The analysis focuses on the circumstances that lead to arguments and violent confrontations between black males in bars and settings such as poolrooms, gambling parlors, cheap restaurants, and street corners adjacent to bars. The analysis also focuses on how unemployment, poverty, a pervasive frustration with society, and drug abuse lead to high rates of assault and homicide among black men in the United States. Issues considered include the factors that precipitate violence, the men's feelings and attitudes as a fight develops, how onlookers contribute, the rationale for becoming involved, the role of alcohol and other drugs, and how the incident could have been prevented. The analysis concludes that the need to be tough when confronted with acts of disrespect is the most significant factor contributing to violence among black males. Appended study instrument, index, and 232 references (Publisher summary modified)