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A review by readingthroughinfinity
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This is a really great, thought-provoking read. The book delves into the different experiences of being an immigrant in the UK and the stereotypical, racist ideas surrounding 'bad' immigrants that are perpetuated by the police, government, and media. Because of these harmful narratives, immigrants often have to go above and beyond to prove themselves as the 'good' kind of immigrant; an idea that Nikesh Shukla unpacks and dismantles.
The book contains 21 essays by 21 different writers, actors, and comedians and all are accessible and engaging. Each writer contributes some of their experiences of being an immigrant, describing events such as racial profiling, mispronounced names, airport detainment, and being told to 'go back to where you came from'. This is a brilliant essay collection and one that I wish everyone in the UK would read, especially people who claim this country 'isn't racist'. This book shows that to be an entirely misplaced and untrue claim.
The book contains 21 essays by 21 different writers, actors, and comedians and all are accessible and engaging. Each writer contributes some of their experiences of being an immigrant, describing events such as racial profiling, mispronounced names, airport detainment, and being told to 'go back to where you came from'. This is a brilliant essay collection and one that I wish everyone in the UK would read, especially people who claim this country 'isn't racist'. This book shows that to be an entirely misplaced and untrue claim.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Islamophobia
Minor: Xenophobia and Gaslighting