America's leading young black intellectual reveals the hidden rules of race that dominate politics, society and cultural life. Three recent events--the O.J. Simpson trial, Colin Powell's uncandidacy, and Louis Farrakhan's bid for mainstream leadership--have shown how the U.S. is swept along by the strong undertow of race. This collection of essays responds to the fearful combination of malfeasance and confusion that mars honest and rigorous discussions about race.