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Group Read: ‘How To Be An Antiracist’ by Ibram X. Kendi
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This book has been significantly highlighted as a must-read for those wanting to more actively participate in the antiracist movement. I am looking to find tangible ways to change my day-to-day behaviour and confront my thinking in order to be a better ally and think that I could learn a lot from this book from that perspective.I have to say that I didn’t know about Ibram X. Kendi until I heard about this book and have spent some time reading about him and his illustrious career since. I am starting to ask more questions about who wrote the books and articles I am reading and from what perspective are they writing nowadays, particularly in the light of heated debate regarding books like ‘White Fragility’ and ‘American Dirt’.
I asked the question ‘where did you buy/borrow the book from?’ because, almost without realising, I have started to purchase almost all my books from Amazon, (including this one) especially now that I read so much on the Kindle and am wondering if others find themselves in the same boat and how they feel about it. For me, it is important to start putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and buy more from small-business, particularly, Black-owned small businesses. To that end, I’m on the search for some Black-owned bookstores that are in/ship to the UK - if anyone has any suggestions, please do let me know!
I didn't know anything about the the author before buying the ebook last week, but this week he was interviewed by Stephen Colbert. You can probably find the interview online. He talked about the difference between being "not a racist" and "anti-racist", that the latter is about being willing to continue look at our thoughts and actions, evaluate, and learn. It's more a way of being.
Oh thanks for that Robin - I will check the clip out! Yes, 'a way of being' is an apt way to put it.
Nileema wrote: "This book has been significantly highlighted as a must-read for those wanting to more actively participate in the antiracist movement. I am looking to find tangible ways to change my day-to-day behaviourTo that end, I’m on the search for some Black-owned bookstores that are in/ship to the UK - if anyone has any suggestions, please do let me know!..."
Nileema, I found these lists when I was searching for the same thing a few days ago:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/uk-boo...
https://ukblackwritersforum.wordpress...
I've not ordered anything yet as I much prefer shopping for books in person than online, but I'm hoping to visit a couple of these when I'm in London next.
Hannah wrote: "Nileema wrote: "This book has been significantly highlighted as a must-read for those wanting to more actively participate in the antiracist movement. I am looking to find tangible ways to change m..."These are great links Hannah, thanks for sharing! I, too, much prefer shopping for books in person, so much more satisfying! :)
Great way to kick off the discussion, Nileema! I finished the book last week, but look forward to participating in more discussion.Why are you reading ‘How To Be An Antiracist’?
I picked up this book because, like many of you noted, it has been highlighted on just about every list of books to read to learn more about racism in the US and the Black Lives Matter movement.
In a weird coincidence, I first heard about this book....in the fall maybe? I have a friend who is a professor and some students at her school wanted to invite Kendi to speak as part of the school's lecture series. I can't remember all of the details, but ultimately it was felt that he was too controversial.
In hindsight, I realize that all of the people making the decisions were likely White. And by saying Kendi was too controversial, what they likely meant was that he would make White people feel uncomfortable.
The book hit my radar then, but jumped up a few notches when Kendi was interviewed by Trevor Noah about the YA version of Stamped, and it catapulted to the top of my list with George Floyd and BLM.
What do you know about Ibram X. Kendi?
Not as much as I should! What I know about him is limited to what I learned from his book and his interview with Trevor Noah. I really would like to go read some of his long form articles. I believe he is a regular contributor to The Atlantic and I love The Atlantic.
Where did you buy/borrow the book from?
Shamefully, I bought the Kindle version from Amazon because I wanted it at that exact moment. But, like others, I would like to be more intentional on where I buy my books.
I am currently reading White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, which I bought from a small independent bookstore, but it was not a Black-owned bookstore.
I want to get to The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness and Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot as well, and would like to purchase those from a Black-owned bookstore. I should do some research and order them this weekend so that I will have them in hand when I am ready to dive in!
