Scan barcode
kellsworth41918's review against another edition
5.0
As a Black Canadian from a historically Black community in Southwestern Ontario this book accurately depicts life as a Black person in Canada. This well researched book clearly breaks down the origins of anti-Black racism in Canada while bringing to light present ways in which Black lives are policed. Maynard successfully debunks the notion that Canada is so far removed from the racism in America. Thanks to the author for being a voice for many of us Black Canadians who traditionally have not had one
romadham's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Very informative and essential reading for anyone residing in Canada. Docking a star because it is quite academic and difficult to follow at times with lots of evidence being presented in quick succession.
elliott_roi's review against another edition
5.0
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present by Robyn Maynard should definitely be required reading for Canadians. We like to think of ourselves as "not having a racism problem like the US," but that is clearly not the case. Maynard uses thorough research and heartbreaking examples to show all the ways that Canada uses state violence to uphold white supremacy and oppress Black people and other POC.
I appreciated how this book took an intersectional approach to the topic of racism. While focusing on Black experiences, it still acknowledged the ways that anti-Blackness intersects with other identities, such as being an immigrant, a woman, disabled, LGBTQ+, etc. It had a few sections that focused in particular on the struggles of Black immigrants and Black women. It also acknowledged how colonialism and the oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada are connected to anti-Blackness.
Maynard also took the time to recognize Black resilience in the face of racism and state violence. Black folks have fought tirelessly against oppression, both for themselves and others, and it's important to celebrate those victories.
I learned so much from this book and was engaged from start to finish. I listened to it on audiobook, but about halfway through I bought the physical copy for the next time I read it. I took lots of notes as I listened, but I'd love to annotate the physical book one day.
Policing Black Lives is definitely most relevant in the Canadian context, but I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in social justice. It has so many great insights and will definitely be a book I revisit often.
I appreciated how this book took an intersectional approach to the topic of racism. While focusing on Black experiences, it still acknowledged the ways that anti-Blackness intersects with other identities, such as being an immigrant, a woman, disabled, LGBTQ+, etc. It had a few sections that focused in particular on the struggles of Black immigrants and Black women. It also acknowledged how colonialism and the oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada are connected to anti-Blackness.
Maynard also took the time to recognize Black resilience in the face of racism and state violence. Black folks have fought tirelessly against oppression, both for themselves and others, and it's important to celebrate those victories.
I learned so much from this book and was engaged from start to finish. I listened to it on audiobook, but about halfway through I bought the physical copy for the next time I read it. I took lots of notes as I listened, but I'd love to annotate the physical book one day.
Policing Black Lives is definitely most relevant in the Canadian context, but I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in social justice. It has so many great insights and will definitely be a book I revisit often.
colindac's review against another edition
5.0
Must read. Settler colonialism and the history of enslavement leading to the racism still most prevalent in this country today.
livderesti's review against another edition
5.0
this really should be in canadian school curriculum, I learned so much while reading
lorenadh27's review against another edition
5.0
I've been picking at this book for about two years in the midst of other learning and reading. Happened to finish at an appropriate time. This book is really useful if you want to begin to understand the systems that exist in Canada that build up anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Divided into lots of categories which is helpful for having directions for learning more about these different areas and systems. Highly recommended.
ben_salad's review against another edition
4.0
Required reading for anyone who thinks it's ok because we're not the U.S. - I'll lend you my copy.