Play Book Tag discussion

How to Be an Antiracist - Ibram X. Kendi

4 stars

I think that this was an important book that prompted me to think about the many issues involved in racism and racial inequality. It allows the reader to look inward and self reflect on what they can do to help change things on a personal level. I have read Kendi's previous book, Stamped from the Beginning, and this follow up brings up many of the same themes without all of the historical detail. I think that I got more out of How to Be an Antiracist having read Stamped from the Beginning first. I think some of his concepts would not have had the impact if I hadn't read the historical context included in the previous book. However, this book does take the reader farther than the first book and reminds the reader that everyone has work to do to be antiracist and it is a continuing process to be mindful of our own thoughts and actions. I am glad I read this book and may find myself picking it in the future to help keep the issues fresh in my mind.

I really liked how he brought in his own life into it, including how he changed his beliefs over time. I also liked that he addressed other issues, like class, gender, homophobia, etc. as being part of the same system.

I heard a talk a couple years ago that used the metaphor of a moving walkway at an airport. The walkway is the established culture. If you do nothing, you keep getting carried along. You have to turn around and make the effort to walk against the tide, which isn't always easy.