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Ellie asked this question about Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race:
I don't feel the most comfortable asking this question but I'm asking because this is a topic I don't tend to read about much out of, again, discomfort. Not because I can't accept what my ancestors did, more because I'm worried about the chance I might disagree with some of it. My question is, does this book require you to agree with all of it's views to be enjoyable or is it a good discussion piece in it's own right?
Teresa My input is that you should always seek to expand your thinking. You don't have to AGREE to learn and understand a different opinion. Also every book …moreMy input is that you should always seek to expand your thinking. You don't have to AGREE to learn and understand a different opinion. Also every book isn't intended to be enjoyable - and that is subjective - different people find different topics to be enjoyable. But a topic like this, I don't imagine many people find to be a FUN read. I would encourage you to at least give it a skim with an open mind to see the point of view that is being written. I personally :-) give you permission to not agree with all the views therein. ;-) . Also, I don't believe there is such a thing as a stupid question, however, I think that you question reveals your discomfort and perhaps some underlying fears (let me absolve you from what your ancestors did - don't feel guilty. YOU are only responsible for YOUR behavior - THAT is THE truth. You cannot be responsible for something done centuries before your birth - You can't be responsible for the behaviors that your parents may have done (if that's the case) - not slavery, but racism didn't end with slavery. Take a peek at the book. Give yourself permission to not HAVE to agree with everything and take a stand that you will at least enjoy seeing what this person's truth is.
I haven't read the book, but I am certainly curious to do so now and intend to. Follow up with me if you like and we can converse about it. I promise to not make you feel "some kind of way" ;-) I like Lechelle's answer to you, and looks like Angie has some good info on the topics - (I predict you will definitely find some of it uncomfortable, but that's ok - be willing to feel that and learn :-) - i hope this was a little bit helpful.
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Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race
by Reni Eddo-Lodge
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