A review by monica25
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

5.0

This was my favorite antiracist (AR) nonfiction book so far. It feels a bit weird to say that because I've learned from each of them, and because using the term, "favorite" seems wrong since part of the process involves feeling uncomfortable, but this one spoke to me in ways that the others have not. She is articulate, direct, and honest but not in a way that feels preachy. She tackles difficult topics around race in a straightforward way. Each chapter asks a question about race issues in contemporary America which include: cultural appropriation, police brutality, tone policing microagressions and intersectionality. There's even a chapter on what if I hate Rev. Al Sharpton? She also gives advice about how to talk about these issues and how to check your own privilige. Like Kendi does in How to be an Antiracist (also essential reading), Oluo weaves in her own experiences within these topics, which I really appreciated. It is a quick read and useful to help understand what it means to be Black in America and to be a good ally of people of color.