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Surrender, White People!: Our Unconditional Terms for Peace
In this follow-up to his “hilarious yet soul-shaking” (Black Enterprise) New York Times bestseller How Not to Get Shot, comedy legend D. L. Hughley offers satirical terms for a peace treaty between white America and the rest of humanity.
For more than four hundred years, white America has been safely a majority and has used that power to f*ck with blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Now, however, the demographic tide has turned—and a reckoning is coming. On the eve of America becoming a majority-minority nation, D. L. Hughley advises, “Surrender, White People!” and offers his terms for reparations and reconciliation in this edgy book infused with his trademark blend of humor and cutting social commentary.
As Hughley explains, whites better make their peace with their black and brown brothers while the getting's still good. There's a lot to answer for: the United States has subjugated African-Americans and other ethnic minorities since its founding—from slavery to Jim Crow to modern police brutality. Under the terms of Hughley’s satirical agreement, white people will stop having their police officers kill young black men, stop poisoning the water, stop appropriating black culture, stop trying to prevent black people from voting, and more. . . . In exchange, black people will talk some sense into Kanye. And they shall keep their opinions of white people's dance moves to themselves.
Surrender, White People! includes 25 black-and-white illustrations.
For more than four hundred years, white America has been safely a majority and has used that power to f*ck with blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Now, however, the demographic tide has turned—and a reckoning is coming. On the eve of America becoming a majority-minority nation, D. L. Hughley advises, “Surrender, White People!” and offers his terms for reparations and reconciliation in this edgy book infused with his trademark blend of humor and cutting social commentary.
As Hughley explains, whites better make their peace with their black and brown brothers while the getting's still good. There's a lot to answer for: the United States has subjugated African-Americans and other ethnic minorities since its founding—from slavery to Jim Crow to modern police brutality. Under the terms of Hughley’s satirical agreement, white people will stop having their police officers kill young black men, stop poisoning the water, stop appropriating black culture, stop trying to prevent black people from voting, and more. . . . In exchange, black people will talk some sense into Kanye. And they shall keep their opinions of white people's dance moves to themselves.
Surrender, White People! includes 25 black-and-white illustrations.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2020
312 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Hughley
7 books186 followersDarryl Lynn "D.L." Hughley is an American actor, political commentator and stand-up comedian. He is perhaps best known as the star of the ABC/UPN sitcom The Hughleys, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy. Additionally, he has been the host of CNN's D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show on NBC, and a local radio personality and interviewer in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
August 11, 2020
And interesting and funny perspective! This is definitely more along the lines of 3.5 stars
Earlier this year I picked up D.L. Hughley's book How Not To Get Shot which I found so funny and insightful to the experiences that I had with White people attempting to address my Black experience in America. When I found out that he had another book coming out this year I knew that I had to check it out as well. Please note that D.L. Hughley is a comedian. His take on a lot of issues can be "raw" in terms of language and it isn't for everyone.
While his other book focused on reversing the misconceptions of the Black experience, Surrender, White People! is more focused on discussions regarding reparations and how the US can do better in creating equal opportunity for all Black and Brown minorities. A lot of the topics that D.L. Hughley comments are topics that are worth discussing; however, the modern situations that he discusses definitely feel a little dated. In this context "dated" doesn't mean that they aren't worth discussion, but that Hughley doesn't necessarily bring any new ideas to the table. It is clear that this book was written prior to the events of 2020 when these topics wouldn't have been discussed as adamantly. Now that there is a lot of discussion surrounding them, I think that it unintentionally harms his insight. This doesn't take away from his creativity. I enjoyed the way that Hughley translates the idea of reparations into a "constitution" of sorts. The humor with which he discusses the topics is always well worth listening to especially when he specifically discusses members of Congress like Mitch McConnell.
I think he covers a wide variety of topics which is good for any listener; however, one topic that he touched on that I don't hear enough people talk about is food access. I think that it's easy to focus on topics related to discriminatory behavior like voter suppression, lack of job equity, educational equity, etc BUT let me tell you the lack of access to fresh food is such a HUGE problem. There are so many complaints about how Black people are the burden of the health care system, but no one seems to equivalate that to the lack of access to fresh food. It also must be noted that the Black community doesn't have the best relationship with the health care system after spending so much time being experimented on and deemed unworthy of sufficient health care access. This section really resonated with me and definitely was the best part of the book.
