It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions That Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races
by Lena Williams
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 71)
Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to get along
This is a worthy book, if only to start a conversation that needs to happen. But, Williams' generalizations -- admittedly good book copy -- are not necessarily good journalism/good reporting:
"Whites can't bear to look us in the eye without feeling guilty." (27) Sorry, but this doesn't apply. Does this mean I'm not really white? Or, am I amoral?
"Each time a white American places a piece of African art in his or her home, he or she is showing an appreciation for African/bla...more
"Whites can't bear to look us in the eye without feeling guilty." (27) Sorry, but this doesn't apply. Does this mean I'm not really white? Or, am I amoral?
"Each time a white American places a piece of African art in his or her home, he or she is showing an appreciation for African/bla...more
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Read in July, 2008
recommended to Wealhtheow by:
Shinynickel
After decades of reporting for the Times, Lena Williams has written an insightful, broad, and personal book about the interactions between white Americans and black Americans that seem minor but stem from larger current issues or bloodier past events. Told largely through anecdotes, with the occasional history lesson or sweeping generalization.
This book is fascinating, not least because it makes it cleaer that there is no One Right Answer to any race-related problem. Williams rightly bemo...more
This book is fascinating, not least because it makes it cleaer that there is no One Right Answer to any race-related problem. Williams rightly bemo...more
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Read in June, 2008
In some ways, the things this book is about 'don't matter' - they are little things, not jobs or marriages or homes. But in other ways, these are incredibly important - they are the actions and interactions that, through their accretion, can make up the better part of everyday fabric of relations between the races.
The book also illustrates how each of the seemingly small things is an artifact of past injustices or racist contexts. Like the tip of iceberg, each small thing has grown from a d...more
The book also illustrates how each of the seemingly small things is an artifact of past injustices or racist contexts. Like the tip of iceberg, each small thing has grown from a d...more
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I read this book for black history month and i really liekd it. Its about how the the interactions of black and white people get under both races skin everyday. It talked about the little things that you wouldnt neccasariy think are offensive. I learned that sometimes its considered rude for a white person to run their hands though their hair infront of a black person. I would never have learned about that if i hadnt read this book. You should definitly read this if you want to become a more rac...more
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Read in March, 2004
How can one write a book that discusses racial divisions that doesn't seem to be divisive? It was challenging for me to read many parts of this book as the author commented on things that I do to further racial divisions (e.g. by wearing sweatpants to the grocery, I'm showing off that I am privileged enough to not have to care about what I look like in public....???), but then again, I'm in the majority, so what do I know? Even to me (a pretty liberal liberal), it seemed a little oversensitive...more
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Read in June, 2007
I first read this book when I moved to Tennessee, which is about 5-6 years ago.
Since I didn't grow up in a predominantly black environment, this book has been eye opening. It helps me to better understand the divide (and misunderstandings) between the races.
Since I didn't grow up in a predominantly black environment, this book has been eye opening. It helps me to better understand the divide (and misunderstandings) between the races.
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Great book on race relations and the cultural differences that contribute to the gap between cultures in America. Particularly the relationship of blacks and whites.
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone.
very informative, and also very funny.. a fast read.
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