I'm hoping to start this book tonight!I got my copy also through me e-book. I did check one local bookstore, and my library- both were super backlogged with copies, and it would be a hefty wait- so e-book it is. I put a link with Black-owned bookstores in the initial Tag Announcement thread also.
@Nileema, here's a link I found with Black owned bookstores in London:
https://www.timeout.com/london/news/b...
I've been following the BLM movement for a few years now, so this increase in fellowship and exposure is long overdue in mind. I admit, I wasn't "active" until recently. I hope to learn more, and gain more perspective during these times. I also like to be a person who can start the conversation, or contribute to the conversation in an educated way, albeit uncomfortable for myself and those around me, and reading is one way to help me be able to do this.
I don't know much about Ibram X. Kendi, with the exception of reading his Wikipedia page recently.
I really like how Kendi uses episodes from his own life to illustrate his points, and he doesn't spare himself from having racist attitudes at different times of his life. It makes the book more approachable. He also explains the different views of race over the centuries and recent decades and the flaws in all of them.
Nileema wrote: "Welcome to the PBT discussion on ‘How To Be An Antiracist’ by Ibram X. Kendi! Why are you reading ‘How To Be An Antiracist’?
What do you know about Ibram X. Kendi?
Where did you buy/borrow the book from? ..."
Thanks so much, Nileema for leading this discussion.
I've intended to read How to Be an Antiracist since purchasing it on Amazon in December for a significant savings. I've gone back to what you said about purchasing and I agree with you. I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon. Amazon is not kind to its employees or authors and Bezos is just too rich. I feel like such a hypocrite for investing so much in the company.
I read pretty much only on my kindle and I have so many DTB in my house that I do not want another one.
I had been interested in it before, because it will help me on my journey to who I want to be.
Truthfully, I don't really know anything about Ibram X. Kendi, but I am anxious to find out more.
I just started this book today, but have only read a few pages.
This is the book I just purchased for the July bonus-tag. I haven't started it yet. Why am I reading ‘How To Be An Antiracist’? Because over the past several years I've been learning about systemic racism and having family conversations on the BLM movement & events, and want to continue that learning and self-inspection. I found the book on one of the BLM lists here on Goodreads.
What do I know about Ibram X. Kendi?
Nothing except the background written in the summary of the book.
Where did I buy/borrow the book from?
Barnes & Noble Nook.
I finished this and found it really well done even though it is kind of general. It sounds like his other book is packed with all the historical detail. As a feminist and pacifist, I have already been aware of the fact that all kinds of "domination" themes overlap, disrespecting people is linked to disrespecting the environment, etc. But he gives so many great examples of where well-meaning people, including himself, have gone wrong. I like the emphasis on - if a method isn't working for social change, don't just blame other people who aren't supporting you, examine what other methods you can use. I've often thought that about initiatives like integrating schools or our current health system. Just because it didn't work perfectly so far, doesn't mean it couldn't ever be done well.
I'm finding myself reading this very slowly- trying to take in every sentence word by word as its intended meaning. I don't normally highlight with ebooks, there is so much content I'd like to save in my brain- that I'm doing so with multiple colors.
Joi wrote: "I'm finding myself reading this very slowly- trying to take in every sentence word by word as its intended meaning. I don't normally highlight with ebooks, there is so much content I'd like to save..."I did a lot of Kindle highlighting with this one as well. And, I just finished White Fragility and did the same thing. I have no doubt I will continue the Kindle highlighting trend with The New Jim Crow, which I am starting next.
Nicole and Robin - that's great! anyone can join wherever they are in the book, even if you've finished it! It's really interesting to hear your thoughts having finished it as I make my way through it. I, agree, Robin - using his own personal experiences to illustrate certain themes makes the book very approachable. I was expecting a much more traditional academic style and much prefer Kendi's approach! Makes me reflect more on my own experiences and analyse them through an antiracist perspective with less fear and more of a learning attitude. Joi - I, too, am finding myself going through the book much slower than I expected for similar reasons! Also, thanks for the link!
