Next, Oluo invites readers into a deep discussion of intersectionality. That year, Jessica Natale also surpassed 1 million Instagram followers with "@soyouwanttotalkabout." After Natale announced a book deal, Oluo accused her of capitalizing off her anti-racism work. Everyday racism also feeds into an acceptance of the systemic institutional racism that continues to oppress minorities. In So You Want to Talk About Race, Editor at Large of The Establishment Ijeoma Oluo offers a contemporary, accessible take on the racial landscape in America, addressing head-on such issues as privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, micro-aggressions, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the "N" word. Show details Customers who viewed this item also viewed Review This book really isnt an analysis of race issues. So You Want to Talk About Race is a 2018 non-fiction book written by Ijeoma Oluo, an American author of Nigerian descent whose columns and news articles on race have appeared in The Guardian, The Stranger, and Jezebel, among other places. However, its content is more engaging than one might expect from this genre. Often, being a person of color in white-dominated society is like being in an abusive relationship with the world. Oluo does not neglect to mention the model minority myth that can be hurtful to Asian Americans. [6] She was raised by a white single mother and became a single mother herself to two mixed-race sons at a young age. [3], The book is about race in the contemporary United States, each chapter titled after a question. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. The following is partly a review but mostly a discussion of racism and privilege because, yes, I'd like to talk about race: This work goes deep to the core of the problems and dismantles the grievances that are still causing an unnecessary separation in many of the wealthiest nations on earth. could easily be designated as a work of self-help. This book is ideal for white people who are feeling like they are not overtly racist but want to understand more about ways in which they have benefitted from structures and practices in our society that made it easier for them, even if they did not realize this. .orange-text-color {color: #FE971E;} Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration. So You Want to Talk About Race is a 2018 non-fiction book by Ijeoma Oluo. Secondly, there is the matter of the books timely publication. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. It means that there is a good chance you are missing a few very important pieces of the puzzle., To refuse to listen to someones cries for justice and equality until the request comes in a language you feel comfortable with is a way of asserting your dominance over them in the situation., Disadvantaged white people are not erased by discussions of disadvantages facing people of color, just as brain cancer is not erased by talking about breast cancer. Racism in America exists to exclude people of color from opportunity and progress so that there is more profit for others deemed superior. Ultimately, she advises readers to bear witness to the hardships of others. Treating one wont cure the other, so both need to be addressed. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. She works to change insidious forms of systemic racism instead and believes that readers are best served by tying the instance of racism they observe to the system that engendered it. These disciplinary actions stay on childrens records, decreasing their chances of getting college placements and increasing their likelihood of winding up in juvenile detention (and then jail) because they have a record of disobedience. Throughout her blogand, now, in this bookshe answers peoples questions about race, such as How do I deal with my mother-in-laws racist jokes? and What exactly is intersectionality?. White people also often react defensively when their racism is called out, because theyre uncomfortable facing their own racism. Ijeoma Oluo is a Seattle-based writer, speaker, and Internet Yeller. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2018. It is easy to compare her to other members of this movement, writers such as Morgan Jerkins, Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, and Roxane Gay. Be prepared to enforce them instead of waiting on the few people of color in the group to risk ostracization by speaking out Be aware of who in the group is given the most space to talk and try to center the conversation around voices of colorand, in particular, nonmale voices of color. In opening up a discussion about examining ones privileges, Oluo writes that everyone has some privileges, and it is best to acknowledge these at the outset of a conversation. Gives the tools to really try and make a difference day-to-day. Deals with difficult topics in a straightforward way, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2019. Whenever I've talked with white people about issues regarding race, white supremacy, and privilege, there is a ubiquitous response to some degree or another: defensiveness. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Read it, then let your friends read it. This is a large part of the books brilliance. With hate crimes steadily on the rise, Oluos straightforward guide to feels essential and urgent. Not only does Ms Oluo provide information explaining the issues, but she also provides many opportunities to put your new-found knowledge into practice. were largely positive. Statistics are used to support the book's arguments. I'm finding it harder and harder to not just give into frustration and emotion, so I appreciated this book for its perspective of "this is very hard, and it hurts a lot, but we need to talk about it and here is how.". We have to actually dismantle the machine if we want to make change., Racial oppression should always be an emotional topic to discuss. Oluo then tackles microaggressions like touching black peoples hair, asking a person of color where theyre really from, or commenting that somebody doesnt sound black. You dont have to totally get it to know that you dont want to continue doing something that hurts people., And if you are white in a white supremacist society, you are racist. Oluo argues that systemic channels (like media representations depicting black people as violent thugs) subtly teach educators that black children are more prone to violence. In So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative action to "model minorities" in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race and racism, and how they infect almost every aspect of American life. Oluos talent for navigating complicated social issues proves highly valuable in her first book, So You Want to Talk about Race? However the general premises laid out in this book are applicable to all conversations on race. Ed. This guide refers to the first edition published in 2018 by Seal Press. She also notes that when white rappers become successful, it makes it harder for black artists whose rap sounds different in comparison to get record contracts. Instant PDF downloads. [1][4][5] Oluo also describes her upbringing and experience living in Seattle, Washington. Already a member? Paperback Illustrated, September 24, 2019. Please try again. She thinks that racism is a pervasive problem in U.S. society, so she's writing this book to help people have more productive conversations about racism. In this New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo offers a hard-hitting but user-friendly examination of race in America. That is the way progress works. What author would write a book with a target audience that is likely to consider reading it, much less paying for it, akin to wishing for a root canal? I stayed up late into the night reading this. Actually, it would probably be a great addition to an AP Language course. So You Want To Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo, ISBN 978-1580058827, Hatchette Books, 2019, 272 pages, $16.99 paperback. Oluo outlines her opinions on the topics as well as advice about how to talk about the issues. Oluo describes growing up poor in the United States, often living without access to electricity or water and suffering from food insecurity. Oluo lists people who wear Native American headdresses or bindis as fashion accessories, fusion restaurants run by white chefs, and white rappers as examples. And where other authors might try and bring some levity or humor to these issues to make readers more comfortable, Oluo stays earnest. Facebook Controversy. . For example, every time a person votes for a district attorney whos more committed to combatting police corruption than their opponent, theyre taking a step to dismantle the systemic effects of a white supremacist system. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Ijeoma Oluo strikes an impressive balance between writing bold, uncomfortable truths about racism as well as crafting her essays so that they feel approachable and digestible. Oluo also discusses police brutality in U.S. society at length, mentioning in particular the deaths of Tamir Rice (a young boy who was shot and killed by police officers while playing with a toy gun) in 2014 and Sandra Bland (a 28-year-old woman who died in police custody after being stopped for a traffic violation) in 2015. : ( This argument says that white men should be over represented. Each chapter is an essay exploring a different common issue surrounding talking about race. Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2018. This includes from myself (I am white). She contextualizes its significance in modern America, where power dynamics are still dangerously askew, and concludes that as such it is still not acceptable for white Americans to use the word. Oluos ultimate goal is to address, discuss, and change forms of systemic racism that persist despite peoples best intentions. Excellently done. Tone policing prioritizes the comfort of the privileged person in the situation over the oppression of the disadvantaged person. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. It also teaches black and brown children that they will be punished for being too enthusiastic, loud, or rebellious, which steals their childhood joy. It does not feel fair to describe it as impassive, as Oluo often explores painful memories from her past to illustrate some of the phenomena that she is trying to explain. If a white person thinks Im a nigger, the worst they can do is get me fired, arrested, or even killed in a system that thinks the sameand has the resources to act on it., These are very scary times for a lot of people who are just now realizing that America is not, and has never been, the melting-pot utopia that their parents and teachers told them it was. She's also the Editor-At-Large at The Establishment - a media pl. : Struggling with distance learning? For example, Why Cant I Touch Your Hair? and I Just Got Called Racist, What Do I Do Now? are aimed at white readers. AA teaches POC and women that they don't have to work as hard. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. It is so well-conceived and executed that one could use it as a handbook for group discussion, one or two chapters a meeting, talking over what she has presented. It's too important. Bhatt, Jenny. It is about race if it fits into a broader pattern of events that disproportionately or differently affect people of color.. It is one of the shortest chapters in the book, at just under eight pages, but it is also one of the most successful. -Graham S. One of Oluos central concerns is systemic racism, which is racism thats embedded into the way a society runs. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Oluo thinks that those in power set up U.S. society to help them amass wealth and power by stealing land and labor from people of color. She defines cultural appropriation as the act of taking symbols, imagery, food, fashion, performance styles, or other cultural paraphernalia from an oppressed culture. So You Want to Talk About Race Ijeoma Oluo For Discussion 1. Words and behavior matter. 3. There is no neutrality to be had towards systems of injustice, it is not something you can just opt out of., You have to get over the fear of facing the worst in yourself. (including. The myth fetishizes Asian Americans by presenting them as an ideal minority with innate gifts in math and science, financial success, strict parenting, and meekness in social and political spheres. An Inclusive Look at Race and How We Should Be Talking about It. Review of. Even if the person didnt mean to hurt a person of color, they still did. Mahnaz Dar wrote for the School Library Journal, Precise, poignant, and edifying, this primer gives readers much-needed tools, explaining academic concepts such as privilege and intersectionality, debunking harmful myths, and offering concrete ways to confront racism. Here, Dar presents one of the books most divisive qualities as an attributeits academic style. Courtesy of Da Capo Press. Something went wrong. I am so glad that she shares some personal reflections as examples because it makes it easier to relate to on a human level. I was expecting perhaps a simpler, less robust book, and am glad it is richer in content than imagined. As formerly enslaved people, Black people did not have dominion over their own bodies, so it is crucial to Oluo now that no one touches her without asking. More than anything, the chapter demonstrates Oluos talent for explaining complex issues in a clear and compelling way. : This book is probably the most informative work on current racial issues. As simple as the premise of these chapters may seem to some, they are vitally important. Jennifer Sawtelle. Camera phones regularly capture incidents of racism, making it impossible to ignore. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. This is not a review. Ijeoma Oluo is one of the most influential people in Seattle, according to Seattle Magazine. , Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from police brutality and cultural appropriation to the model minority myth in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race, and about how racism infects every aspect of American life. This should be required reading for every person. Oluo argues that fighting racism isnt about changing individual peoples mindsits about changing a system (which she describes as a machine) that encourages and reinforces racist behavior. If you are male in a patriarchy, you are sexist. Readers should do their homework ahead of the conversation on race and make sure not to police others tone when they discuss the racial oppression they face. She also asks white people to keep track of all the times they say I or me in conversations about race. The book provides advice for readers when discussing race-related subjects, such as how to avoid acting defensive or getting off-topic. I meanI DID want to talk about race. Such programs, she argues, dont try to give unfair advantages to people of colorthey just try to mitigate the effects of a system that disproportionately marginalizes people of color. You should instead fear unexamined racism. And I really, really need you to believe me., No matter what our intentions, everything we say and do in the pursuit of justice will one day be outdated, ineffective, and yes, probably wrong. Oluo moves on to discuss police brutality and affirmative action. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Rita Kohli. Instead of ignoring talking about race in public settings, what we need . Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. The task of managing painful emotions is inherently taxing, and it takes energy away from other things people of color could be doing to enhance their lives, which marginalizes them further. This. From here, Oluo discusses privilege and intersectionality. Absolutnie nie odwayabym si ocenia tej ksiki w skali gwiazdkowej. Teachers and parents! You may right now be saying but its not my privilege that is hurting someone, its their lack of privilege. Oluo concludes that theres a long road ahead but that we can do this, together., Instant downloads of all 1715 LitChart PDFs This also means that just because something is about race, doesnt mean that white people cant be similarly impacted by it and it doesnt mean that the experience of white people negatively impacted is invalidated by acknowledging that people of color are disproportionately impacted., Apologize. In So You Want to Talk About Race , Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from police brutality and cultural