The Civil Rights Movement is most remembered as a challenging time for African-Americans and for women who were seeking equal treatment, and an end to discrimination. When revisiting the demonstrations commonly associated with the movement, it is easy to forget the minorities working for the Federal Government during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In The Two-Edged Sword, Donald Tucker gives a full account of his life, the life of a Black man working for the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Army, and Secret Service during a volatile time in the United States.
Tucker's description of life in Chicago during Part 1 of his book, gives the reader an insight into his childhood, which serves to set the scene for the rest of the book. Growing up in Chicago while sharing a minute living space with 9 other people, and still knowing he was lucky when compared to others in the neighborhood, influenced Tucker's view of the world. Though he was exposed to racial injustice, and aware of police dishonesty, Tucker worked hard to secure higher education in order to find a rewarding career.
The Two-Edged Sword goes on to expose a another side of the Federal Government as Tucker shares his initial experiences with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Shortly after joining the FBN (now known as the DEA), Tucker was placed undercover. Unlike white counterparts, Tucker was provided with no training and little back up, since it was assumed his race alone gave him all the cover he needed. Only a few months after joining the FBN, Donald Tucker was drafted into the United States Army.
While serving in the Army, Tucker found himself constantly faced with subtle or extremely direct racism, from civilians and fellow soldiers alike. After training side by side with white soldiers, Tucker was forced to choose between his dignity and his career in the midst of a desegregation demonstration. The choice he ultimately made became the first in a series of hard professional and personal decisions that Tucker was forced to make throughout his years of service.
The Two-Edged Sword introduces readers to an entirely new side of the Federal Government, during the height of the civil rights movement. Instead of focusing solely on the day-to-day grind or office politics, Tucker gives readers an inspiring account of one black man's struggle to balance two complicated lives without compromising his morals. Through his story, Donald Tucker shows that it is possible to succeed and prosper, even when those who should be supporting you seek to hold you back.
Tucker's description of life in Chicago during Part 1 of his book, gives the reader an insight into his childhood, which serves to set the scene for the rest of the book. Growing up in Chicago while sharing a minute living space with 9 other people, and still knowing he was lucky when compared to others in the neighborhood, influenced Tucker's view of the world. Though he was exposed to racial injustice, and aware of police dishonesty, Tucker worked hard to secure higher education in order to find a rewarding career.
The Two-Edged Sword goes on to expose a another side of the Federal Government as Tucker shares his initial experiences with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Shortly after joining the FBN (now known as the DEA), Tucker was placed undercover. Unlike white counterparts, Tucker was provided with no training and little back up, since it was assumed his race alone gave him all the cover he needed. Only a few months after joining the FBN, Donald Tucker was drafted into the United States Army.
While serving in the Army, Tucker found himself constantly faced with subtle or extremely direct racism, from civilians and fellow soldiers alike. After training side by side with white soldiers, Tucker was forced to choose between his dignity and his career in the midst of a desegregation demonstration. The choice he ultimately made became the first in a series of hard professional and personal decisions that Tucker was forced to make throughout his years of service.
The Two-Edged Sword introduces readers to an entirely new side of the Federal Government, during the height of the civil rights movement. Instead of focusing solely on the day-to-day grind or office politics, Tucker gives readers an inspiring account of one black man's struggle to balance two complicated lives without compromising his morals. Through his story, Donald Tucker shows that it is possible to succeed and prosper, even when those who should be supporting you seek to hold you back.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about book reviews, then visit Todd Rutherford's site about book reviewers.
No comments:
Post a Comment