How is everyone finding the book so far? Any other thoughts?
Here is a question from Kendi's website that I have been mulling over and am interested to hear your opinions, too:
The book’s central message is that the opposite of “racist” isn’t “not racist.” The true opposite of “racist” is antiracist. “The good news,” Kendi writes, “is that racist and antiracist are not fixed identities. We can be racist one minute and an antiracist the next.” What does it mean to have to constantly reaffirm your identity as an antiracist? Is there any benefit to the fact that you can’t just decide you are “not racist” or an antiracist and be done with it?
Hey all, I just started this last night and look forward to getting more into the book.Why are you reading ‘How To Be An Antiracist’?
I added this book to my want to read wishlist at the end of last year and was happy to find it available from the library when looking at the group read options. Having grown up in a very white environment (northern VT) but gravitating towards "white savior" type careers- inner city teaching and international development, I have really tried to educate myself over the years to be more aware of social justice, issues of race and be more mindful of listening rather than talking over and not being racist. I struggle with my comfort spot of silence but would like to more actively shift towards being an anti-racist and look forward to learning more in this book.
What do you know about Ibram X. Kendi?
Not much at all.
Where did you buy/borrow the book from?
Borrowed from public library.
Question from above:
What does it mean to have to constantly reaffirm your identity as an antiracist? Is there any benefit to the fact that you can’t just decide you are “not racist” or an antiracist and be done with it?
To have to constantly reaffirm my identity as an antiracist means that I have to keep doing the work and participate in the daily struggle and join in with those who must struggle daily and can't choose to opt out for a day or a decision. It is work and thinking about the antiracist response will take research, listening and being more mindful about all aspects of life such as where my dollars go, whether I'm talking or listening and who I'm supporting. If it were as easy as just deciding i'm not racist or antiracist, then no change would happen.
I have done some personal development courses that have a similar outlook. The Franklin planner uses this idea. For instance, if I want to improve my fitness, the usual way is to do a bunch of stuff hoping I will eventually be fit (and usually giving up when it isn't happening fast enough.) But if I declare myself today a fit person, or an active person, or even an athlete (even if I've never been one), then I ask myself, "As a fit person, what do I do today?" And if I have a day when I didn't exercise, it doesn't mean I am a failure and not fit. I just recommit and keep working at it. I am never done, like, "Now I am fit, I never have to exercise again!" That won't last.Same thing here, I can declare myself an antiracist from where I am now and look at choices, news stories, etc. from that viewpoint. Since reading this book, I have noticed this. For instance, someone might say, "It's fair if all schools in my state open up". But in reality, schools in communities with more poverty and more people of color are less likely to have resources, staff and space to do social distancing or even extra cleaning. And online learning also is unequal since those populations have less access to internet. The whole system is set up in a way that further disadvantages the already disadvantaged. So it will take something to create a new policy that is not "equal" but "equitable".
Robin wrote: "But if I declare myself today a fit person, or an active person, or even an athlete (even if I've never been one), then I ask myself, "As a fit person, what do I do today?" And if I have a day when I didn't exercise, it doesn't mean I am a failure and not fit. I just recommit and keep working at it."I like that! And it is a very apt comparison to constantly reaffirming antiracism.
It sidelines guilt and blame, which make us defensive and stop us from taking action.
Has anyone read (or skimmed) BOTH of his books, Stamped... and How to be an anti-racist?I'm wondering how much overlap there might be, or which is preferred.
Robin P wrote: "I have done some personal development courses that have a similar outlook. The Franklin planner uses this idea. For instance, if I want to improve my fitness, the usual way is to do a bunch of stuf..."This is definitely an interesting perspective, and a strategy I have heard applied to other areas as you mentioned, such as fitness. I outright admit that I am skeptical of that strategy for me personally.
