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kwanzamos713's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
This book brought data and historical context to a question I have been asking a lot recently given the current political climate--why do so many people vote for policies that are against their own best social/economic interest, and how/why is this influenced by the perceived membership in the dominant majority group? I also like that she explored the effects that racism have on everyone--not just those who are the victims of racism. I think this perspective has the potential to make people realize that reform is really in everyone's best interest. Those who are in power want us to keep this "zero sum" mentality to distract from their own economic gain at our expense, and so we don't realize that the best way to prosper is for all of us to prosper together.
Very well written and interesting read.
This is definitely outside of my usual genre and, although education, did get a little dry at times for me, especially the chapter(s) about the housing market. Overall I would recommend it if this is your thing!
This book brought data and historical context to a question I have been asking a lot recently given the current political climate--why do so many people vote for policies that are against their own best social/economic interest, and how/why is this influenced by the perceived membership in the dominant majority group? I also like that she explored the effects that racism have on everyone--not just those who are the victims of racism. I think this perspective has the potential to make people realize that reform is really in everyone's best interest. Those who are in power want us to keep this "zero sum" mentality to distract from their own economic gain at our expense, and so we don't realize that the best way to prosper is for all of us to prosper together.
Very well written and interesting read.
This is definitely outside of my usual genre and, although education, did get a little dry at times for me, especially the chapter(s) about the housing market. Overall I would recommend it if this is your thing!
ewally's review against another edition
5.0
Heather McGhee tackles the zero sum concept beautifully. This book was required reading for my Sociology class and it is one that I think every person should read. Even though I personally wish that she didn't have to explain how white people are being harmed by this narrative too at that the evidence of other's suffering was enough, her examples are so profound and well-researched. For example, rather than having to share public pools with Black people, whites often chose to just close down public pools that had been ordered to desegregate, thus taking away from their own personal enjoyment as well. McGhee includes many other examples such as this, and also combines research with both personal stories and those of others, resulting in a very engaging read.
hyac1nthgirl's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.5
a very informative look at the depth of racism in the United States and how much it has cost all of us. mcghee pairs history lessons with examples of diversity working in communities in present day to emphasize how there really is no "us" or "them" just an "us together".
raichoreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This book is highly informative and I found very helpful in thinking about how to talk about systemic racism and its impacts with some of my white peers and loved ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
allena_inwonderland's review against another edition
5.0
The Sum of Us touches on how racism effects all of us.
How we as white people can and should acknowledge the racism our neighbors, coworkers, and community are facing.
Without the work together bipoc's are already continuously in a battle for equal rights alone. EX: housing rates & interest, equal pay, voting rights, school districts and colleges.
Heather McGee also brings up how there's always a "one up" concept between racial groups. Specifically speaking white people thinking POC should be beneath them. One should always make more while the other is poorer, because that would make it easier for the other to live. It's a zero-sum paradigm.
During the strike to raise minimum wage it was black people who encouraged other poc's to fight along side them. $7.50 is unlivable, how could anyone feed themselves let alone a family?
I think everyone should read this book. I learned a lot, especially about the 08 recession. (I was a kid)
I also enjoyed the audio book hearing Heather herself speak from experience and own research.
How we as white people can and should acknowledge the racism our neighbors, coworkers, and community are facing.
Without the work together bipoc's are already continuously in a battle for equal rights alone. EX: housing rates & interest, equal pay, voting rights, school districts and colleges.
Heather McGee also brings up how there's always a "one up" concept between racial groups. Specifically speaking white people thinking POC should be beneath them. One should always make more while the other is poorer, because that would make it easier for the other to live. It's a zero-sum paradigm.
During the strike to raise minimum wage it was black people who encouraged other poc's to fight along side them. $7.50 is unlivable, how could anyone feed themselves let alone a family?
I think everyone should read this book. I learned a lot, especially about the 08 recession. (I was a kid)
I also enjoyed the audio book hearing Heather herself speak from experience and own research.