Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Journalist Headlee (We Need to Talk), a self-described "light-skinned Black Jew," lowers the temperature around conversations about race in this edifying work. Acknowledging that racism is all too human, Headlee argues that a human-centered approach is needed to address bigotry and bias--namely, having conversations. Informed by her personal encounters and her experience as a National Public Radio host, Headlee offers helpful advice on how to fight racism through "lots and lots of short, low-stakes conversations." Headlee provides expert guidance on asking good, open-ended questions as well as appealing to critical thinking processes to combat prejudices among friends, family members, neighbors, or the "people you bump into at the hardware store or the library." For instance, she recommends discussing "the presence of racism surrounding us" and implicit or systemic racist structures. Written for those who are tired of arguing, debating, and still getting nowhere on the issue of race, Headlee's personal-yet-proficient approach to potentially heated parlays is sure to inspire constructive, and perhaps life-changing, conversations. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
A cohost of the PBS weekly series Retro Report, Celeste Headlee identifies as a light-skinned Black Jew and says she has always wanted to talk proactively about race. She has found some of those discussions disappointing, however, because people seem to want to talk only from their own perspective. Here she aims to give us the tools to fearlessly discuss race issues across a range of perspectives, developing the empathy we need. With a 100,000-copy first printing.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A cogent explanation of why respect and acceptance should ground conversations about race. Headlee joins authors such as Ijeoma Oluo (So You Want To Talk About Race) and Robert Livingston (The Conversation) in offering practical suggestions for thinking about, and talking about, racism. Headlee's mixed-race heritage--she identifies as a "light-skinned Black Jew"--and "non-race-specific features" have allowed her "to see the racial underpinnings of our society in a way that most can't, or don't." Defining a racist as "someone who makes assumptions about another person (either positive or negative) because of their perceived race or ethnicity," an attitude not limited to White supremacists, Headlee provides questions and exercises for self-evaluation. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, political science, and sociology, as well as ideas from Buddhist thought and philosophy, the author offers a road map for crafting productive conversations that, she contends, "have the power to change hearts. Among her suggestions are engaging with others through curiosity, fostering empathy, and listening actively. She advocates "using a series of questions intended to increase your understanding" of someone else's views while also encouraging them "to think through their ideas on a deeper level than they may have before." Even when disagreeing on important issues, it's possible to develop a meaningful relationship with someone "simply by spending time with them." Commonalities, Headlee asserts, "help to build bridges of empathy." Regarding conversational strategies, she advises that we take turns talking: "Before anyone states their own opinion, they should restate what they heard from the other person, making sure they've articulated their ideas accurately." The author focuses most on private interchanges. In the workplace, businesses trying to promote diversity often employ unproductive methods that do not lead to a change in culture. True inclusivity requires "specific policies," and it's vital to realize that "silence is complicity." A thoughtful, enlightening guide that joins a host of others addressing persistent racism. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
