So you Want to Talk About Race

Locations
Call Number: 305.8 Ol, Black Studies 305.8 Ol, Adult Book / Nonfiction / Social Science / Race & Ethnicity / Oluo, Ijeoma
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Malletts Creek Branch, Pittsfield Branch, Traverwood Branch, Westgate Branch

Introduction -- Is it really about race? -- What is racism? -- What if I talk about race wrong? -- Why am I always being told to "check my privilege?" -- What is intersectionality and why do I need it? -- Is police brutality really about race? -- How can I talk about affirmative action? -- What is the school-to-prison pipeline? -- Why can't I say the "N" word? -- What is cultural appropriation? -- Why can't I touch your hair? -- What are microaggressions? -- Why are our students so angry? -- What is the model minority myth? -- But what if I hate Al Sharpton -- I just got called racist, what do I do now? -- Talk is great, but what else can I do?
"A current, constructive, and actionable exploration of today's racial landscape, offering straightforward clarity that readers of all races need to contribute to the dismantling of the racial divide. 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. Perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between people of color and white Americans struggling with race complexities, Oluo answers the questions readers don't dare ask, and explains the concepts that continue to elude everyday Americans. Oluo is an exceptional writer with a rare ability to be straightforward, funny, and effective in her coverage of sensitive, hyper-charged issues in America. Her messages are passionate but finely tuned, and crystalize ideas that would otherwise be vague by empowering them with aha-moment clarity. Her writing brings to mind voices like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Roxane Gay, and Jessica Valenti in Full Frontal Feminism, and a young Gloria Naylor, particularly in Naylor's seminal essay "The Meaning of a Word.""-- Provided by publisher.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Great insight into racism and how to talk and work against it. submitted by Xris on October 18, 2018, 8:12pm I had to keep the book past the due date to finish it and also put quotes into my notes on my phone to remember some of the good points she makes, like "So why do we [POC] talk about racism if it's so risky and so painful? Because not talking about it is killing us. Because for far too long, the burden of racism has always been on us alone. If you are white, and you are reading this and wondering why we bother if these conversations are as bad as I say, think of how bad the alternative--continued, unchecked racism--would have to be in order to get you to risk that much, and you'll know a little more about the reality of life for people of color." I also wrote down her suggestions about checking my privilege and how I can take action. Should be required reading for everyone! <3

Must read for everyone! submitted by NhuDo on August 30, 2019, 3:50pm This is the best book about race I have read and I w courage everyone to read it and examine their own role in the racist society in which we all exist. Loved the combination of memoir and research about oppressive systems in America. Loved this book!

powerful submitted by camelsamba on August 28, 2020, 4:27pm There was a lot of good information in this book. I have found myself better able to articulate how systemic racism affects people, how it is different than an individual doing a single racist action. I regret that I listened to it as an audiobook, because some of the chapters are full of statistics that are hard (for me at least) to follow / remember without seeing in print.

Learn, talk, and DO submitted by Susan4Pax -prev. sueij- on June 12, 2021, 9:39pm An excellent book continuing the entry into understanding white supremacy and baseline issues affecting POC. I do think that for white people who are very very new to the topic, _White Fragility_ by Robin DiAngelo is a more solid first primer (Learning the Issues 1.0) and this is just one little step next (Learning the Issues 1.2). Oluo spends a little time introducing the basics, but then moves into how it affects POC on various topics, such as the school-to-prison pipeline, affirmative action, intersectionality, police brutality, cultural appropriation, microaggressions, and much more. I love that she ends with not only reinforcement of encouraging people to learn and talk, but a list of possible action steps.

Important Topic submitted by avandeusen on July 17, 2021, 10:29am I am writing this review about 2 months after finishing the book and unfortunately cannot remember a single thing from it. In other words, this book did not stick with me as much as I (or the author) would have hoped

One for your bookshelf submitted by caburr47 on July 17, 2021, 9:41pm One for your bookshelf. This is one to revisit every so often. It initiates uncomfortable conversations for those willing to have them.

Great for a Book Discussion submitted by krathje on August 10, 2021, 2:51pm Our school staff is using this book as a discussion starter for our work in antiracism. It is accessible and engaging.

Must Read submitted by bcartm01 on June 18, 2022, 9:50am This book was really informative. It should be required reading in my opinion. I loved listening to it on audiobook but also refer back to the hard copy and I enjoy reading it both ways.

So you want to talk about race submitted by czadams on August 27, 2022, 6:41pm Seriously! I thought I knew a lot about politics, history and ethnic studies until I read this book. Man! I loved this book!

Must read for sure! submitted by dailyreader on July 2, 2023, 11:39am Very helpful in understanding issues and thinking through my own role in systems of oppression. It also opened my eyes to thinking about how emotional reactions can get in our way of real progress.

Excellent book submitted by Emily Jennings on July 17, 2023, 11:03pm As another reviewer noted, this book is one to keep on your shelf. I especially recommend it to fellow white folks, not only as an initial foray into anti-racism but as a reference going forward.