Oluo makes a clear distinction between race as a social construct and dismisses the idea that social class rather than race is the primary factor in the oppression of African-Americans.
Black boys and girls are more likely to face more severe disciplinary actions at school (i.e., referrals, suspensions, expulsion) than their white counterparts for the same infractions. One in three African-American men will spend some time in prison despite committing crimes at the same rate as Caucasian men. Living in a "black neighborhood" means that the value of a house will be less than a house in a "white neighborhood," and the person who owns the house is more likely to be paying a higher interest rate on the house's loan.
Starting the conversation means accepting some facts about racial disparities in the United States: Someone with a black sounding (Jamal) name is less likely to be called back for a job interview than someone with a white sounding (Peter) name even when the credentials are equivalent. The intention of the book is to find constructive ways to engage in the conversation. Oluo does not suggest that moving towards racial equality will be easy or comfortable. Oluo describes her intention to write this book as a toolkit that people can go back to as different issues regarding race come up in their own lives. As a social activist, Ijeoma often fielded questions about conversations regarding race that did not go well or addressed questions about how to bring up issues of race with family members, co-workers, or others who have behaved in a racially insensitive way. Ijeoma Oluo provides these tools in So You Want To Talk About Race. Given the racial tensions that came to a head after the killing of George Floyd this past summer, demonstrations by many white supremacy groups, and the increasing diversity in the United States, a better understanding of how to discuss the issue in a way that promotes greater understanding is essential.
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