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A review by c8_19
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A smart, necessary book that paints a picture of the state of our nation as it's historically and currently impacted by racism and what it means for everyone who identifies as American — and not just people of color who are most blatantly hurt by bad policies and other poor economic and environmental practices.
At times, this was heavy and discouraging, and other times McGhee offers us anecdotes of hope. There are communities and organizations actively at work to shift the narrative of America. There's just a great deal to be working against, and it's work meant for all of us, not just the organized.
I greatly appreciate the scope of this piece. People from all kinds of backgrounds and identities were included, and I'm pretty sure every region of the country was touched upon in some way. Obviously, that just goes to further emphasize the reality of how no piece of this place we call home is immune to the consequences of racism nor has any area been innocent in the ways racism has been allowed to persist.
There were moments I felt things were a bit dense and dry, but, on the whole, his is engaging and accessible material.
At times, this was heavy and discouraging, and other times McGhee offers us anecdotes of hope. There are communities and organizations actively at work to shift the narrative of America. There's just a great deal to be working against, and it's work meant for all of us, not just the organized.
I greatly appreciate the scope of this piece. People from all kinds of backgrounds and identities were included, and I'm pretty sure every region of the country was touched upon in some way. Obviously, that just goes to further emphasize the reality of how no piece of this place we call home is immune to the consequences of racism nor has any area been innocent in the ways racism has been allowed to persist.
There were moments I felt things were a bit dense and dry, but, on the whole, his is engaging and accessible material.