So you want to talk about race / Ijeoma Oluo.

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  • Additional Information
    • Publication Information:
      First edition.
    • Abstract:
      Summary: "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.
    • Content Notes:
      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? -- Talking is great, but what else can I do?
    • Notes:
      Includes bibliographical references.
    • ISBN:
      9781580056779
      1580056776
    • Accession Number:
      2017041919
    • Accession Number:
      ocn986970684
      986970684
    • Accession Number:
      fay.559411

Reviews

LJ Reviews 2017 December #1

In her first book, writer and activist Oluo offers direct advice on how to have a conversation about race. She analyzes topics that may lead to contentious conversations, such as cultural appropriation, affirmative action, police brutality, the N-word, microaggressions, and the model minority myth. In doing so, Oluo provides background information on each topic and talking points to allow for having more constructive conversations. With a clever approach that uses anecdotes, facts, and a little humor, the author challenges all readers to assess their own beliefs and perceptions while clearly looking at polarizing issues. She encourages us to overcome the idea of debating someone else without the ability to listen to other perspectives. Most relevant is a sobering and enlightening chapter on checking and recognizing one's privilege. VERDICT A timely and engaging book that offers an entry point and a hopeful approach toward more productive dialog around tough topics. Highly recommended for those interested in race, ethnicity, and social commentary, and anyone wishing to have more insightful conversations.—Tiffeni Fontno, Boston Coll.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal.

PW Reviews 2017 November #2

Oluo, an editor at large at the Establishment, assesses the racial landscape of contemporary America in thoughtful essays geared toward facilitating difficult conversations about race. Drawing on her perspective as a black woman raised by a white mother, she shows how race is so interwoven into America's social, political, and economic systems that it is hard for most people, even Oluo's well-intentioned mother, to see when they are being oblivious to racism. Oluo gives readers general advice for better dialogue, such as not getting defensive, stating their intentions, and staying on topic. She addresses a range of tough issues—police brutality, the n word, affirmative action, microaggressions—and offers ways to discuss them while acknowledging that they're a problem. For example, Oluo writes that the common phrase "check your privilege" is an ineffective weapon for winning an argument, as few people really understand the concept of privilege, which is integral to many of the issues of race in America. She concludes by urging people of all colors to fear unexamined racism, instead of fearing the person "who bring that oppression to light." She's insightful and trenchant but not preachy, and her advice is valid. For some it may be eye-opening. It's a topical book in a time when racial tensions are on the rise. (Jan.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly.