Based on the accumulation of data, theoretical perspectives and personal narratives, The Dirty War paints a chilling picture of life experiences and opportunities for young Black men in our current social, cultural, economic and political circumstances. In drawing from these sources, author Charles C. Smith conveys the persistent and intended violence and chaos in the lives of Black peoples. Whether he references images in popular culture, the impact of mob violence, the constant surveillance of the police and the criminal justice system or the on-again/off-again media portrayals, Smith challenges us to think deeply about the origins of this extraordinarily difficult history and the collusion of various social institutions in the perpetuation of the trope of Black dangerousness.

Chapter one. Being taken for a Ride -- Chapter two. The Threat to Black Lives -- Chapter three. When Systems Collude: The Lines between Institutions and Black Racism -- Conclusion.