A review by maiakobabe
Elite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò

informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

This is a short read (3 hours in audio) and surprised me with its easily understood analogies and approachable language. The beginning idea is that of "elite capture"- the problem, experienced in many countries which receive foreign aid, of money or other resources meant for the general public being siphoned off or outright stolen by the class of elite citizens who are tasked with managing and distributing that aid. Táíwò then explains how this problem is seen in other social and political areas, including identity politics, specifically in whose voices get heard (and whose voices even get into the room to be heard in the first place). Táíwò is Nigerian-American, and included many examples from outside of the US, as well as referencing Black feminist movements from within the US. I was glad I read this and will definitely be taking some of the ideas from it away with me when I think about other things. I will also be keeping an eye out for other works by this author.