It makes me really uncomfortable to just declare that I am an antiracist and then look at things through that lens. I do not think I am an antiracist in several areas, and by declaring that I am then am I foregoing the part where I challenge myself to change and grow? Also, since I am not an antiracist, how would I know how to view news stories or policies without the educational component?
I just read White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism and the author recommends the exact opposite. Not to start from the point of being an antiracist, but for everyone to admit that we are racist. Every single one of us. And, in that way, you let go of the time and energy it takes to defend yourself to others.
For me, that was actually freeing. If I can just admit that I am racist because the system is racist (not because I am a horrible person), then I could solely focus on change and growth, instead of employing defense mechanisms to prove that I am not racist and, therefore, I am a good person.
Different strategies work for different people, but I know that I always work hardest and learn the most, when I don't start at the goal, but start on the path toward that goal and then work hard to keep climbing. As I climb my goals shift and change, often moving further away as I get closer, but that motivates me to keep working to grow and improve.
For me, saying that I have racist tendencies (or, according to Kendi, assimilationist tendencies. The author of White Fragility sticks more with you are antiracist or you are racist) allows me to focus on the next stretch of the climb, as opposed to my turning around and explaining to people that I shouldn't even be on this climb because this is the path for racist and I am not racist.
NancyJ, Stamped is a history book so it's kinda the history before the work. I haven't read How To Be An Antiracist, but that's my understanding. How defines racism and antiracism, as well as types of racism, and how to combat racism. Stamped covers the origins of racist ideas from the beginning, as early as 1400?, up to today. Many names, dates, historical events, policies etc
Nicole - I'm on my phone so I can't quote your post or type in depth, but I think you and I are in alignment in how we approach this for ourselves. To declare you are antiracist declares an action and without it you aren't. But Kendi has said you can be antiracist one day and not the next, falter and recover. That gives me comfort, to allow myself to be human, put myself out there, hear the criticism or reaction to what I am doing and correct, try again. Wash. rinse, repeat.
Meli wrote: "But Kendi has said you can be antiracist one day and not the next, falter and recover. "When I read this book I also felt like I was an antiracist on some things but still working toward antiracism on others. It was hard for me to envision myself in just one category or another, but, instead, I found myself envisioning dozens of dots, each one a different race-based view, and each dot was at a different place along the assimilation to antiracist continuum (I truly do not believe I am a segregationist on anything!).
That brought me comfort too. I am not all or nothing. But things I have an antiracist stance on, what can I do to take more action. For things I have more of an assimilationist view on, what can I do to educate myself more and break those stereotypical thoughts I have.
I am not sure that is how Kendi wanted us to take his book, but that is definitely what I got from it! lol
Nicole R wrote: "Robin P wrote: "I have done some personal development courses that have a similar outlook. The Franklin planner uses this idea. For instance, if I want to improve my fitness, the usual way is to do..."I think I wasn't clear, I actually agree with you, I didn't mean to imply we just say we are antiracist. I first have to acknowledge that something I said or did or supported is racist and what the consequences are. Then I can choose to speak and act in a way that is antiracist. Kendi says we will never totally BE antiracist. For a different example, I vowed to love my husband but often I realize that something I said or did was not conducive to that. I have to see that, apologize, maybe do something else about it and choose how to be, knowing that I will never be 100% loving 24 hours a day, and yet that doesn't make me a terrible person. Deciding I am a terrible person (or someone else is) makes it less likely that I will take positive actions.
I'm only on chapter two and I had a lot of thoughts about assimilation and segregation. He seems to be criticizing development programs as being racist because they assume there is a racial inferiority to be fixed. I've worked in education, Human Resources (including affirmative action), and Org development for most of my career, so I have a hard time seeing development programs as a negative or racist practice. I can think of a lot of tremendously helpful policies and programs, such as Head start, educational affirmative action, mentoring programs, internships, scholarship programs, etc. I helped companies to improve corporate recruitment and selection processes to reduce discriminatory barriers, stereotyping, implicit bias, etc., and I held managers accountable for racist behaviors and decisions. I think these are all anti-racist policies. Schools like Barnard College (for women) and Howard University (a traditionally black college), are excellent schools that use segregation in an anti-sexist or anti-racist way.
