The Opposition…

So You Want to Talk About Race

Ijeoma Oluo

Discussion: 2020-Oct-Nov-Dec

Why we're reading this: December 8, 2020 (The Daily Show)
February 5, 2018 (The Opposition)
[close] December 8, 2020 (The Daily Show)
February 5, 2018 (The Opposition)

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No topics in 2020-Oct-Nov-Dec yet. Start one now »

What Members Thought

Apr 26, 2020 Andy added it · review of another edition

DNF. Whether it's Donald Trump, Brené Brown or this author, I just don't like it when clear words get redefined, so this is not for me. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2020 Letitia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-to-read, audiobook

I feel like everything that john a. powell explained in highly esoteric, academic terms in Racing to Justice, Oluo has re-interpreted into a practical application manual. It's pithy, it's brilliant, it is no-nonsense. It has BULLETED LISTS! <3

I wanted to snap for the entirety of Chapter 15 But What If I Hate Al Sharpton? It seems this is where so many people are. And honestly, it's a little bit where I am with this book. I don't know that I would like, on a personality level, Oluo. Some of her s I feel like everything that john a. powell explained in highly esoteric, academic terms in Racing to Justice, Oluo has re-interpreted into a practical application manual. It's pithy, it's brilliant, it is no-nonsense. It has BULLETED LISTS! <3

I wanted to snap for the entirety of Chapter 15 But What If I Hate Al Sharpton? It seems this is where so many people are. And honestly, it's a little bit where I am with this book. I don't know that I would like, on a personality level, Oluo. Some of her statements smack a bit egotistical to me. The one criticism I have of her content is that people who set themselves up as educators on a difficult topic, cannot then be offended when people ask to address that difficult topic. It is absolutely not the burden of any person of color to educate a white person on their own inherent bias or participation in white supremacy. But Oluo has made her career about that. Should she be paid? without question or exception. But she seemed galled that sometimes, when she wasn't in the mood, white people might ask questions. I had to do a little head cock at that. I mean, if you never said "Hey, I make my living educating people about race, writing about race, and answering questions about race," I can understand why you'd be put-upon if someone keeps asking you about race. But that's not Oluo's life. She has declared this to be her purpose. So...yeah I'm not sure how self-aware or humble Oluo is, but what she has to offer in terms of a necessary narrative, deeply impactful observations, and very specific how-tos is what the world needs right now.

Her chapter on discrimination against Asian Americans is one of the best compilations of info on the subject I have read, and a welcome contribution. Many people in the United States assume that positive stereotypes are not damaging. Many people assume the "model minority" is not about racial prejudice at its core. Many people are not aware of massive gaps in wealth and privilege or even of different ethnicities. She dismantles that in a sequence of arguments. Very well done.

So yeah, you don't need me telling you to read it because finally people's awareness is growing and they are seeking resources out for themselves. But do read this. ...more

Like · see review

Dec 23, 2021 Celeste rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021

This book is amazing. Everyone should read it. It made me think and feel about my privilege and experiences. I also learned through the explanations within this book, and I think I still have a lot to learn. I appreciate the brutal honesty and the emotional cost it took the author to write this brilliant book. Also, Bahni Turpin narrates the audiobook, and she is a gem!

Like · see review

May 18, 2018 Miri rated it really liked it

Shelves: race

I had a hard time getting into this book at first because I read pretty much everything Ijeoma Oluo writes online and this really felt like an over-eager editor had gone through and removed anything that might keep the book from appealing to as wide an audience as possible. It just didn’t sound like her.

But as the book goes on and gets into more complex topics, it gets much more interesting and Oluo’s personal stories, which often introduce each chapter, give the writing her voice. I especially ...more

Like · see review