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A review by camscornerbooks
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
4.0
I think this pairs very well with White Fragility and I encourage non-POC to read both. I see the 1 star reviews on both books and the vitriol of “I’m white but I’m not racist and you saying that all white people have some level of racist ideas is racist against me!!” and it’s so tiring. I’m white and I’m exhausted hearing it, I really cannot imagine what it is like to be a person of color and to hear it 24/7
Remember, it’s not about your ego. It’s not about you. Stop making it about you. It’s about listening to POC and really hearing what they say. If you get defensive, why? Why does that make you soooo angry? If they’re so off base why do you react like they really struck a nerve?
I wish these discussions were easier to have, that they felt safer for everyone taking part, but they’re not. And they won’t be until we work through the difficult stuff, the awkward stuff, the painful stuff, the uncomfortable stuff. But your discomfort shouldn’t override someone else’s very life.
Remember, it’s not about your ego. It’s not about you. Stop making it about you. It’s about listening to POC and really hearing what they say. If you get defensive, why? Why does that make you soooo angry? If they’re so off base why do you react like they really struck a nerve?
I wish these discussions were easier to have, that they felt safer for everyone taking part, but they’re not. And they won’t be until we work through the difficult stuff, the awkward stuff, the painful stuff, the uncomfortable stuff. But your discomfort shouldn’t override someone else’s very life.