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sweetcaroline76's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
wrongsandwich's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I loved the structure of the chapters of this book with each one answering a question the author had heard from the well-meaning but uninformed, first in a personal way through anecdotes from Oluo’s life and career, and then in broader, more actionable ways with bullet point lists of the ways people could adjust their thinking and behavior. Her voice was clear, direct, and unapologetic; it’s the kind of book that I’d especially love older generations to read (with an open mind), as I think they could get a lot out of it.
One of my favorite passages from when she was talking directly to white people about their obligation:
“You are not doing any favors, you are doing what is right. If you are white, remember that White Supremacy is a system you benefit from and that your privilege has helped to uphold. Your efforts to dismantle White Supremacy are expected of decent people who believe in justice. You are not owed gratitude or friendship from people of color for your efforts. We are not thanked for cleaning our own houses.”
One of my favorite passages from when she was talking directly to white people about their obligation:
“You are not doing any favors, you are doing what is right. If you are white, remember that White Supremacy is a system you benefit from and that your privilege has helped to uphold. Your efforts to dismantle White Supremacy are expected of decent people who believe in justice. You are not owed gratitude or friendship from people of color for your efforts. We are not thanked for cleaning our own houses.”
joey_erg's review against another edition
5.0
Read it, process it, give it to a friend who needs to read it, too.
midici's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize how apt the title So you want to talk about race? was until I started reading the book. Each chapter is formatted to help people understand a common issue and (or) topic of discussion, dispels myths concerning the topic, and addresses how people should deal with these conversations should they occur.
The tone of the book is very conversational as well. Oluo has sourced her material but most of it is written in an easy conversational manner that feels very much like you're just sitting down and having a conversation. It is a conversation about difficult topics, but an important conversation as well.
It is written by an American author so much of it pertains directly to American society, but it is easily applicable to Canadians and presumably to many other people. The history of these issues might be a bit different but the overall issues still apply.
The tone of the book is very conversational as well. Oluo has sourced her material but most of it is written in an easy conversational manner that feels very much like you're just sitting down and having a conversation. It is a conversation about difficult topics, but an important conversation as well.
It is written by an American author so much of it pertains directly to American society, but it is easily applicable to Canadians and presumably to many other people. The history of these issues might be a bit different but the overall issues still apply.
alicebme's review against another edition
5.0
Holy shit. Read this book more than once, pass it on and get used to being uncomfortable.
thepletts's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5