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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This was a good read, it was written in an impactful way and it was easy to stick with it.
I don't agree with some of Oluo's conclusions on what messages white men receive, or rather I don't agree that it is the message that most white men receive (some do absolutely but not all or most) but otherwise I found this book to be spot on. I also enjoyed Oluo's general approach which was very humane and her vulnerability in sharing her own experience.
I don't agree with some of Oluo's conclusions on what messages white men receive, or rather I don't agree that it is the message that most white men receive (some do absolutely but not all or most) but otherwise I found this book to be spot on. I also enjoyed Oluo's general approach which was very humane and her vulnerability in sharing her own experience.
Ijeoma Oluo has this incredible way of tackling big topics in such an accessible way, mixing academic and conversational writing to create an approachable read no matter how comfortable you are with confronting heavy, difficult topics.
I loved the breadth of this book, exploring topics from all across the scope of American history—yet it all tied back to where we are today and how we continue to uphold white male supremacy in every part of our society.
Highly recommend anyone interested in learning more about gender, race, and systems of power add this to their reading list.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy for review.
I loved the breadth of this book, exploring topics from all across the scope of American history—yet it all tied back to where we are today and how we continue to uphold white male supremacy in every part of our society.
Highly recommend anyone interested in learning more about gender, race, and systems of power add this to their reading list.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy for review.
This book was excellent. Really easy to read - not in topic but in the way the author breaks down all these issues.
Listen to me when I tell you that this book is vital. Especially right now, in the current political climate slash complete hellscape that is American “democracy.” I mean, oof. This book is dense and horrifying and validating and nuanced and--
Trust me, it’s vital.
I was a huge fan of Ijeoma’s first book, “So You Want to Talk About Race?” so I was absolutely delighted when Seal Press sent me an advanced copy of Mediocre to inhale in exchange for an honest review. Pardon my vulgarity, but I knew this shit would be good, and I was not disappointed. Mediocre stems from the premise that America was established and has thrived on white male supremacy. And not even because these white dudes are super skilled, intelligent or even worthy. Most of the time, they’re just mediocre. But hey, as long as they see themselves and act as though they’re better than women and people of color, they’re good! While there are extreme cases of white supremacy, such as the KKK, neo-nazis, or even your common Tr*mp supporter, most of the harm comes from the fact that this is a systemic issue. It was built into all of our systems from the very beginning. Health care discrimination, job discrimation, mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, police brutality, educational bias. It’s insidious and it’s not going to go away until people stop being complacent and actively start fighting against it. Hey fellow white people! It’s time to stop marinating in our privilege!
Despite this book being packed with horrendous (but necessary) history lessons, there was an underlying tone of hopefulness. It’s not so much an attack on individual white men, but on the system that raised them. The author touches on the fact that white supremacy can also be harmful to men. A lot of men are taught from birth that showing emotion is “weak” and a trait that should be associated with women. Men should be aggressive, domineering and void of emotion. When you think about it, it’s truly insane. What a strange and completely unnecessary burden to place. No wonder masculinity is so fragile.
I fully plan on shoving this book in everyone’s face come December.
Thanks again to Seal Press for giving me a head start with this gem of a book.
Trust me, it’s vital.
I was a huge fan of Ijeoma’s first book, “So You Want to Talk About Race?” so I was absolutely delighted when Seal Press sent me an advanced copy of Mediocre to inhale in exchange for an honest review. Pardon my vulgarity, but I knew this shit would be good, and I was not disappointed. Mediocre stems from the premise that America was established and has thrived on white male supremacy. And not even because these white dudes are super skilled, intelligent or even worthy. Most of the time, they’re just mediocre. But hey, as long as they see themselves and act as though they’re better than women and people of color, they’re good! While there are extreme cases of white supremacy, such as the KKK, neo-nazis, or even your common Tr*mp supporter, most of the harm comes from the fact that this is a systemic issue. It was built into all of our systems from the very beginning. Health care discrimination, job discrimation, mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, police brutality, educational bias. It’s insidious and it’s not going to go away until people stop being complacent and actively start fighting against it. Hey fellow white people! It’s time to stop marinating in our privilege!
Despite this book being packed with horrendous (but necessary) history lessons, there was an underlying tone of hopefulness. It’s not so much an attack on individual white men, but on the system that raised them. The author touches on the fact that white supremacy can also be harmful to men. A lot of men are taught from birth that showing emotion is “weak” and a trait that should be associated with women. Men should be aggressive, domineering and void of emotion. When you think about it, it’s truly insane. What a strange and completely unnecessary burden to place. No wonder masculinity is so fragile.
I fully plan on shoving this book in everyone’s face come December.
Thanks again to Seal Press for giving me a head start with this gem of a book.
I loved Oluo’s first book So You Want to Talk About Race because of how she is able to take complicated and multilayered issues and discuss them in a way that feels approachable without sacrificing their nuance or complexity. She achieves that again in Mediocre. I really loved this book. READ HER.
informative
tense
medium-paced
Thank you to Seal Books for gifting me the ARC and finished copy!
The book covers a wide expanse of topics, and though it doesn’t always follow a linear path, I felt like I benefitted from each subject; some I felt incredibly validated by, others I realized weren’t covered in my education. I’ve seen some reviews criticize Oluo’s personal tone in some passages, but those were some of my favorite parts.
Oluo’s writing is captivating, compelling, and intrinsically personal - I really got into my groove about halfway through the book and couldn’t put it down. I’m surprised I haven’t seen this book as many places as SYWTTAR, especially because this book went more in-depth.
The book covers a wide expanse of topics, and though it doesn’t always follow a linear path, I felt like I benefitted from each subject; some I felt incredibly validated by, others I realized weren’t covered in my education. I’ve seen some reviews criticize Oluo’s personal tone in some passages, but those were some of my favorite parts.
Oluo’s writing is captivating, compelling, and intrinsically personal - I really got into my groove about halfway through the book and couldn’t put it down. I’m surprised I haven’t seen this book as many places as SYWTTAR, especially because this book went more in-depth.