So You Want to Talk About Race

Does prioritizing the growth and enlightenment of White people over the safety and dignity of Black people constitute anti-racism work? Explain.

How can class be brought to bear on discussions of race without derailing them?

Oluo points to police violence against people of color and the mass incarceration of Black men as revealing that White Supremacy is widespread in the US. What kinds of reforms to policing and the judicial system must be made to achieve a more just society?

Whose duty is it to deconstruct White Supremacy? What steps can be taken to move this project forward?

Oluo states that racism is built into virtually all aspects of American society, including policing, education, employment, and housing, as well as everyday social behaviors. Discuss how complacency with systemic racism constitutes complicity.

How can white people leverage their privilege to take specific actions against racism in their schools, workplaces, and communities?

Oluo organizes her book around a series of questions. Discuss the advantages and shortcomings of this structure.

What aspects of Oluo’s book specifically address White people? Which address people of color? Discuss the differences in content and tone.