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bethweisberger 's review for:
So You Want to Talk About Race
by Ijeoma Oluo
Ijeoma Oluo writes a clear, concise explanation of our racial systems that keep people of color oppressed in the US. Based on her personal experiences and opinions (supported by facts when needed), it may be the closest thing that many white folks (in rural areas like me) get to “talking” about race with someone that is not white. I read this book to more effectively talk to my white neighbors about systemic racism, and how our silence makes us complicit in these systems. It’s especially hard for the poor people in my community to understand that racism is real and more than people saying harmful things. We have have “racism” without overt “racists” and it runs deep even here in Maine.
I’m grateful this book was written; it’s a jumping off, starting point for people beginning to discuss these issues. After a couple generations of being taught “equality” means being “colorblind,” white people need to get some comfortable talking about these issues—so that we can start taking action.
If you are well versed in much of this history, this book may not have a lot of offer content wise. However, I still found the book worth reading and motivating on the immediate necessity of this work. I appreciate that she discusses how we will screw these conversations up—but how that shouldn’t stop us. While at the same time making it clear we don’t get a “pass” for our good intentions. Racism is a real, and will continue to benefit me and oppress others until America commits to stopping it.
I’m grateful this book was written; it’s a jumping off, starting point for people beginning to discuss these issues. After a couple generations of being taught “equality” means being “colorblind,” white people need to get some comfortable talking about these issues—so that we can start taking action.
If you are well versed in much of this history, this book may not have a lot of offer content wise. However, I still found the book worth reading and motivating on the immediate necessity of this work. I appreciate that she discusses how we will screw these conversations up—but how that shouldn’t stop us. While at the same time making it clear we don’t get a “pass” for our good intentions. Racism is a real, and will continue to benefit me and oppress others until America commits to stopping it.