Meli wrote: "NancyJ, Stamped is a history book so it's kinda the history before the work. I haven't read How To Be An Antiracist, but that's my understanding. How defines racism and antiracism, as well as types..."Thanks, I have the audio of Stamped, and based on the intro I think I know more about the history than I thought I did. This is the kind of book that would be better in paper, or kindle (to highlight key points). I might pick up the book later to dig into topics that I don't know much about. The Redlining practice in mortgage applications is really infuriating to me. I've had many MBA students who worked in banking, and some in mortgage operations. I would have loved to discuss that in a class on ethics.
Robin P wrote: "I have done some personal development courses that have a similar outlook. The Franklin planner uses this idea. For instance, if I want to improve my fitness, the usual way is to do a bunch of stuf..."Robin, I think that approach has real value because self-image can be powerful. It becomes harder to do something if it violates your own self-concept of the kind of person you are. Writing down your principles and values strengthens your intentions.
The hard part of course is recognizing when you're doing or thinking something that violates your values and intentions. I'm finding this book to be really helpful in thinking deeply and critically about my beliefs and behaviors. It's even harder to recognize when we're accepting or failing to act against something racist, perhaps because it's not our responsibility.
What I love about this author is his acceptance of fact that we can't be perfect all the time. I like him so much better than another author I read last year. (Ta'Nihisi Coates)
I'm not sure, but I think the Franklin and Covey ideas work well with some of the newer books on habits. If you can somehow create a habit to be introspective or intentional about certain types of behaviors or thoughts, it can strengthen the desired self concept.
In management, I think it's necessary to identify WHEN you need to really focus on examining your thoughts or judgments for evidence of bias. For instance, we all use stereotyping to save mental effort, and we can't stop completely. But we can choose to focus harder when making hiring or promotion decisions. Just like in marriage, you can't be loving 100% of the time, but you can create a habit to do something loving at key times.
Yes, great point at the end, NancyJ, action is what really makes a difference, not just thinking about it, and one way to take action is to develop a habit. When I was in management and hired people, for each one we didn't hire we had to state why, such as qualifications or how they did on a test, to show we weren't doing it out of bias. But then we started using temp-to-hire from agencies. It was great for us because if they didn't work out in the first weeks, we could just call the temp agency and say the person wasn't working out. We could give a general reason, like he wasn't catching on fast enough, but no documentation was needed. I always wondered what would stop the employer from finding fault with anyone who was a certain race, or gender, or age while keeping those that were "a good fit", that is most like the boss. It's so easy for people to be swayed because the applicant went to the same college or has a hobby you have. In fact, when I myself interviewed with a manager to get my first job in that company, I swear it helped that I had a similar career background, which we talked about and somehow it also came up that we both did scrapbooking. Seems very innocent but serves to reinforce the status quo.
Robin P wrote: "Yes, great point at the end, NancyJ, action is what really makes a difference, not just thinking about it, and one way to take action is to develop a habit. When I was in management and hired peo..."
Yes, I was always the person asking managers to explain their decisions. I got a little push back from some, but I found in the end it was more effective than just doing a training seminar.
Using an agency like that doesn't necessarily eliminate your liability though. An applicant could file a charge against both the agency and your company. So it doesn't hurt to provide a little more detail in your notes. (This might depend on state law. I don't recall.)
Who knew scrapbooking could be a clincher! The same thing worked for my husband. He got his first job out of college because of a mutual interest in sailing. (He had a summer job teaching sailing to kids.) I strongly agree with your comment about the status quo. If we only hire people similar to ourselves, we miss other perspectives that might help make the company more adaptable to change.
