Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Published by Bloomsbury, 2017
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This offers a seamless blend of history, case studies, research, and personal reflection that lays bare just how deep-rooted racism is within the UK, at a structural, education, social, and cultural level. Detailed yet digestible, the book is written with clear-eyed passion, while every argument is backed up by quantifiable facts and specific examples; from Britain’s early involvement in the slave trade right up to current everyday discrimination.
It’s worth pointing out that those already of the firm belief that racism and systematic white privilege are considerable problems in the UK are unlikely to find any viewpoints that feel particularly revolutionary here. That said, this would certainly serve as a great starting point or refresher for anyone feeling galvanised by current world events, or those who are keen to dip their toe into critical race theory that doesn’t feel too academic.
I was pleased to see some intersectionality come into play, with chapters that focus on the correlation between race and feminism, and between race and class. Perhaps this could have gone even further (queer Black people face a very specific kind of prejudice, for example, and this wasn’t addressed in any depth), but then this never set out to be an entirely comprehensive text, and what it covers it covers well.
As it is, Eddo-Lodge presents an excellent overview of how and why racist attitudes in the UK have continued to simmer beneath the surface of supposed equality. This is an eloquent, well-researched, intelligent response to anyone who may suggest that “racism isn’t as bad in the UK” or that “all lives matter” when confronted with the realities of the Black Lives Matter movement. If you’re looking to pick up some non-fiction on the issue, you could do a lot worse than starting here.
You can pick up a copy of Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by clicking here.
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This one has been on my radar for ages – and particularly so this last week – I’ll have to check it out. Have you read Citizen by Claudone Rankine? It’s wonderful.
I’ve been meaning to read it for ages as well, so I’m glad I finally picked it up. Yes, Citizen is excellent!
Great review! This is on my black-authored reading list and I’m really looking forward to it now. I do already believe that systemic racism and white privilege are considerable problems, but I’ll probably still read this since I definitely have more to learn 🙂
Thank you! Absolutely; even if the arguments being made aren’t necessarily new to a particular reader, they’re still hugely valid and well presented, so it’s certainly a worthwhile read 😊
Great review! This is one of the books I’ve ordered recently to read soon. I’m sorry to see it doesn’t necessarily present a lot of new info, but glad it looks like a solid read regardless. I’m hoping it’ll be a good starting point for me to read about racism beyond the US.
Thank you! Absolutely; it’s still a very worthwhile read, especially for anyone new(ish) to examples of racism in the UK.
I’ve been seeing this making rounds but your review has convinced me to add it to my TBR. I think an overview/refresher sort of book would suit me, especially since I don’t know a lot about the matter. Great review! 🙂
Thank you! It’s certainly a great choice for those looking for an accessible overview of the issue 😊
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