How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi -> Starting August 10th, 2021

[Aly]

Ibram X. Kendi's concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America--but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. In How to be an Antiracist, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it.

In this book, Kendi weaves together an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science, bringing it all together with an engaging personal narrative of his own awakening to antiracism. How to Be an Antiracist is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a truly just and equitable society

[Ruthie]

Commenting so I can get a notification on comments! Excited to get into this one.

[Isabel]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Every book i read about race that is "set" in America never fails to mention the deeply rooted racism and systematic racism.
Although we European are definitely at the root of the racism and slave trade origins and problems, i feel like that European populations hide their racism better. Of course they are 'inherently' racist (to a certain degree) as well but they confine comments or beliefs to their private space: i've never heard a racist comment while in public towards anyone, to be honest.

Nevertheless,everythi f X. Kendi mentions is beyond true and the layers of racism and disproportionate inequity make it even more difficult to support people of color out of the difficult situation that has been imposed on them by white populations and their beliefs of superiority. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

I've finished it! I thought it was a very good read!

(view spoiler)[
I did think there were a lot of backstories and "setting the scene" which I know is important and the section with actual tips about how to be an antiracist was very short and towards the end and I wish that part was expounded upon more. I felt like he was trying to convince readers that racism is a problem through examples about the history and throughout history. But, I don't necessarily need all those examples I need more of the "how-to" and that's why I picked up this book so I do feel the title is a bit misleading (hide spoiler)]

[Isabel]

Wow, that was quick!
After reading your comment, I can understand why you might feel misleaded by the title. I need to add though that as an European (Luxembourger, to be exact hh), I'm finding the book beyond interesting since I can explore, through his example, the issues of racisms in America, something which is constantly in the news and on platform but which i can barely actually set into context, so I'm very happy about him contexualising the "micro"- and "macro"agressions as well.

[Isabel]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[I totally understand not agreeing with a cultural practice or being against it (like out-dated and disgusting childbrides in certain cultures) but i can't phantom completely dismissing a whole culture because of the practicants' skin tone. (hide spoiler)]

[Isabel]

Chapter 10:

The theory about white people being an alien race was too funny, as was his friends response to it.
But I agree on not understanding how humans can do any of those hurtful acts towards each other.

[Isabel]

Finished:

I felt like this book contained too much. While Kendi's commentary and insight was really interested and important, I felt myself losing interesting around the 3/4er mark because it felt extremely long and too packed.

It still would recommend it, though.

[Ruthie]

Isabel wrote: "Chapter 10:

The theory about white people being an alien race was too funny, as was his friends response to it.
But I agree on not understanding how humans can do any of those hurtful acts toward..."


"But I agree on not understanding how humans can do any of those hurtful acts towards each other." Totally agree! I don't understand it at all!! It's so sad

[Ruthie]

Isabel wrote: "Finished:

I felt like this book contained too much. While Kendi's commentary and insight was really interested and important, I felt myself losing interesting around the 3/4er mark because it felt..."

It did I agree especially with someone who has a different background than him with historical studies etc. I feel like he could have taken each topic or each chapter and made a whole book about it. Because there were a few things I wanted more information about and a few I thought were expounded about more than needed

[Isabel]

Ruthie wrote: "Isabel wrote: "Finished:

I felt like this book contained too much. While Kendi's commentary and insight was really interested and important, I felt myself losing interesting around the 3/4er mark ..."

That is very true! I also found myself getting confused or loosing track of the exact discussed topic sometimes because the case studies took up so much place.

[Ruthie]

Isabel wrote: "Ruthie wrote: "Isabel wrote: "Finished:

I felt like this book contained too much. While Kendi's commentary and insight was really interested and important, I felt myself losing interesting around ..."

Yes! True!

Any other anti-racist literature you've been wanting to get into? I've only read this and white fragility so I'm open to suggestions and we could do a BR of another one next month

[Isabel]

Here are all books (about race) i've in my TBR pile so far: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

i would be interested in all of them :) so you're free to pick one that sparks your interest as well