Robin P wrote: "I think I wasn't clear, I actually agree with you, I didn't mean to imply we just say we are antiracist. I first have to acknowledge that something I said or did or supported is racist and what the consequences are. Then I can choose to speak and act in a way that is antiracist. Kendi says we will never totally BE antiracist. "Thank you for clarifying your point, Robin! Yes, I think we definitely have similar views. It has been very interesting to read these books and think about some of the racist views I still have and the fact that I never thought of them as racist before.
One that I have noticed is that, unconsciously (subconsciously?), I have associated what people should look like in order to "look professional" or "act professional" with a white standard. Now that I have recognized this in myself, then I can choose (or at least strive) to change that reaction and be antiracist.
It is hard though! Worthwhile, obviously, but challenging to change these deep-seated views and reactions that I am only now starting to realize have racist roots. I will not do it perfectly the first time (or probably the 20th), but, as Meli, said: wash, rinse, repeat.
Our church had a speaker recently (on Zoom) talking about the book White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America. I was very surprised to find that the speaker, whose first name is Karen, was a black woman. (She joked about having that name these days.) I had an automatic assumption (racist) that an expert talking about the white underclass would be a white academic.
That book has been on my TBR for years! How was her lecture? Should I move the book up my list? Have you read it?And, in all honesty, I also shared your assumption that she was White. I don’t know if it was that I assumed someone writing on that topic would be White or if my greater assumption is that all “Karen”s are White! Lol
Nicole R wrote: "That book has been on my TBR for years! How was her lecture? Should I move the book up my list? Have you read it?And, in all honesty, I also shared your assumption that she was White. I don’t kno..."
Sorry, I wasn't clear. The author is definitely white. The person giving the presentation about the book was a black minister/academic. Our church is Unitarian, which is famously full of middle and upper middle class educated white liberals, who proclaim we respect everyone, but often look down on anyone without advanced education or a professional job. We are going to do a study group about the White Trash book, as well as something on black/white issues.
Nileema wrote: ...from Kendi's questions..."What does it mean to have to constantly reaffirm your identity as an antiracist? Is there any benefit to the fact that you can’t just decide you are “not racist” or an antiracist and be done with it?"I'm only in chapter 3 but I am getting the vibe that he suggests using these labels of racist and antiracist as labels on an action or policy or a personal belief, rather than a label of one's identity. I think there is a benefit to this, because it allows for growth and change. I also think that if you don't have to label a person, but instead can label the person's action, statement or policy, it might help with the defensiveness that comes from a person who has been given a negative label on their identity. I think Kendi is also trying to give us a new lens to use for focusing on racist vs antiracist statements, thoughts, policies, etc. And it is a constant process to use the new lens to evaluate ones own behaviors, thoughts, reactions to media, reactions to events or policies in our workplace or communty etc. elf, and a constant process to use the lens in evaluating others and/or policies.
Yes, great point, Yvonne. He doesn't focus on blame or guilt but on looking at systems and policies and taking action. I get a daily newsletter from Lit Hub, that has links to all kinds of articles related to books. One article today says that public libraries reinforce white privilege. Reasons include requiring govt. ID (they question why that is always necessary), fines or penalties that cause people to stay away, security guards who look like police, even the Dewey Decimal system. I think that's an interesting example of something that doesn't look exclusionary to most of us, but could be looked at through the lens of racist vs antiracist policies.
After going back to work this month, I'm struggling a bit on reading this or anything.I'm enjoying the conversation around this, but think I might need to pick up something lighter and read this at a slower pace.
Robin P wrote: "Yes, great point, Yvonne. He doesn't focus on blame or guilt but on looking at systems and policies and taking action. I get a daily newsletter from Lit Hub, that has links to all kinds of articl..."
I have a hard time seeing the library as exclusionary, but I can see how someone might feel intimidated by guards. The main downtown branch of my library system seems to have a very high percentage of black patrons, especially when I look at the rows of people using the computers. This is also the branch that always has guards at both doors. I haven't noticed guards in most other branches.