One of my favorite parts of anything that Hughley writes is his sense of creativity. I think that he presents current social commentary is a humorous way that is unlike a lot of non-fiction books. I've seen other reviews of his books where individuals have stated that they do not feel as though anything that he is discussing is funny; however, it is important to recognize the saying "sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." These topics aren't funny and they are things that need to be continuously brought to the forefront of national conversations; however, if you are Black or Brown and you experience these things continuously sometimes the best remedy is to laugh that way you don't cry from the pain.
Overall, I think that this was a solid book. I definitely enjoyed his other one better, but it still made me laugh out loud and appreciate his discussion of so many important topics.
Earlier this year I picked up D.L. Hughley's book How Not To Get Shot which I found so funny and insightful to the experiences that I had with White people attempting to address my Black experience in America. When I found out that he had another book coming out this year I knew that I had to check it out as well. Please note that D.L. Hughley is a comedian. His take on a lot of issues can be "raw" in terms of language and it isn't for everyone.
While his other book focused on reversing the misconceptions of the Black experience, Surrender, White People! is more focused on discussions regarding reparations and how the US can do better in creating equal opportunity for all Black and Brown minorities. A lot of the topics that D.L. Hughley comments are topics that are worth discussing; however, the modern situations that he discusses definitely feel a little dated. In this context "dated" doesn't mean that they aren't worth discussion, but that Hughley doesn't necessarily bring any new ideas to the table. It is clear that this book was written prior to the events of 2020 when these topics wouldn't have been discussed as adamantly. Now that there is a lot of discussion surrounding them, I think that it unintentionally harms his insight. This doesn't take away from his creativity. I enjoyed the way that Hughley translates the idea of reparations into a "constitution" of sorts. The humor with which he discusses the topics is always well worth listening to especially when he specifically discusses members of Congress like Mitch McConnell.
I think he covers a wide variety of topics which is good for any listener; however, one topic that he touched on that I don't hear enough people talk about is food access. I think that it's easy to focus on topics related to discriminatory behavior like voter suppression, lack of job equity, educational equity, etc BUT let me tell you the lack of access to fresh food is such a HUGE problem. There are so many complaints about how Black people are the burden of the health care system, but no one seems to equivalate that to the lack of access to fresh food. It also must be noted that the Black community doesn't have the best relationship with the health care system after spending so much time being experimented on and deemed unworthy of sufficient health care access. This section really resonated with me and definitely was the best part of the book.
One of my favorite parts of anything that Hughley writes is his sense of creativity. I think that he presents current social commentary is a humorous way that is unlike a lot of non-fiction books. I've seen other reviews of his books where individuals have stated that they do not feel as though anything that he is discussing is funny; however, it is important to recognize the saying "sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." These topics aren't funny and they are things that need to be continuously brought to the forefront of national conversations; however, if you are Black or Brown and you experience these things continuously sometimes the best remedy is to laugh that way you don't cry from the pain.
Overall, I think that this was a solid book. I definitely enjoyed his other one better, but it still made me laugh out loud and appreciate his discussion of so many important topics.
May 21, 2020
He's done it again, folks. "How Not to Get Shot" was one of the most necessary but hard-to-handle books I've ever read. I don't think I was emotionally prepared for what that book had to say, even though I knew what it was going to say. It's just a lot to digest. While that book was a satire of an instruction manual, this one is a satire of a treaty that is, similarly, a mix of hilarious humor and spirit-breaking truths. While the first book focused mostly on our broken criminal justice system, this one is less focused and deals more with every day in which our country screws over Black people. It was equally hard to read, but about very different topics. I think this book would scare off some readers, and I'd like to taken this moment to address those specific people. No one is telling you you should be ashamed to be white. No one is judging you for being white. What this book and others like it are trying to tell you is that, in being white, you have unearned privilege that makes this world easier for you. It is an undeniable privilege that you can channel into making positive changes for people who do not have that privilege. I am white. I am not ashamed of my skin color. But I am extremely ashamed of the things people my color have done, throughout history and today, that make life unfair, unequal, or dangerous for people who don't have my skin color. What things, you may ask? First, let me finish this dramatic eyeroll that you are that unobservant, and then let me give you this book. Hughley answers the question much more eloquently than I ever could.
January 16, 2021
4.5 stars!!! Idk which of D.L. Hughley's books I like more, but I loved how much D.L. goes into the history of racism in America here. He talks at length about systemic issues that affect Black communities like unfair disadvantages for healthy food choices, schools, jobs, health care, excellence, and even the way technology is racist! The false narratives that exist throughout history run deep (traditional holidays, Confederate statues, history books themselves, the stories about the good ol' days) and create worse and worse ideas about what Black people are "allowed" to do today and into the future because that grossness is often built into a lot more than you might think.
D.L. is a comedian first and foremost and made me laugh a LOT because it IS fucking ridiculous that we basically learned about the invention of the peanut as the one contribution of Black people and that people are getting real pressed about Black people playing literally fictional characters!!!! So many of the reparations posed in the book are meant as jokes surrounding firm truths we actually have to care about and D.L. succeeds so well in making his audience smile AND think hard about how America is still fucked up and needs a lot of fixing. I definitely recommend this!!!
D.L. is a comedian first and foremost and made me laugh a LOT because it IS fucking ridiculous that we basically learned about the invention of the peanut as the one contribution of Black people and that people are getting real pressed about Black people playing literally fictional characters!!!! So many of the reparations posed in the book are meant as jokes surrounding firm truths we actually have to care about and D.L. succeeds so well in making his audience smile AND think hard about how America is still fucked up and needs a lot of fixing. I definitely recommend this!!!
August 2, 2020
Wowp, talk about topical! Or rather, these are things that people of color have been justifiably screaming about forever. D.L. Hughley challenges all readers in both serious and comic tones to really see the world, surrender those misconceptions and be a little uncomfortable. Plus, it is a good read, entertaining, and engaging.
September 30, 2020
WOW, an eye-opener on the issues of race in America. Hughley's humor makes it easier to see the issues.... although he can keep Kimmie's hubby... and in fact, he can keep Kimmie as well. Delivered with tongue in cheek, if only the surrender was quite that easy. While it seems we all pay lip service to how NOT racist we are.... it really depends on whose's point of view we use.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
5 stars
Happy Reading!
November 4, 2020
I knew when I picked this book up there would be more comedy than seriousness. Overall, there was a decent balance of facts and silliness. My poor rating is not based on the content or the suggestions. It was the language that bothered me. Innumerable uses of the s-word, f-word, and n-word. I do have hang-ups about foul language, so the first two bother me. In regards to the third, I struggle to understand its use and even the context in which it was used.
January 20, 2021
Alienating, radicalizing racism does not bring peace, Hughley. No one is "surrendering" to you. Sit down.
Who, besides an insanely racist POC, would buy a book with this title? Talk about undermining your own message. How pathetic do you have to be to give this book 5 stars? Disgusting.
Who, besides an insanely racist POC, would buy a book with this title? Talk about undermining your own message. How pathetic do you have to be to give this book 5 stars? Disgusting.
August 29, 2020
White people have literally gone batshit crazy in this country. Granted, it’s not completely their fault. Part of it is genetics: white people have simply evolved to think that they are entitled to everything, from better housing to better education to better jobs. Part of it is their history: Few non-white cultures have stood up to their craziness and told them “no”. The few that have tried tend to be branded as “enemies” or “terrorists” or “those people” and subjugated or slaughtered. White people call this patriotism.
But there will be a day that white people get their comeuppance, and I hope that the revolution will be led by D.L. Hughley.
In his book “Surrender, White People!”, Hughley humorously articulates a peace treaty putting an end to the 400 years of war waged on black people. Yes, it’s funny, but don’t be fooled: Hughley is making some seriously unfunny social commentary in this book.
Take, for example, history textbooks. One would think, after reading a standard curriculum high school textbook, that slavery was just a minor embarrassment to white people, rather than the horrific and vile institution that it was.
There are ignorant people, still, who think that black slaves were treated decently. After all, they were given jobs, beds, and food on the table. What could they possibly have to complain about? According to Bill O’Reilly, not much: (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/bu...)
There is also a tendency to whitewash (pun intended) the reasons for the American Civil War. As Hughley points out, most textbooks say that it was due to state’s rights. What often gets forgotten or never mentioned is that it was primarily the state’s rights to profit off of slavery. (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/...)
There is also a slew of major historical events in which crazy-ass white people just went completely medieval on black people’s asses. Ever hear of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre? I hadn’t, until I read about it in this book. Most people, for decades, until recent historians started digging into the past, hadn’t either, as the white community kept a tight lid on it for years. (https://www.history.com/topics/roarin...)
Hughley’s book is full of this eye-opening stuff. In between the laughs, he is trying to make a very serious point, one that is only now, in 2020, finally being addressed seriously. Except, of course, by our idiotic rancid mango-and-cat-semen jello mold of a president. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...)
But there will be a day that white people get their comeuppance, and I hope that the revolution will be led by D.L. Hughley.
In his book “Surrender, White People!”, Hughley humorously articulates a peace treaty putting an end to the 400 years of war waged on black people. Yes, it’s funny, but don’t be fooled: Hughley is making some seriously unfunny social commentary in this book.
Take, for example, history textbooks. One would think, after reading a standard curriculum high school textbook, that slavery was just a minor embarrassment to white people, rather than the horrific and vile institution that it was.
There are ignorant people, still, who think that black slaves were treated decently. After all, they were given jobs, beds, and food on the table. What could they possibly have to complain about? According to Bill O’Reilly, not much: (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/bu...)
There is also a tendency to whitewash (pun intended) the reasons for the American Civil War. As Hughley points out, most textbooks say that it was due to state’s rights. What often gets forgotten or never mentioned is that it was primarily the state’s rights to profit off of slavery. (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/...)
There is also a slew of major historical events in which crazy-ass white people just went completely medieval on black people’s asses. Ever hear of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre? I hadn’t, until I read about it in this book. Most people, for decades, until recent historians started digging into the past, hadn’t either, as the white community kept a tight lid on it for years. (https://www.history.com/topics/roarin...)
Hughley’s book is full of this eye-opening stuff. In between the laughs, he is trying to make a very serious point, one that is only now, in 2020, finally being addressed seriously. Except, of course, by our idiotic rancid mango-and-cat-semen jello mold of a president. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...)
September 21, 2020
This satire of a treaty paints a funny yet stark picture of our country and all us giant assholes that live in it. Hilarious, depressing and written in a way that any ol racist should immediately change their minds if you could just get them to read it.
January 6, 2021
A somewhat obnoxious rant advocating racial reparations. While Hughley gives us all the problems associated with carrying out the scheme, he does it in such a way that I fear nobody ought to take him very seriously. And if we do we are likely all quite doomed.
September 14, 2020
Personally, I loved this book. Hughley does a fantastic job incorporating history, current politics, and humor into this thought provoking "treaty". The only stumbling block I hit was in the realization that no one that doesn't already agree with the premise of systemic racism in the US both in the past and currently will ever pick up this book. I learned more devastating truths about racism and this book is continuing the conversations I am having and still need to start. All that to say, if you're ready to recognize and adjust based on new information this book is a great starting point. Also, points for laughter, DL Hughley does not disappoint!
January 21, 2021
I howled throughout this book! Hughley’s comic genius lays out the terms for a peace treaty between black and white people. Some gems include:
White people shall consider reparations. All Popeye’s chicken sandwiches shall be offered at a three-fifths discount.
Statute of Statue Limitations. White people having gotten overly attached to bronze statues of racists, now agree to end the practice of erecting new bronze statues.
Take Kanye. We don’t want him.
