The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs—creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice. “We don’t see color.” “I didn’t know Black people liked Star Wars!” “What hood are you from?” For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn’t see the negative impact they were having. Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author’s past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, “reverse racism” to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former “token Black kid” who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Gearing this volume toward white people "who want to be better," Joseph offers anecdotes about his experiences with racism and white supremacy including the first time he visited a white friend's house and his first encounter with a security guard at age 11 interlacing them with clear explanations of "the historic and current iniquities and disparities plaguing Black people and people of color as a whole." Supported by an Encyclopedia of Racism at book's end and studded with contextualizing boxes, the text frequently employs humor ("I'm not going to even bother explaining The Fresh Prince") while leading readers through topics such as "This Isn't a Fad; This Is My Culture"; "So Your Relative Is Racist. What Should You Do?"; and "Let's Not Do Oppression Olympics." Interviews with author Angie Thomas, journalist Jemele Hill, and others contribute discussions on the problem with "color blindness" and the importance of personal growth, among various topics. In a genial, assured tone, Joseph invites and encourages readers to reflect on their own behavior, move toward anti-racism, and implement change. Ages 12 up.