How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that this was a difficult book to read for two main reasons. One, it is not a book I typically read. Two, I had to face some realities in myself. This book challenged not only some of my own racist tendencies, but even my belief in the source of racism.

Kendi does a thorough job of breaking down racism historically as well as how racism reveals itself in many different areas. This is not just a discussion of black vs white or minority vs majority. Kendi goes into how race plays out in biology, sexuality, geography and even within classes of the same race. Kendi uses each chapter to trace his own experiences and racist leanings. This is not a book being pro any race. In the end Kendi wants to see equality between the races and equity between all races and classes.

As this book unfolded I found myself in two places. Admitting my own racist beliefs and challenging the authors arguments. I also had to ask myself if my denials were evidence of racist attitudes. Jury is still out on that one.

This is definitely worth the time to read but it will not be easy. Especially if you allow yourself to be confronted with the arguments and conclusions.

A few of my takeaways.
Kendi states that I am not a racist, or being neutral on racism are not options. One of his primary arguments are that at any time we are either racist or anti-racist and that we flip flop between the two. I had to admit that this is me. As much as I would like to argue that I am not a racist, that I have black friends, family members, co-workers etc. I can still recognize racist attitudes within myself.

Kendi speaks of upsuasion which I tended to believe. If you work hard enough, get educated. etc. you can overcome the oppression. Kendi also points out that those in power to make policy (self interested whites) create the hierarchy that defines the expectation. In essence, if they would try harder they can be more like me. As much as that may sound good, now it just sounds racist.

The author concludes that racism is the product of powerful policy makers protecting their self interest. In essence from the beginning America has had powerful white elites setting policy to protect their interest. While these policies do no benefit all whites the same and do not harm all blacks to the same degree there are still racist policies in play. The problem is not hatred and ignorance but policy and preservation of power.

This is the opposite of what I have always believed. Now I am not so sure.

So as I said this book challenged me in ways I have not been confronted recently. I am not done (I hope) in facing this issue. I did not agree with every argument or every conclusion but you will have to read for yourself instead of me telling you which ones. Then we can discuss further.

I also do not think one book or one reading is going to solve the problem. But until we agree there is a problem and what the problem is we will not get very far. This book reveals the problem and proposes the cause not just the symptoms. The problem is multi facted and has festered for centuries. But as Kendi compares the problem to a cancer infecting our nation, he reminds us that cancer has its survivors, and we can survive this too.

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