Title: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race
Author: Reni Eddo-Lodge
First published June 1, 2017
249 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408870556 (ISBN10: 140887055X)
Rating: 4.39
Overview
Award-winning journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge shares her frustration with the way discussions about race and racism are led by those who have never experienced it. Her blog post titled ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ led to this book, where she dives into topics such as erased black history, the political purpose of white dominance, whitewashed feminism, and the undeniable link between race and class.
In this must-read book, Eddo-Lodge provides a timely and essential framework for recognizing, acknowledging, and combating racism in Britain today. Her honest and illuminating insights give voice to the experiences of people of color, making this book a searing, necessary exploration of race relations.
About the Author
Meet Reni Eddo-Lodge, a journalist from Britain who is dedicated to shedding light on feminism and the institutional racism that plagues our society. Her work is focused on breaking down these systemic barriers and bringing about real change.
Editoral Review
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge is a powerful and thought-provoking book that delves into issues of racism and white supremacy that continue to plague society today. Eddo-Lodge, a British writer and journalist, challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about race, and to examine the systemic inequalities that perpetuate racism in society.
The book is structured around a series of essays and personal anecdotes, ranging from Eddo-Lodge’s childhood experiences of racism in school to her experiences and frustrations with anti-racist activism as an adult. The essays are organized thematically, covering topics such as white privilege, institutional racism, and intersectionality.
One of the strengths of the book is Eddo-Lodge’s ability to weave together personal stories and historical analysis, creating a compelling and nuanced argument about the complexity of racism in society. She does not shy away from difficult and uncomfortable conversations, and her writing is unapologetic and fierce.
Another strength of the book is its accessibility. Eddo-Lodge writes in a conversational tone, making complex ideas and theories easily digestible for readers who may not be familiar with the language and terminology of anti-racist activism.
The book is an excellent starting point for readers who are just beginning to engage with issues of race and racism. Perhaps the only weakness of the book is that it is largely focused on the British context, and readers who are not familiar with British history and politics may struggle to fully understand some of the specifics.
However, Eddo-Lodge does an admirable job of explaining the social and historical context, and the themes she explores are universal in their relevance to issues of race and racism across the globe. Overall, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race is an important and timely book that should be read by everyone who is seeking to better understand these complex issues.
Eddo-Lodge’s writing is insightful, passionate, and challenging, and she provides a much-needed voice in the ongoing conversation about race and racism.