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vtlism's review
Thorough, but I knew these facts before and have no drive to keep reading.
kwanzamos713's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
This book brought data and historical context to a question I have been asking a lot recently given the current political climate--why do so many people vote for policies that are against their own best social/economic interest, and how/why is this influenced by the perceived membership in the dominant majority group? I also like that she explored the effects that racism have on everyone--not just those who are the victims of racism. I think this perspective has the potential to make people realize that reform is really in everyone's best interest. Those who are in power want us to keep this "zero sum" mentality to distract from their own economic gain at our expense, and so we don't realize that the best way to prosper is for all of us to prosper together.
Very well written and interesting read.
This is definitely outside of my usual genre and, although education, did get a little dry at times for me, especially the chapter(s) about the housing market. Overall I would recommend it if this is your thing!
This book brought data and historical context to a question I have been asking a lot recently given the current political climate--why do so many people vote for policies that are against their own best social/economic interest, and how/why is this influenced by the perceived membership in the dominant majority group? I also like that she explored the effects that racism have on everyone--not just those who are the victims of racism. I think this perspective has the potential to make people realize that reform is really in everyone's best interest. Those who are in power want us to keep this "zero sum" mentality to distract from their own economic gain at our expense, and so we don't realize that the best way to prosper is for all of us to prosper together.
Very well written and interesting read.
This is definitely outside of my usual genre and, although education, did get a little dry at times for me, especially the chapter(s) about the housing market. Overall I would recommend it if this is your thing!
ewally's review
5.0
Heather McGhee tackles the zero sum concept beautifully. This book was required reading for my Sociology class and it is one that I think every person should read. Even though I personally wish that she didn't have to explain how white people are being harmed by this narrative too at that the evidence of other's suffering was enough, her examples are so profound and well-researched. For example, rather than having to share public pools with Black people, whites often chose to just close down public pools that had been ordered to desegregate, thus taking away from their own personal enjoyment as well. McGhee includes many other examples such as this, and also combines research with both personal stories and those of others, resulting in a very engaging read.
hyac1nthgirl's review
informative
slow-paced
4.5
a very informative look at the depth of racism in the United States and how much it has cost all of us. mcghee pairs history lessons with examples of diversity working in communities in present day to emphasize how there really is no "us" or "them" just an "us together".
raichoreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This book is highly informative and I found very helpful in thinking about how to talk about systemic racism and its impacts with some of my white peers and loved ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism