James’s answer to “Hearing tell of some incredibly racist passages in this. Who else is taking this off their TBR?” > Likes and Comments

Useful comments from everyone. I've put this comment in elsewhere here. My primary concern with issues as those addressed here are what is normalized that a POC is just supposed to endure in their bodies. We already have to put up with so much of normalized negative stereotypes that our minds and bodies absorb, causing so many types of health issues related to these stressors. One can become watchful--bracing for another hit of any degree--even in our escapist entertainment. I am glad that the author did some self reflection. This is huge. White self reflection. White accountability. Model it and use it to address the other, more serious issues you mention.

So, it's not just a matter of being prejudiced against a book, as another comment opined. It's about protecting oneself from yet another fucking slight, or blow, or microaggression based on one's appearance. Not only are slights part of regular existence for us, but for non-POC, it can also become normalized and accepted without question. I do plan to read the book now that the author has learned something from this. I may or may not wait for the next printing of it. (And regarding Harry Potter--thanks to the film directors for correcting Rowling's parochial-ness! I love the random sprinkling in of everyone.)

Cecile, thanks for your comment, especially the point that a person who has a victim of racist stereotypes could have reasons to avoid a book that contains one beyond solidarity.

This was so beautifully articulated and included some very important points I felt.
Thank you for sharing.
I have only one criticism. Just as no one else should feel they need to include skin colour, racial, or political back ground, neither should you.
One of the many needed steps to equality, is when no-one needs to apologise or explain based on ethnicity, social, or political back ground.
I hope it doesn't offend, but I see the pejorative 'white privilege', as racism from the other point of view.
You are determining ones circumstances based on skin colour, and or sexuality.
Neither tells you what life they have experienced, what prejudices they may have experienced, what struggles they may have undergone.
All forms of racism, bigotry, and prejudice need to be considered wrong if things are to ever improve.
Being white and heterosexual does not guarantee a perfect, or safe life.
Hate, is sadly found in all walks of life and culture.