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A review by nietnoah
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This book really got me reflecting and thinking deeply. This review is more of a response essay to the thoughts it stirred in me. I just need to let it all out:
One thing that’s really been weighing on me is how often I’ve let people slide for their blatant racism. I’m tired of being told how to feel and think by white people. It’s disheartening that it took me so long to gather the courage to push back and reclaim my voice. I’ve been labeled as too angry or direct my whole life. Witnessing the mistreatment of myself and my black friends by teachers, police, and others has been a painful reality. Even my innocent little brother, who wouldn’t harm a soul, has faced more police scrutiny than any white person I know. Racism is a daily reality for me. I can’t shake off this constant mix of sadness and anger, knowing I have to keep fighting. Why must I carry the burden of generational pain while many white people I know do nothing to effect change?
And you know what’s even more frustrating? The perpetual expectation for black people to educate white people, to patch each other’s wounds, and to lift each other up. We’re expected to work twice as hard as our white peers and yet still don’t receive the same treatment. I’m angry, I’m sad, and I’m frustrated with white people who turn a blind eye to this issue. I know some readers will feel attacked, and frankly, I don’t care. Consider it a wake-up call. I don’t want your pity or your “support.” As Reni says in her book, “I don’t want white guilt.” I’d rather see action taken against systemic racism. Don’t just show solidarity when a black person is watching.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on, I also feel hopeful for myself and my peers. I’ll definitely be more discerning about who I engage with in discussions about race, given the deep-rooted nature of this issue. I strongly urge everyone, especially my fellow black people, to read this book. And for white people, it’s essential reading. There’s simply no excuse not to.
One thing that’s really been weighing on me is how often I’ve let people slide for their blatant racism. I’m tired of being told how to feel and think by white people. It’s disheartening that it took me so long to gather the courage to push back and reclaim my voice. I’ve been labeled as too angry or direct my whole life. Witnessing the mistreatment of myself and my black friends by teachers, police, and others has been a painful reality. Even my innocent little brother, who wouldn’t harm a soul, has faced more police scrutiny than any white person I know. Racism is a daily reality for me. I can’t shake off this constant mix of sadness and anger, knowing I have to keep fighting. Why must I carry the burden of generational pain while many white people I know do nothing to effect change?
And you know what’s even more frustrating? The perpetual expectation for black people to educate white people, to patch each other’s wounds, and to lift each other up. We’re expected to work twice as hard as our white peers and yet still don’t receive the same treatment. I’m angry, I’m sad, and I’m frustrated with white people who turn a blind eye to this issue. I know some readers will feel attacked, and frankly, I don’t care. Consider it a wake-up call. I don’t want your pity or your “support.” As Reni says in her book, “I don’t want white guilt.” I’d rather see action taken against systemic racism. Don’t just show solidarity when a black person is watching.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on, I also feel hopeful for myself and my peers. I’ll definitely be more discerning about who I engage with in discussions about race, given the deep-rooted nature of this issue. I strongly urge everyone, especially my fellow black people, to read this book. And for white people, it’s essential reading. There’s simply no excuse not to.