4 Reasons You Should Read "We Are Not Yet Equal"

Buy it here 1. Holy timeline, folks! I always thought I was pretty well-versed in American history. My history book was worn, the pages delved into with care. So, I honestly really didn't understand WHERE all of the cries of racial inequality were coming from. I honestly thought it was so dependent on where a person lived in the U.S. For example, in my neck of the middle of nowhere, I don't see a lot of racism. Mostly, the value is on working hard around here. However, this book opened my eyes to a lot - especially on the national scale. Policies that are either intentionally or incidentally perpetuating inequality are brought to light. Had it not been for the timeline presentation, I'm not sure I would have connected to the material as much.

2. This next reason is very personal to me. People should read this book because it hurts. The oppression of our fellow man should always make your heart hurt. The harm done by folks like me who assume policy changes = actual every day changes can't be excused. We assumed that life instantly changed when the laws were. Then we decided it wasn't our problem because it wasn't us - it was our ancestors. This 'just deal with it' attitude isn't working. We need to consciously change our attitudes and work together towards equality - and that will involve a LOT of being uncomfortable, a LOT of 'that's not me' and 'that's not true of me', and a LOT of grassroots changes. 3. It's an adaptation of "White Rage" by the same author for young adults so it has a wide range of audiences. I would like to see high school students reading this book (for those interested, yes, my high school library will be carrying a copy of this book), but I would also really like to see adults reading it. The conversations that can take place would be valuable for everyone. I have a short list of teachers and friends I am going to ask to read it so we can talk about it together. 

4. It seeks to inform and educate - not point fingers and preach. Now, if you feel preached at, that's something that is hitting home with you. I had moments that really had me shaking my head in disbelief. I couldn't believe that what I was reading actually happened! But it is documented and fact-checked. I even did a little bit of my own double-checking and digging into a few things. I appreciated the author's approach because, well, it was more comfortable and aligned with what I perceive as professional. I put the book down feeling like I just went to school. It's up to me how that makes me feel.

For me, "We are not yet equal" was a call to higher perception and an ability to see more where people and movements are coming from. I still don't condone violence and rioting. I have always loved a good protest. Now I at least see where the anger comes from and how desperately we as American citizens need to claw for equality of all types. The sooner we are all truly equal, the sooner we can fulfill our dreams to pursue life, liberty, and happiness together.