Member-only story

The Complicated, Often-Heartbreaking Essays of William Evans

Clay Powell

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in Black Nerd Problems: Essays William Evans

4 min read

1k View Claps

97 Respond

Save

Listen

William Evans is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Paris Review. He is also the author of the essay collection Black Nerd Problems. Evans's essays are a powerful exploration of race, class, and the complexities of masculinity. They are often heartbreaking, but they are also full of hope and insight.

One of the most striking things about Evans's essays is his willingness to be vulnerable. He writes about his own experiences with racism, sexism, and homophobia. He also writes about his own struggles with depression and anxiety. Evans's essays are not always easy to read, but they are always honest and thought-provoking.

Black Nerd Problems: Essays

by William Evans

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12855 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	303 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In his essay "The Talk," Evans writes about the conversation that black parents have with their children about how to stay safe in a racist world. Evans's own father gave him this talk when he was 10 years old. Evans remembers being terrified after the talk, but he also remembers being grateful for his father's wisdom. Evans writes, "The Talk is a reminder that being black in America means always being aware of your surroundings, always being on guard. It's a reminder that you are never truly safe."

William Evans, A Black Man With A Beard And Glasses, Smiles At The Camera. Black Nerd Problems: Essays William Evans

In his essay "The Black Nerd," Evans writes about the challenges of being a black nerd in a white world. Evans writes, "Black nerds are often seen as outsiders, as people who don't belong. We're not black enough for the black kids, and we're not white enough for the white kids." Evans also writes about the pressure that black nerds feel to succeed. He writes, "Black nerds are expected to be the best and the brightest. We're expected to be the ones who break down barriers and change the world. But what happens when we don't live up to those expectations?"

Evans's essays are not just about the challenges of being black in America. They are also about the power of hope and resilience. In his essay "The Future of Blackness," Evans writes, "The future of blackness is bright. It's a future where black people are free to be themselves, where they are celebrated for their culture and their contributions to society. It's a future where black people are no longer afraid to be who they are."

William Evans is a brilliant writer whose essays are a powerful exploration of race, class, and masculinity. His essays are often heartbreaking, but they are also full of hope and insight. Evans's essays are a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the black experience in America.

Black Nerd Problems: Essays

by William Evans

4.4 out of 5