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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
One of the most intense reading experiences I have ever had and truly the most revealing books on racism that there is. I would recommend this as required reading to everyone I know.
An essential read for anyone wanting to understand how it feels to be on the receiving end of a deeply racist and unforgiving system.
This was a very raw and personal account of what it was like to be black AND white in the late 50s and early 60s. His concerns about passing as each race were so real. A lot of the language and the oppression, in my opinion, is still relevant today.
Still amazing, although his own biases are clearer in 2015. The 1976 epilogue sadly still is relevant and should be read by anyone thinking about the stark concerns some white folks have about the Black Lives Matter movement.
Interesting not just for what he did but how much it parallels the LBG issues now. Why can't people just accept we are all people, regardless of color, religion, or sexual orientation.
Back to this particular book. I am so impressed with this man and the courage he had in doing this. Not only putting himself in danger while doing the experiment but also facing his own issues. Most of us are unable to do so. This is a man now going onto my most respected list of people.
Back to this particular book. I am so impressed with this man and the courage he had in doing this. Not only putting himself in danger while doing the experiment but also facing his own issues. Most of us are unable to do so. This is a man now going onto my most respected list of people.
Black Like Me is better described as well-observed than ahead of its time, yet so interesting and disheartening to hear the same observations 65 years later. I wasn't even born at the time of the study (1958) OR the epilogue (1976) and yet I'm still having the same conversations about the same systemic inequalities and the same dangers to racialized people. Racialized representation and reparations for equal opportunity are still not where they need to be. Black lives still matter. Racism in health care is still harming/killing communities.
Wherever you are in your anti racism learning, read or listen to this book, watch the movie, consume this information!
Wherever you are in your anti racism learning, read or listen to this book, watch the movie, consume this information!
4,5/5
To było coś świetnego, wartościowego i poruszającego.
To było coś świetnego, wartościowego i poruszającego.
I was curious about this book after hearing about it from a friend. An unconventional look into the discriminatory racial history of America in 1950/60s through the eyes of a white man that would not be acceptable today. This was written from a place of privilege, giving readers a fly-on-the-wall perspective. I hope this book encourages readers to listen directly to more black voices today. I was a bit disappointed that John moved back and forth between white and black communities when he felt uncomfortable. This is a book that will stick with me.
I understand why this book was incredibly revolutionary when it was published. For me personally the epilogue gave a lot of context into Griffin’s work and impact as an OG white ally. Glad I read it but at this point some of the conclusions might be a little dated.
So interesting. So provocative. And knowing it’s all from an account in 1959 makes it all the more meaningful. The epilogue on the edition I read was from 1976 and the “update” feels like a 2020 update on race relations. Not much has changed.