Reviews

The economic costs of slavery and racism, historically and present day. This is one of the books in my own "Educated Allies Series," and it filled in many gaps in my traditional education. Highly recommend. Take your time with it. I had to request it twice from the library because it was so popular, but I didn't want to rush. There's much to learn and absorb here.

madeyejudi's review

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5.0

I have been recommending this book to everyone I know. I think a lot of people in my circle have been engaging with various texts and wrestling with the hard truths of our internalized racism. Many of those discuss the history and continued effects of racism and how that affects BIPOC, but this book really drives home how racism harms everyone. While I would like to think that we can make changes just on the overt wrongness of racism, I know that a large section of the world needs to know why they should care - how it affects them. There are so many direct and indirect consequences, from the targeted nature of the subprime lending collapse, to the fight to weaken unions and pit people against each other, to the fight for a living minimum wage. The fight should not be within the ranks of the same economic class, but this book shows how race has been a key factor in the fight to keep the working classes down.

readtotheend's review

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

So well written and very clearly explains the implications of a zero sum mentality in our society but specifically talks about the impact in education and student loans, health care and environmental justice. The zero sum mentality that the gains of some are at the losses of others was so clearly described in the beginning of the book when whites, rather than integrating public pools, often closed the pools entirely, causing everyone to lose out on a benefit that was provided to the community. Most of us know about segregation but while it did not shock me, I did not know this happened. And that's just the beginning of the book. McGhee really talks about racism and social justice in a digestible and compelling way. The author also narrates the audiobook and did an excellent job - highly recommend this on audio or in print. In my opinion, this is a must read book for everyone!

jessicaredmond8's review

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5.0

This will really get you thinking about the modern history of our country and how systemic racism and the zero sum mindset of white people is truly at the root of so many issues. The author’s goal is to show how that systemic racism has not just affected people of color, but all of us and they do an amazing job at just that. This is not a quick read—it’s not long but the topics covered are in depth and require you to really pay attention and think about what you’re reading. Older generations may not want to hear what’s being said in this book because a lot of issues were created by them but younger generations should be reading this so we don’t let the same mistakes repeat. The author strikes a nice balance of the bad vs the good and shows how some cities and people are already finding solutions and making change successfully. It gives you hope and ideas for things you can fight for in your own community as well.

melanierae's review against another edition

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Really enjoyed this! The author’s perspective from running a think tank felt fresh and unique. The historical legislative details are so important to ending systemic injustices