Fiction/Non Fiction: Non-Fiction
Themes: Racism, Colourism, Capitalism, White Guilt
Pages: 150
One sentence summary: The perfect mini to start (or continue) work towards coalition rather than allyship.
Overview: An extension of her online essay and work, What White People Can Do Next is a quick but detailed read on how white people can continue their anti-racism work.
Important points about denial, white saviorism and white guilt are covered, which makes for a crucial read on creating "meaningful, lasting change".
Personal Thoughts: As a white women who is in the process of educating herself on racial justice and is practicing coalition, I found this book incredibly insightful. Dabiri's writing style is easy to work through; the short chapters are digestible and hold a good amount of accountability to the reader.
The content is perfect for the size of book. Each chapter and each topic makes you to sit back and analyse your actions, helping you to move forwards. White guilt is definitely something I felt when I started educating myself on racial injustice, racism and colourism and it was refreshing to be called out on it. Dabiri explains it brilliantly - guilt only highlights the lack of action, the lack of responsibility. If you can channel it to inspire useful action then that's positive, but it can be hid behind as a way to only satisfy your own guilt.White saviorism is not welcome in the fight towards justice and this book makes sure you know what that is.
I'd recommend this book if you: are beginning to learn about racial injustice or consider yourself an ally and are interested in Dabiri's focus on coalition rather than ally
Would I read it again? Yes definitely. I've made notes and I'll come back to chapters again.
Read this? Plan to read it? I'd love to know! Let me know in the comments below and let me know.
Available for purchase through affiliate link here.