My branch offers an ESL class, so I see more immigrant families in the library. (I love how the kids show the parents around.)
Booknblues wrote: "After going back to work this month, I'm struggling a bit on reading this or anything.I'm enjoying the conversation around this, but think I might need to pick up something lighter and read this ..."
I think it's really hard to read a book like this cover to cover. I'm reading just one or two chapters in between other books. My book is already overdue, so I need to pick up the pace. I have the audio, but I don't like it. The chapter on culture was really disappointing on audio. I got the impression he really doesn't understand culture at all. It sounded like he was blaming white people in power for any problems in the black culture. I might see it differently when I read the chapter in the book.
DONE! Finally. I finished the book and my (very wordy) review. I would love some comments, even if you tell me I'm clueless. It's 2am and I'm going to drive to the library to drop off my overdue book. It was worth the effort. It was very rewarding to read this book along with other books related to race this month.Thank you to the mods for creating this bonus tag. It was very worth while reading.
NancyJ wrote: "BI think it's really hard to read a book like this cover to cover. I'm reading just one or two chapters in between other books."I completely agree with this, Nancy. The book took me a while to read because I read it in small chunks (about a chapter at a time) and then I would spend a couple of days reflecting on it and skimming that chapter again.
It has been how I have read each of the BLM books I have read this month. And it has been totally worth it to take a step back, slow down, and truly think about what the authors are saying.
I have one chapter of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness left that I definitely will get to this week and wrap up by the end of the month.
NancyJ wrote: "Thank you to the mods for creating this bonus tag. It was very worth while reading."We are glad you participated in the bonus tag and found value in it!
I am going to continue my reading even past this month. I have two more that I definitely want to get to, and then another one or two floating on the periphery.
And, hopefully in the future, I will be more likely to sporadically pick up books on the topic of race as they come out/are brought to my attention.
Nancy, I just read your review and we had many of the same thoughts! I applaud you for being so honest in your review and really reflecting on your thoughts and actions within the context of Kendi's message. I agree that one of the things that was great about Kendi is that he acknowledged that all people are racist, not just white people. It was shocking to really think about how racist themes and ideas are so embedded in today's culture and society that every single person, regardless of race, is exposed to this hierarchy (or, as Michelle Alexander says, caste system) of people based on their color.
I also think that many readers, myself included, couldn't help by think "yes, but..." when reading some of Kendi's analysis and conclusions. I had to check that hard. I think more than Kendi's book, White Fragility helped me to realize why many of my rationalizations were unhelpful and, oftentimes, just downright wrong.
You have mentioned Head Start a couple of times as well as some scholarships/training that you have a hard time accepting as racist. It has been a bit since I read the book so this is not a direct quote, but I seem to remember Kendi talking about programs that are specifically targeted to help Black people (like affirmative action) or may be targeted to help low socioeconomic classes and indirectly disproportionately help Black people (like Head Start). It seemed like he was saying that these programs are not necessarily racist depending on your motivation.
An assimilationist would believe that these programs are necessary because Black people need extra help to be better (read: more like White people). An antiracist would believe that these programs are necessary because Black people live in a racist culture and a necessary component to combatting systemic racism is to provide opportunities that Black people have historically been barred from or had to overcome many hurdles to have.
By framing the reasoning for the program differently we shift the focus to the inherent racism of the system. And that is another thing that I liked about Kendi -- he wants to change the system, not individual minds. Not that he doesn't want individuals to think differently, but he thinks changing the system comes first and then minds will follow. Definitely the opposite way that most grassroots efforts think, but one that actually seems less daunting to me than changing the mind of every racist in this country!
