Book Review
Race Rules: What Your Black Friends Won’t Tell You
Fatimah Gilliam
Review by Eric Page
Fatimah Gilliam’s “Race Rules: What Your Black Friends Won’t Tell You” offers a candid exploration of racial dynamics, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and actively work towards equity and justice.
The book is an innovative, practical manual for white people of the unwritten rules relating to race, explaining the unvarnished truth about racist and offensive white behaviours. It offers a unique lens from Fatimah Gilliam, a light-skinned Black woman, and is informed by the revealing things white people say when they don’t realize she’s Black.
Presented as a series of race rules, this book has each chapter tackling a specific topic many people of colour wish white people understood. Gilliam’s work is commendable for its intersectional approach, acknowledging the complex interplay between race, gender, sexuality, and other intersecting identities. She recognizes that experiences of oppression are multifaceted, and her analysis encompasses the diverse lived realities of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals of colour. She fearlessly confronts topics often brushed aside or tiptoed around in mainstream discourse. Through personal anecdotes, historical references, and sociological analysis, Gilliam sheds light on the myriad ways in which racism permeates everyday life.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on solidarity and allyship. Gilliam provides practical strategies for dismantling racism, encouraging readers to move beyond passive sympathy towards active engagement. This intersectional perspective is particularly relevant for LGBTQ individuals, who often navigate overlapping systems of discrimination based on race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The emphasis on actionable steps for allies is a notable aspect of the book. She provides practical strategies for dismantling racism, urging readers to move beyond passive sympathy towards active solidarity. This empowers readers to engage in meaningful dialogue and enact tangible change within their communities.
Gilliam’s exploration of intra-group disparities within the Black community is crucial. By highlighting the diversity of experiences among Black people, she challenges monolithic representations and underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. This intersectional lens fosters greater understanding and solidarity among communities facing intersecting forms of oppression.
While Gilliam draws from personal experiences and observations, the book could benefit from a broader range of voices within the LGBTQ community. Including diverse perspectives would enrich the narrative, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the intersecting oppressions faced by QTIPOC communities.
‘Race Rules’ serves as a thought-provoking exploration of race relations, offering valuable insights and actionable steps for allies. With a straightforward universal three-step framework to unlearn racism and challenge misconceptions, this book offers readers a chance to change behaviours and shift mindsets
Gilliam sheds light on the complexities of racism, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and actively work towards equity and justice. While the book is written from an American perspective, its candid approach and emphasis on solidarity make it a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogues on challenging racism in contemporary society.
Out now £26.00 Paperback
For more info or to order the book see the publisher’s website here
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