Take us into custody. No longer shall police shoot first, having been “scared”.
Reverse Louisiana Purchase. White people shall be given the South. We don’t want it and you can have your own country.
White people shall consider reparations. All Popeye’s chicken sandwiches shall be offered at a three-fifths discount.
Statute of Statue Limitations. White people having gotten overly attached to bronze statues of racists, now agree to end the practice of erecting new bronze statues.
Take Kanye. We don’t want him.
Take us into custody. No longer shall police shoot first, having been “scared”.
Reverse Louisiana Purchase. White people shall be given the South. We don’t want it and you can have your own country.
December 9, 2020
I was not familiar with D.L. Hughley before reading this book, but will definitely have to check out more of his work. This book was very funny, without sacrificing meaty content and persuasive arguments. For someone who wonders why everything has to be about race, but is intimidated by heavier works, this might be a place to start. You can laugh and learn.
August 23, 2020
Hilarious, horrific, humbling.
The book’s description says it will “stare history in the face and hilariously hold America accountable to its wrongs” and it delivers.
Along with a lot of laughs, there’s a lot of eye opening history, ideas and points of views throughout. Points of views I have never truly considered and a boatload of history I never knew of as well. Some of it very difficult to read.
Also,throughout the book is the idea of reparations. Reparations is a “(fill in with a word of your choice )” topic for many. I knew a little about the subject but, D.L. Hughley allowed me to uncover just how little. Thought provoking is an understatement and I have a much deeper appreciation for reparations having read this book.
Mr. Hughley, I surrender. And I look forward to sending copies of your book to some people that will enjoy it and frankly, in some cases, need it. Thank you for an excellent read and the perspective.
The book’s description says it will “stare history in the face and hilariously hold America accountable to its wrongs” and it delivers.
Along with a lot of laughs, there’s a lot of eye opening history, ideas and points of views throughout. Points of views I have never truly considered and a boatload of history I never knew of as well. Some of it very difficult to read.
Also,throughout the book is the idea of reparations. Reparations is a “(fill in with a word of your choice )” topic for many. I knew a little about the subject but, D.L. Hughley allowed me to uncover just how little. Thought provoking is an understatement and I have a much deeper appreciation for reparations having read this book.
Mr. Hughley, I surrender. And I look forward to sending copies of your book to some people that will enjoy it and frankly, in some cases, need it. Thank you for an excellent read and the perspective.
August 15, 2020
I could write two reviews that would look like I'm reviewing two entirely different books. It is an easy read that moves along effortlessly. It is also funny. Yet, it is dead serious and sprinkled with history and important questions. That is the brilliance of DL Hughleys Surrender White People. He is readable, user-friendly, humorous, reflective, and spot on. Kind of like that favorite teacher that we all remember who was fun and engaging to the point where you didn't even realize you were learning, questioning, and growing. But you were. And you are in reading Hughley's new book. The take away that I love the most (and that I include here to remind myself) is that asking white people to surrender may sound militant and scary, but if you unpack it, it makes a simple, reasonable request. It asks white people to surrender their perceived supremacy and share the good that is supposed to be available to all of us. That's it. Admit that supremacy is simply bullshit and let's all play on the same field. Not so militant or radical, right?
August 2, 2021
I loved this audio book. DL Hughley wasn't familiar to me, but I will definitely be seeking out more of his work. Also, I surrender.
August 12, 2020
Easy read. DL is a genius! He took a serious subject and dropped it right in our laps with great seriousness, realistic solutions and a twist of humor to keep the reader interested because why not? He is a funny man but never too funny to tackle the hard topics of the world. I listened to the audiobook and I am positive that hearing the infliction of his voice made this that much more enjoyable. Thank you DL. You covered so much in a short amount of time/pages so there’s no excuse to “not have time” to read this!!!
December 31, 2021
Somewhere towards the end of the 2010s, some authors (and many people who should have otherwise remained non-authors) realized that they could make a lot of money selling fragrantly racist books calling readers racist and demanding them judge others solely on the color of their skin (and completely missing or ignoring the fact that that is true racism).
There are many awful books that fit this description, and "Surrender, White People!" is just the latest in a long line of them. Nobody will remember this book in 10-20 years, as it would have been drowned out by competition by then - or, more hopefully, the entire genre will be called out for the divisive scam that it is. Hughley's book attempts to come off as satire but only exists as an example of blissfully ignorant racism, offering modern and historical half-truths and outright falsehoods for either comedic purposes or actual sincerely held political beliefs.
Hughley entertains many left-wing political beliefs - like one confusing part about the Green New Deal - and insinuates "white people" are racist for not subscribing to the exact same beliefs as him, even on issues that have nothing to do with race! The ultimate irony is that surveys and polls in the 2020s have consistently shown that the demographic in America most friendly to everything Hughley writes about is progressive white people, decreasingly African-American and Hispanic Americans.
They are the group more skeptical of Hughley's far-left beliefs, but I imagine if he had titled the book "Surrender, Other African-Americans! Follow My Progressive Belief System Or Else," it would have lost the divisive swagger he was going for. This book is a dime-a-dozen, Kendi-esque carbon copy of a racist book that encourages readers to think only about race, all the time, and peppering in false statistics and other lies to try and marry together Hughley's deeply pessimistic ideas of race relations and his far-left orthodoxy. As a result, "Surrender, White People!" should be left to rot on the shelves.
There are many awful books that fit this description, and "Surrender, White People!" is just the latest in a long line of them. Nobody will remember this book in 10-20 years, as it would have been drowned out by competition by then - or, more hopefully, the entire genre will be called out for the divisive scam that it is. Hughley's book attempts to come off as satire but only exists as an example of blissfully ignorant racism, offering modern and historical half-truths and outright falsehoods for either comedic purposes or actual sincerely held political beliefs.
Hughley entertains many left-wing political beliefs - like one confusing part about the Green New Deal - and insinuates "white people" are racist for not subscribing to the exact same beliefs as him, even on issues that have nothing to do with race! The ultimate irony is that surveys and polls in the 2020s have consistently shown that the demographic in America most friendly to everything Hughley writes about is progressive white people, decreasingly African-American and Hispanic Americans.
They are the group more skeptical of Hughley's far-left beliefs, but I imagine if he had titled the book "Surrender, Other African-Americans! Follow My Progressive Belief System Or Else," it would have lost the divisive swagger he was going for. This book is a dime-a-dozen, Kendi-esque carbon copy of a racist book that encourages readers to think only about race, all the time, and peppering in false statistics and other lies to try and marry together Hughley's deeply pessimistic ideas of race relations and his far-left orthodoxy. As a result, "Surrender, White People!" should be left to rot on the shelves.
February 27, 2021
I really liked this book. I'll freely admit: I'm a white person from the Midwest; I am literally who he's addressing in the title. And it's so well crafted, meant to teach and entertain. D.L. hits you with some truth, follows it up with examples, and about when you're thinking "my god" he slaps you with a joke and you can't help but laugh. My only criticism is there's no citations or a reading list to follow it, but he doesn't owe anyone that anyway - if you've never heard about Tulsa, Eric Gardner, or sharecropping you're not going to actually read this book in the first place.
January 11, 2021
Hughley tackles some huge issues with laugh-out-loud humor. Anti-racist reading lists have been widely shared over the last year, and this is a good addition to add a teaspoon of sugar to the bitter brew. The humor here is a delivery vehicle for truths about reparations, racial violence, and the far-flung damage wreaked by white supremacy. Read it and laugh, and then stand up for justice.
July 4, 2020
Engaging and eye-opening and outrageous, clued me in to so much I didn’t know and never knew to question (the GI Bill, real estate, on and on). Also: funny lovable voice/storyteller.
August 7, 2020
Yes, you must read it. And then surrender. You are about to learn some history that was left out of our textbooks.
December 19, 2021
DL spoke the absolute truth about racism, within these United States of America. People are leaving NEGATIVE comments. Why ? 2021 and people still find it hard to talk about racism.
