Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

By: Reni Eddo-Lodge

Narrated by: Reni Eddo-Lodge

"I couldn't have a conversation with white folks about the details of a problem if they didn't want to recognise that the problem exists. Worse still was the white person who might be willing to entertain the possibility of said racism but still thinks we enter this conversation as equals. We didn't then, and we don't now."

In February 2014, Reni Eddo-Lodge posted an impassioned argument on her blog about her deep-seated frustration with the way discussions of race and racism in Britain were constantly being shut down by those who weren't affected by it. She gave the post the title 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race'. Her sharp, fiercely intelligent words hit a nerve, and the post went viral, spawning a huge number of comments from people desperate to speak up about their own similar experiences.

Galvanised by this response, Eddo-Lodge decided to dive into the source of these feelings, this clear hunger for an open discussion. The result is a searing, illuminating, absolutely necessary exploration of what it is to be a person of colour in Britain today, covering issues from eradicated black history to white privilege, the fallacy of 'meritocracy' to whitewashing feminism, and the inextricable link between class and race. Full of passionate, personal and keenly felt argument, Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race is a wake-up call to a nation in denial about the structural and institutional racism occurring in our homes.

©2017 Bloomsbury (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

I am white and I loved it

Extremely eye opening. Every person can benefit from this book. Thank you Renni for doing the work and giving us your honest perspective on what the struggles actually look like. You make us question the way we see the world. As a white suburban girl in the U.S., only about 7% of my school is black, and there isn't a single black teacher. I truly don't know any black people on a deep level, and this book has prompted me to ask myself why that is.

Excellent resource for all of us

Eddo-Lodge does a powerful job of breaking down often hard to understand concepts like structural racism, white privilege, and intersectional feminism. I definitely learned a lot and feel better armed to continue to talk to white about race - as well as how to listen better to experiences different from my own.

This book is my mood.

Reni eloquently expresses views to personal and systemic racism in a way that is easily comprehensible and widely relatable. Thank you for writing this book.

I learned much from this talented woman

It is up to us, just us, to work towards justice. I appreciated learning from her and am inspired to be open, curious and true about how I can be part of a solution, not just an observer.

This should be required reading.

Everyone should read this, no matter your race, class, gender, or country of origin. The points made here are important. Some bits might make you uncomfortable. But that’s a good thing. Sit with that discomfort and unpick it’s origins. Leave shame at the door and just listen to the facts, history, and anecdotes made available here to you from someone who had every reason not to use her energy to give us this important resource. And then go out and find more books, like this, from other perspectives. And keep expanding your understanding.

And if you have difficulty with non fiction, get the audio version and give this a listen. It’s really that important.

If you’re also an American in the back half of 2020, trying to educate yourself on anti-racism, and finding it difficult to do while maintaining your mental health, this British perspective can give you enough distance to not feel like you’re hurting yourself to dig into this important content. It also gives a look at how our country’s race-politics impact other countries.

Feminism takes over the nature of the title

I've heard good things about this book and eager to give it a listen myself.

I was fully invested in the 1st few chapters. Loved the black history in London.
The purpose of the book was - clear
The reasons for writing the book also - clear.
I started to lose interest when I realised the massive block of feminism politics took over the nature of the title. That could have been its own book (which I wouldn't mine reading to be honest).

A must read to have your mind expanded about the subject

Educational, emotional and most of all enlightening.
The author explores racism from different angles and how it “adapted” over the centuries not to cease to exist but to take different forms unfortunately. Definitely “reading” this book is an eye opening to what is happening and why we should be more attentive to our surroundings and act on it

Enjoyed listening to WHY I’M NO LONGER TALKING TO WHITE PEOPLE ABOUT RACE

I liked how relatable this audible book is! It is refreshing to hear a perspective from abroad that provides historical context, data, present day reference points, and knowledge from the lived experience of the author.

I am also glad that the author is willing to talk to anyone who listens from the heart with a willingness to have empathy and seek solutions.

It is a thoughtful book with an important message.

Brittish, American or Any Nationality: Must Read

As a "white" reader, I so much appreciate this book written and narrated by Reni Eddo-Lodge. I think that the author's voice in the narration is essential. Blinded by privilege, this book book has helped me know more about what to do, where to look, as I grow myself in being anti-racist & what that really means. Thank you, Ms. Eddo-Lodge, for writing this book.

Powerful

This book is very insightful. For sure it change the way I think. Thank you Reni ❤️