Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
28-day program for teens, families to become anti-racist.
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What's the Story?
ME AND WHITE SUPREMACY is divided into two sections, the first being an introduction to "the work" readers will do to identify their participation in white supremacy. The second section is divided into four weeks, with each chapter covering a day. Each day focuses on one topic, like "white silence," "white exceptionalism," "cultural appropriation," and "allyship," using personal reflection, quotes from other books, stories from friends and followers to explore the idea. Each chapter follows the same question and answer format: "What is the concept?" "How does the concept show up?" and "Why do you need to look at this concept?" Chapters conclude with a set of reflection journaling prompts to help readers delve into the intricacies of each concept. An appendix for book groups, a glossary, and an extended learning list round out this compact and information-packed book.
Is It Any Good?
Many excellent books cover similar ground, but few are as bracingly honest and well organized for readers to process via written reflection prompts. Author Layla F. Saad's incisive insights about the dynamics that perpetuate the oppressive systems covered in Me and White Supremacy may be seen as advancing a subjective perspective. But in light of the rapidly shifting landscape of racial justice around the world, it's hard to ignore the clarity of her ideas. This author does not hold hands or coddle White people. It may be emotionally difficult for some readers, but, she argues, White folks need to do this work because it's the right thing to do. Like a workbook for aspiring White anti-racists, older White teens and the adults in their family or sphere may find working through this groundbreaking program together allows for the greatest insight and growth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the negative emotions such as defensiveness, anger, shame, and guilt that may arise while reading and working through Me and White Supremacy. How does the author encourage readers to move through those emotions? Who can you talk to if thinking about these issues brings up heavy emotions?
Who do you think should read this book and work through this program? How could it help bring about positive social change?
How do books that offer prompts and questions at the end of each chapter work for you? If you've never read or used an interactive book like this, what are some of your concerns or questions about this format for learning and reflection?
Book Details
- Author: Layla F. Saad
- Genre: Advice
- Topics: Activism
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Sourcebooks
- Publication date: January 28, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 25, 2020
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