May 3, 2025
Great read. Good mixture of comedy with serious topics. It’s really disturbing that a book like this is only five years old as of right now and could be considered a little dated. I mean, there have been way too many prevalent hate crimes and police killings of Black people since then that have overshadowed the police killings Hughley mentions in this book, which he acknowledges as a possibility. I do appreciate that he very briefly touched on AI and technology in the last couple paragraphs. I fear that what he said in the last few paragraphs about AI being unable to correctly identify and respond to Black skin and features is still very much true even in 2025.
Definitely plan on reading more by this author.
Definitely plan on reading more by this author.
November 15, 2020
I listened to the audiobook read by DL Hughley and thoroughly enjoyed it. He traces the history of black people in the US for the last 400 years and shows by constant examples how inequity has always, and still does, exist. In his typical humorous style he proposes treaties and amendments to the constitution to correct the inequities. It can be quite eye opening and really shows in a humorous way the ridiculousness of why the black population should continue to accept the systemic racism and injustices. Maybe it will “sink in” when presented in this humorous way. And I highly recommend to listen to the book as opposed to reading it.
March 9, 2021
Hughley suggests that white people are tired of hearing about racism, so maybe if we could agree to these terms, we'd never have to hear about race again.
For example, any time some white person wants to talk about their hardscrabble upbringing and how hard it was in, say, Levittown, they must preface it with "all-white," as in "It was really hard growing up in all-white Levittown. . ." so that everyone understands what their childhood was really like. That leads Hughley to review the history of redlining and bank loans and material wealth, etc.
A humorous, if profane, introduction to the way race has impacted all of America.
For example, any time some white person wants to talk about their hardscrabble upbringing and how hard it was in, say, Levittown, they must preface it with "all-white," as in "It was really hard growing up in all-white Levittown. . ." so that everyone understands what their childhood was really like. That leads Hughley to review the history of redlining and bank loans and material wealth, etc.
A humorous, if profane, introduction to the way race has impacted all of America.
March 10, 2022
I Like D.L. Hughley. I think he's funny, and for me funny things have a more than a kernal of truth in them. This book is like CRT for dummies. He definitely makes you laugh, but there is, sadly for this day and age, way to much truth in it.
July 31, 2020
Necessary reading, people. I don't care what demographic you represent, read this damn book. Full RTC!
March 27, 2021
A plea and perhaps a threat for white people to address issues of inequality and fairness for black persons in the voice of a humorist. He gets the job done.
February 28, 2023
MEH! Fell short of expectations!!
So, I do believe comedians make great points often time in ways no one else can and that they can use humor to effect the nation's conscience for the good! So when I saw that a comedian I've loved came out with a book that uses humor and sarcasm to help heal the racial rift in our nation I was excited to read it!!
But this book fell short of all my expectations! Sadly!!
The humor and sarcasm was thin and seemed more of one-sided jabs delivered out of anger rather than aimed at healing rifts. Many things he threw out as facts were blatantly untrue. I lost considerable respect for D. l. Highly through these pages and certainly won't be recommending this book to anyone as helpful. I fail to understand how someone can write a book of this scope and use the opportunity to escalate the anger rather than strive to honestly bring healing. Don't vet me wrong: there are some good if not great suggestions at times,, they just seem to get glossed over as insignificant compared to the primary point: ranting and raving in anger!!
So, I do believe comedians make great points often time in ways no one else can and that they can use humor to effect the nation's conscience for the good! So when I saw that a comedian I've loved came out with a book that uses humor and sarcasm to help heal the racial rift in our nation I was excited to read it!!
But this book fell short of all my expectations! Sadly!!
The humor and sarcasm was thin and seemed more of one-sided jabs delivered out of anger rather than aimed at healing rifts. Many things he threw out as facts were blatantly untrue. I lost considerable respect for D. l. Highly through these pages and certainly won't be recommending this book to anyone as helpful. I fail to understand how someone can write a book of this scope and use the opportunity to escalate the anger rather than strive to honestly bring healing. Don't vet me wrong: there are some good if not great suggestions at times,, they just seem to get glossed over as insignificant compared to the primary point: ranting and raving in anger!!
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