'So You Want to Talk About Race' by Ijeoma Oluo is a thought-provoking and informative book that aims to guide readers, especially white individuals, in understanding and addressing racial disparities and injustices. Oluo's writing style is described as extremely well-written, concise, and honest. The book covers a wide range of topics related to race, such as systemic racism, cultural appropriation, model minority myth, and intersectionality, providing readers with tools and insights to engage in productive conversations about racism.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and approachable, utilizing humor and personal anecdotes to address serious racial issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The book is organized as a series of questions, each one addressing important topics related to race, supported by personal anecdotes.

Setting:

The contemporary American setting addresses current racial dynamics and systemic issues faced by people of color.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, alternating between engaging narratives and reflective moments to facilitate understanding.

I’m sitting across from a friend at a coffee shop near my house. He’s a good friend—a smart, thoughtful, and well-meaning person. I always enjoy his company and a chance to talk with someone who is al...

Genres:

nonfiction

social justice

educational

Topics:

cultural appropriation

intersectionality

model minority myth

Notes:

This book is recommended for high school social studies courses.

Ijeoma Oluo discusses various topics related to race in an accessible way.

The book is structured into 17 sections, each addressing a key question.

Oluo shares personal stories to illustrate her points.

She emphasizes that conversations about race can be uncomfortable but necessary.

The author explains that systemic racism affects all aspects of life, including class.

Oluo provides practical advice on how to discuss race without putting people of color on the defensive.

The book discusses intersectionality and why it's crucial in conversations about race.

It debunks the myth of 'reverse racism' as not scientifically valid.

Oluo provides insight into the history of police forces and their role in controlling populations of color.

She addresses common queries like "Why can't I say the N-word?" with historical context.

The book emphasizes the need to check one's privilege in discussions of race.

Oluo touches on microaggressions and their cumulative impact on individuals of color.

Affirmative action is framed as a critical tool to combat systemic discrimination.

The author's stories highlight the racial dynamics in everyday experiences, including driving and police interactions.

Oluo encourages readers to take action against systemic racism in their communities.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of racism, police violence, and personal trauma related to racial issues.

From The Publisher:

In this New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo offers a hard-hitting but user-friendly examination of race in America

Widespread reporting on aspects of white supremacy - from police brutality to the mass incarceration of Black Americans - has put a media spotlight on racism in our society. Still, it is a difficult subject to talk about. How do you tell your roommate her jokes are racist? Why did your sister-in-law take umbrage when you asked to touch her hair - and how do you make it right? How do you explain white privilege to your white, privileged friend?

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.

"I am in awe of Ijeoma. She is the smartest, most courageous and electrifying young writer on race relations today - the voice of our times." -Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility

"Simply put: Ijeoma Oluo is a necessary voice and intellectual for these times, and any time, truth be told." -Phoebe Robinson, New York Times bestselling author of You Can't Touch My Hair

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So You Want to Talk About Race

Ijeoma Oluo