44 pages • 1 hour read
So You Want to Talk About Race
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Book Brief
250
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo is a non-fiction book that addresses essential questions and issues related to race and racism in the United States through a series of chapters framed as questions, offering explanations and personal anecdotes. Topics include microaggressions, intersectionality, White privilege, police brutality, the school-to-prison pipeline, cultural appropriation, youth activism, and ways to combat systemic racism. The book discusses instances of violence, racial slurs, and police brutality.
Informative
Challenging
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
121,241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewed by many as both powerful and approachable, Ijeoma Oluo's So You Want to Talk About Race is praised for its clarity, accessibility, and insightful exploration of systemic racism. While some critics argue it oversimplifies complex issues, the majority appreciate its practical advice for fostering meaningful conversations on race, making it a highly recommended read. MLA: Oluo, Ijeoma. So You Want to Talk About Race. Seal Press, 2018.
Who Should Read So You Want to Talk About Race?
Ideal for those engaged in social justice, So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo suits readers of White Fragility and How to Be an Antiracist. It’s perfect for individuals seeking to understand systemic racism, privilege, and how to foster productive dialogues about race.
121,241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Malcolm X
Malcolm X
An African-American minister and civil rights activist known for his advocacy of Black empowerment and criticism of non-violent approaches, who serves as a point of reference in discussions about racial justice activism.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.
A prominent African-American Baptist minister and civil rights leader celebrated for his nonviolent approach to advancing social justice, whose legacy is often invoked in discussions about activism and its various methods.
Al Sharpton
Al Sharpton
An African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister known for his work addressing racial issues and advocacy through various media and political platforms, mentioned in discussions about perceptions of anger and activism.
250
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Adult
16+ years
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