Yes, I think most people running those programs have good intentions. They might come across as racist or patronizing if they make biased assumptions about initial skill levels or abilities. I was impressed by a local program that helped college students or job seekers polish their professional communication skills, because it's so important in most jobs.When I started conducting training for one major tech company, I noticed that the on average, the black employees had stronger verbal communication skills than the white employees. They would thrust out their hands and introduce themselves before a class, while the white employees just sat down. It was noticeable because it ran counter to the stereotype. I figured they probably came from a different recruitment source (a school or mentoring program) which is good. Or the company used more stringent standards when hiring black employees, which is not fair.
For years I really wanted to believe the post racial myth, and because of my roles, people tended to not reveal their most racist beliefs in front of me. Some of the companies were bending over backwards to hire more women and blacks in certain departments. Black female engineers were always in demand with certain government contractors. In some of the companies I worked with, I know that at least some people in power truly supported non-racist policies, if not anti-racist policies. There were often good business reasons, so self- interest certainly did play a role, as Kendi argues in the book.
CHANGING THE SYSTEMS versus minds. That was one of my favorite notes from the books. At the implementation level, I can see how that can work. But it takes a long time to get to that stage. The hard part is getting the right people to agree to change the policy (or law) to begin with. And then to recognize that the system, policy or practice interacts with other systems, and practices, and they all involve people. In companies, Middle managers are often seen as most resistant to change, because they're getting resistance and pressure from the most people. (And they're still held accountable to keep the business operating without any interruptions.)
Someday I want to read a good book or article about the fight(s) to legalize gay marriage. It seemed to happen overnight, when suddenly the majority of Americans supported the principle of gay marriage. But I know it probably required 50 years of other changes to get to that point. And lots of novels, TV shows and movies showing gay people with the same issues, values and concerns as other people. In relationships with similar issues. Stories build empathy and they can support change.
Great discussion everyone! Sorry I haven't been active on here recently - life outside of the Internet has been increasingly busy for me of late - but it looks like you all have been thinking a lot about the ideas and issues the book has brought up for you each personally! Nicole, I especially like your point:
"For me, that was actually freeing. If I can just admit that I am racist because the system is racist (not because I am a horrible person), then I could solely focus on change and growth, instead of employing defense mechanisms to prove that I am not racist and, therefore, I am a good person."
And can see that many others have picked up on this thread in a simialr vein. I have to agree with this notion and I find that it has also helped me to critically evaluate my thoughts and actions on a more regular basis. I hope that doing so will open my eyes to areas where I may have been blind to my racist-ness and make those small everyday changes that build into a lifetime of active anti-racism.
I also have found myself thinking of some of the earlier points Kendi makes a lot lately ... I am finding more and more examples of subliminal assimilation messaging etc. now that I have this new vocabulary to see the world with. I really appreciate that the most about this book. It's been a very practical way of learning and will stay with me and change my thinking for a long long time.
I know this thread will soon lose it's prominence and I was always conscious of the fact that even having this theme for the month can be viewed in many ways as performative. To ensure that it is not, I encourage everyone to think about ways in which they will carry forward what they've learnt from this book and elsewhere and how you can be actively anti-racist going forward.
As Kendi asks in the group discussion guide:
What is the first step you, personally, will take in striving to be an antiracist? How will you check yourself and hold yourself accountable if you notice you, or someone else, is being racist?
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (other topics)White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America (other topics)
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (other topics)
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (other topics)
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (other topics)
More...
Please post your thoughts here as you make your way through the book - it looks as though we will have a lively, thoughtful and considerate discussion, based on the enthusiasm in the announcement thread.
I will be posting questions* to guide the conversation as we move through July, however, please do not feel obligated to limit posts to these suggestions. In fact, I encourage everyone to bring their own questions, thoughts and perspectives for a richer, more involved discussion!
To start us off, here are some questions to think about before/whilst starting reading:
Why are you reading ‘How To Be An Antiracist’?
What do you know about Ibram X. Kendi?
Where did you buy/borrow the book from?
*Many of these will be from the discussion guide found on Kendi’s website: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be...