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Poet Al Young on Being a Black Writer

Young has been accused of not truly reflecting the black experience in his writing because he is not militant. Instead. Young employs humor as means of protest. He often bases his characters on parodies of white stereotypes of black people. He is most noted for his poetry and novels, but has also written musical memoirs and screenplays. His new book is "Heaven: Collected Poems 1956-1990."

16:12
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Other segments from the episode on October 22, 1992

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 22, 1992: Interview with Anna Quindlen; Interview with Al Young; Review of Patricia Highsmith's novel "Ripley Under Water."
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22:31

Anna Quindlen Writes a "Citizen's Column" to Cover the Election

Quindlen has been a reporter since the age of 18, and is a syndicated Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times. Some of her recent columns have dealt with the double standards applied to the wives of Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, the rumor alleging that Clinton tried to renounce his citizenship, and the expectations that could accompany a new president.

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Presenting a Wide Array of African American Voices

Al Young was a singer and guitar player before he became writer. His books incorporate his jazz and film influences, as well as his experiences growing up outside white, mainstream culture. His new book, about a black actress, is called Seduction by Light.

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