Let's talk Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

 Hey lovelies, welcome back!

As you may remember, during the summer I compiled a list of books that I wanted to read in order to educate myself on how I can help the BLM movement. That is still very much a goal, more so now it is not mainstream media. The second book I picked up was Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge – a candid discussion following on from her blog post that went viral! This is an account of her lifelong struggle of talking about race and racism in Britain that takes us through the many aspects, from the history of racism and our involvement in the 18^th century slave trade to how race intertwines with feminism and class to present modern day trials and tribulations.

This is the first non-fiction book I have willingly picked up. Maybe the variance in literature on my degree is expanding and influencing my reading? Or maybe, it's an age thing and I can no longer hide from the real world in the safety that fantasy and fiction provide. Either way, I am ashamed it has taken me so long to venture into non-fiction but what an introduction!

This is a powerful, eye-opening read! You could be mistaken for presuming many of the events Reni discusses take place in foreign lands, as they are frighteningly similar to recent stories from the states, however what she is discussing is of British origin, and I’d never even heard of it! White privilege, is that you? How can we hope to end racism when we are living in ignorance over our involvement?

       

Eddo-Lodge’s writing is accessibly without lacking in information. She knows exactly how to appeal to and educate the general public without compromising on data and evidence giving her an aura of knowledge and credibility. She openly admits in the book that there are others significantly more qualified than her to talk about this subject, yet it is her passion and fierceness rather than credentials that drive home the topic. While it reads just like a newspaper article or academic essay, it’s informative and engaging without coming across as intellectually un-reachable to the mass market. So there really is no excuse as to why you can't read this book. 

White privilege is real, glaringly so after reading this book, and that is why every white person needs to do so! There are vital lessons to be learnt on every page! 

Have you read it yet? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below. 

Until next time, lovelies!