeling there work Ghetto Fiction because you assume what the book is about is wrong.

Should we call this blog a ghetto blog because it’s penned for black people? Should we call all black own blogs, ghetto blogs? I own my own blog site as well (www.nwmasssmedia.com), so should you atomically assume its hood because I wrote an urban book? Does that label carry on to every aspect of my life and career?

I want to know does that mean Steven King should be labeled as a murderer, or does this labeling only go for black writers? Shouldn’t JL Rowling be labeled as a witch maybe a devil worshiper? These writers have sold millions and made millions of dollars off these books. They all deal with something very satanic; murder, death, and praising idols other than God however they have never been labeled are black listed. In fact you will never hear there own kind say anything negative about them are called them out. Most of the consumers who purchase there books either by them are skip out but I have never heard them be lumped up or disrespected.

However leave it to our people to be unsupportive of our craft, leave it to our people to pre-judge and put down folks without even reading your book. Leave it to our people to not support us and trash talk us to the media. Yes leave it to our people to write things like this about us instead of saying well it’s just not for me. I wonder when will our people wake up and see we are holding our own selves back with the self-hate, judging non-support.

Lets not act if black writers are the only one who writes about the street life. All the gangster drug dealing movies that have been made, Good Fella’s, Scarface, Blow, King Of New York, I could go on. Even the televisions shows The Soprano’s took the airwaves over and folks loved it. A show by about a drug dealing, gangster non-black family received high praise but The Wire is out casted. I mean really lets be real about this the only problem we really have is our people not wanting us to excel.

So in closing I will say, we all have to understand that everything isn’t for everybody and we all have the right to choose. I just wonder why do black people judge black people and other races seem to know how to support one another no matter what.

And yes there are some horrible books made in every category made. But as I said before to each it’s own, you can’t judge a book by its cover; you will never really know what’s it about until you read it for yourself.

Much Love

Nichelle Walker
Author of Doing His Time
Owner Of NWMasssMedia.com
And excuse the typos thanks

Ticia says:

January 26, 2010 at 9:13 pm

Did you read the article at all Nichelle or are you just throwing a fit off the comments? The article in no way chooses a side, maybe it’s the comments that offend you?

Eh. Alls I have have to say about that is, you’re right, you can’t judge a book by a cover and people can look the other way if they don’t like it and you had some HUGE points that I wholeheartedly agree with but no more than your versed argument for books to not have censorship, the same holds true for topics like this one that writers choose to write about.

How can you be a contradiction to your own argument? The article doesn’t bash ghetto fiction, it asks what your take it on what literary world has classified as Ghetto/street fiction.

I think when black people fear opportunities like this to discuss the issues at hand within our community that are more relevant then some of the other nonsense plastered on the web, we cheat ourselves.

This was the best discussion I’ve ever seen on Clutch because it was real. It would be a shame to end that on a sour note from someone pointing the finger who probably never read the f’in article.

January 26, 2010 at 9:40 pm

I read it and there’s no such thing as ghetto fiction period. She labeled it such, when birders take my orders it not listed as ghetto fiction there’s no such thing. So yes I said what I said becuase she titled the article “selling ghetto” so on that note that was labeling. I read it and also her take in the comment sect, as I said I own my own blog and writers stay bias for a reason. I am simply speaking from being in the industry and I unnderstand real if u ever get time u can stop by my blog anytime I write reality post daily it’s my theme. My site http://www.nwmasssmedia.com If ur lookin for something other than trash to read u should stop by.

But there is no hard feelings I stated the truth, black fiction is label while white fiction is not and it’s the black folks who put the labels on it. As I said when my book orders come over it’s surely not asking for ghetto fiction are street lit it’s titled under afican American so this what I am saying wh do we label when they don’t. I read the post but to be truthful After reading selling ghetto I had read enough. When mr king book comes out next month I can bet u that his people won’t title any post, selling murder, selling demons or what ever he is soley a author who write mystery novels but it is what it is hey nothing we can do about it.

Again excuse my typos this iPhone does it own thing

Ticia says:

January 26, 2010 at 9:47 pm

Again. *smh* If clutch articles are trash to you, then like you stated about the books, turn your head and keep walking.

You’re just too disrespectful to get any love from me on your sight, sorry. Theres a way to state your opinion positively and then there’s a way to be just as shitty as the people your condemning for having their ideas on “Ghetto Lit”

You contradict yourself. And don’t feel you need to respond back, I’m not interested in an argument, just speaking my mind like you since we have that freedom.

January 26, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Again if I offended u im sorry I didn’t write my comments to angry anyone what so ever and I did not call this post trash u made ref to this article was real not like all the other non sense on the net so I simply was replying back to that statement letting u know that I don’t write nob sense on my blog. Honsetly this I my first time here and I have no problem with anyones opinion we all have them. I spoke my peace like evryone else and if anyone thought I was nasty then I’m sorry however I wrote how I felt like everyone else. And It doesn’t bother me what people judge my book as again I was stating facts about the labeling can’t see how that upset anyone it’s the truth. I mean in life we call thing what we want, sneakers in new York gym shoes on chicago and that’s becaue we all see things differently. However the company who makes the product calls it what’s it is so with that being said I gave the facts in the publishing industry there’s no such thing as ghetto fiction. I’m not being smart or nasty just pointing out the truth people can call it what they like but the truth remains it doesn’t exsit. So with that being said I said I dis not contridict myself I spoke how I felt and I’m sorry if it hit a nerve wit u. But I was not calling this site trash and wanted to make that clear and it’s he reason I am respondif back. Anyhow this is not the first debate and it sure won’t be the last stay blessed.

January 26, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Excuse my typos I’m on my phone

ms.mese says:

February 4, 2010 at 2:27 pm

I am an avid reader and read all types of books (i.e. American classics like Hemingway and black classics like Hurston). But i think we as black people keep us back. People need to stop blaming the literature, the music, the clothes and the shows for how we are portrayed. It is up to each and every one of us to take a stand and define ourselves better as people. There is tons of white bull$%^& that is out but no one complains about it because its white. But its there. I enjoy reading the “urban lit” because it isnt the only thing I read and I know that all of this is purely entertainment. Our voices run the gamut and it is important for stories to be heard. Now granted, sometimes the grammar and punctuation can be poor and the storylines redundant but so are a lot of the black books that have to do with us not being able to find love, a good man or not wanting to date the trash man. Besides, who knows if this is just a stepping stone for these writers to write something else. These street novels can be under a pseudonym for all you know and the work you like reading can be from the same author of the “urban lit.” Food for thought…