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A review by wrongsandwich
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I loved the structure of the chapters of this book with each one answering a question the author had heard from the well-meaning but uninformed, first in a personal way through anecdotes from Oluo’s life and career, and then in broader, more actionable ways with bullet point lists of the ways people could adjust their thinking and behavior. Her voice was clear, direct, and unapologetic; it’s the kind of book that I’d especially love older generations to read (with an open mind), as I think they could get a lot out of it.
One of my favorite passages from when she was talking directly to white people about their obligation:
“You are not doing any favors, you are doing what is right. If you are white, remember that White Supremacy is a system you benefit from and that your privilege has helped to uphold. Your efforts to dismantle White Supremacy are expected of decent people who believe in justice. You are not owed gratitude or friendship from people of color for your efforts. We are not thanked for cleaning our own houses.”
One of my favorite passages from when she was talking directly to white people about their obligation:
“You are not doing any favors, you are doing what is right. If you are white, remember that White Supremacy is a system you benefit from and that your privilege has helped to uphold. Your efforts to dismantle White Supremacy are expected of decent people who believe in justice. You are not owed gratitude or friendship from people of color for your efforts. We are not thanked for cleaning our own houses.”