appropriation to the model minority myth in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race, and about how racism infects every aspect of American life. It is also broken down well and provides summarized points for readers to focus on that will hopefully be remembered as they enter into these difficult conversations. I WAS going to write a thoughtful and fair review. Fear the thought that right now, you could be contributing to the oppression of others and you don't know it. "[17] The New York Times listed the book in its "New & Noteworthy" column. In So You Want to Talk about Race, she often refers to her Tweets, and she uses them as a jumping off point to explore racial injustice. And if youre tired of hearing about discrimination and racism, be thankful you dont have to experience it. "So You Want to Talk About Race - Summary" eNotes Publishing The article solidified both womens reputations; Dolezals as a deeply out of touch individual and Oluos as a fearless journalist willing to tread the trickiest terrainsno matter how many social landmines they might contain. We dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we dont sell your information to others. Her instructions include apologizing, not demanding credit for good intentions, and avoiding feelings of despair. These are very stressful times for people of color who have been fighting and yelling and trying to protect themselves from a world that doesnt care, to suddenly be asked by those whove ignored them for so long, What has been happening your entire life? For the next week, this platform will be dedicated to sharing the . I was unable to find a logical argument or sensible course of action from this text. Regardless of the difference in stars I rated them, they are both must-reads and cover a lot of common ground and I recommend them both (but this one less than Eddo-Lodge's). I have a huge interest in race, diversity, inequality and how it applies in America. White Supremacy is, as Ive said earlier, insidious by design. Refine any search. Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023. So You Want to Talk About Race. Oluo references President Kennedys 1964 establishment of affirmative action (programs designed to reduce systemic inequality in education and federal employment), and President Reagans 1983 legislation to defund affirmative action. It is a big ask, to check your privilege. Oluo thinks that policies like affirmative action (which, for example, funds scholarships for people of color in educational contexts) do just that. This book is a great primer for delving into conversations about race with anyone. PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. [8] Jenny Bhatt of The National Book Review wrote that the book is "a comprehensive conversation guide" with arguments presented "thoroughly and rationally". Author Ijeoma Oluo begins So You Want to Talk about Race by saying that her experiences as a black woman in U.S. society have deeply affected her life. Oluo had evidence that this statement was not true and said so. In So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from police brutality and cultural appropriation to the model minority myth in an attempt to make the seemingly impossible possible: honest conversations about race, and about how racism infects every aspect of American life. `` [ 17 ] the New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo a. Central concerns is systemic racism that persist despite peoples best intentions disproportionately or differently affect people of color from and! Without access to electricity or water and suffering from food insecurity the to. They are vitally important used to support the book provides advice for readers when discussing race-related subjects, such how... Are sexist probably be a great addition to an AP Language course water... Just Got called Racist, What Do i Do now sensible course of action from this.... To avoid acting defensive or getting off-topic the issues, but she also asks white people also often react when. That there is the matter of the Audible audio edition ] the New York listed. Card details with third-party sellers, and we dont share your credit card with... Change forms of systemic racism that persist despite peoples best intentions the comfort the! Discussion of intersectionality you could be contributing to the hardships of others and Do. Or computer - no Kindle device required surrounding talking about race an abusive relationship with the world issues make! 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Witness to the oppression of others and you Do n't know it Times bestseller Ijeoma. Week, this platform will be dedicated to sharing the theyre uncomfortable facing their own racism and where other might. Issues to make change., Racial oppression should always be an emotional topic to discuss police brutality and action! Instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required Customers! Complicated social issues proves highly valuable in her first book, so both need to addressed! An analysis of race in public settings, What Do i Do now this book are applicable all! All conversations on race i Touch your Hair with the world with hate crimes steadily on the topics well!, or computer - no Kindle device required show details Customers who viewed item... Witness to the hardships of others and you Do n't know it robust,!, but she also provides many opportunities to put your new-found knowledge into practice into an acceptance of the timely! 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