Toolkit for an anti racism backpack

This book is uncomfortable reading for any person who is not BIPOC (Black or Indigenous Person of Colour). And looking at the other reviews on here I can see that it has provoked some extreme reactions from readers and listeners with many one star reviews and many five star reviews. Layla Saad has produced this toolkit for people to consider their white supremacy and to contemplate its impact. Having accepted that it is not appropriate to be "colour blind" and to see people for who they are
rather than the colour of their skin which fundamentally defines them and their relationship to the world and having read Reni Eddo-Lodge's Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race I anticipated something similar here. Layla Saad is more challenging than Reni Eddo-Lodge. Whilst I cannot say that I was able to complete the 28 days challenge outlined in this important book that was originally devised on Instagram, it did make me think deeper about white privilege and consider the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation and to think more positively about people who use AAVE (African American Vernacular English).

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1 person found this helpful

Great book cannot recommend to read enough

This is a revolutionary book that everyone should read. Layla Saad has produced such a wonderful book and educational tool on anti-racism. Books and material like this I believe are the start of how we begin to dismantle white supremacy for all humanity to thrive.

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16 people found this helpful

Me and White Supremacy By layla Fsaad

Asante Sana Layla. I wish i had spoken to my own daughters more about race. The topic is here to stay. I must do all I can from now on to continue support my daughters on this topic. Your book - Beautifully natrated too...

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Medium

Thought provoking at the end. However, the beginning is one dimensional and frankly discriminatory towards white people. The causes of systemic racism are distilled into a bland idea that is a self fulfilling prophecy and - if understood deeply in the way the author presents them - insoluble.
Could have and should have been done better.

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40 people found this helpful

Excellent- a MUST read for all

This was my first ever audio book and I'm really glad I listened to this book as it really made me absorb the information Layla shares. It is incredibly informative, helpful and very eye opening. The journal prompts add an extra element that really helps you to stop and think rather than just listening and glossing over actually doing anything. Even though I was aware of many of the terms in the book I learned so much which I am really grateful for. I am aware I will need to continue my reading and research to really understand my place as I am now very conscious of white saviourism and optical ally ship but I am definitely committed. I 100% recommend this to everyone.

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3 people found this helpful

Brilliant, well thought-out workbook!

Loved this book. very informative and actionable. highly recommend to all people but especially to individuals who identify as White and want a better understanding of white privilege and how to contribute to breaking down the systemic oppression on black people in particular but also BIPOC.

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3 people found this helpful

This will challenge you to your core

An excellent aide to support you in understand and challenging your own biases. A tough read that doesn't hide away from the fact that this is hard work. Difficult to describe how significant this book is - take the leap and do the work.

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3 people found this helpful

100m in under 9seconds!

With all the intent in the world to get close to what Layla prescribes will be 99% impossible for most White folks! Layla provides us with a 28day course to address our Racism, taking us through minefield after minefield. It will be like talking frank with a highly neurotic person, you will bound to slip up and they will be offended! Granted we have white fragility, white privilege, and a host of other issues, but, I think this book stems from BIPOC inferiority complex! Unfortunately, Maslow's hierarchy is entrenched in all spheres of life on planet earth... and yes! it ain't gonna change.

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9 people found this helpful

Important and uncomfortable

This book is very uncomfortable. But that's the point. It should be uncomfortable to meet oneself, and think thoroughly about how your inaction or thoughtlessness has harmed others.

It will sound like an excuse, but, much of it simply wasn't relevant for me. Norway has, up until recently, been a very homogeneous society. That means that I didn't encounter any BIPOC until I was in the last few years of school. I didn't meet any in my university classes, and I've not encountered any in my jobs. (Note that I've mostly worked in small organisations with just me or me and one other employee, or in areas pretty much without any BIPOC.)
I've grown up in an anti-racist family (even though we never met anyone non-white), and haven't heard anything racist from them.

However, I have been faced with wrongs I've done. I pledge to do my utmost to avoid them from now on.

I do understand why she uses the term "white supremacist". However, this book already makes people meet their own unintended racism. I think such a loaded term might be too much and I'm afraid it might turn people away, which would be a shame.

I might have some problems with finding a middle ground on some points. Because, I'm supposed to ask BIPOC about their experiences, but at the same time not do it. I'm supposed to have BIPOC friends, but not "token friends", which again is a problem here because of the homogeneous society, so I'll pretty much have to actively seek out BIPOC to befriend because they are BIPOC, which would make them token.

Anyway, it's been an educational experience to read this, and I will take it to heart, and try my best to improve. Thank you for being so frank, and open my eyes.

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7 people found this helpful

Insightful and thought provoking book

This is a very well written book, putting into very eloquent words, ideas that are challenging but needed. Layla's book has transformed my understanding of what anti racism is and has inspired me to develop my practice.

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2 people found this helpful