Speaking of Race

July 1, 2021

A cohost of the PBS weekly series Retro Report, Celeste Headlee identifies as a light-skinned Black Jew and says she has always wanted to talk proactively about race. She has found some of those discussions disappointing, however, because people seem to want to talk only from their own perspective. Here she aims to give us the tools to fearlessly discuss race issues across a range of perspectives, developing the empathy we need. With a 100,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 20, 2021
Journalist Headlee (We Need to Talk), a self-described “light-skinned Black Jew,” lowers the temperature around conversations about race in this edifying work. Acknowledging that racism is all too human, Headlee argues that a human-centered approach is needed to address bigotry and bias—namely, having conversations. Informed by her personal encounters and her experience as a National Public Radio host, Headlee offers helpful advice on how to fight racism through “lots and lots of short, low-stakes conversations.” Headlee provides expert guidance on asking good, open-ended questions as well as appealing to critical thinking processes to combat prejudices among friends, family members, neighbors, or the “people you bump into at the hardware store or the library.” For instance, she recommends discussing “the presence of racism surrounding us” and implicit or systemic racist structures. Written for those who are tired of arguing, debating, and still getting nowhere on the issue of race, Headlee’s personal-yet-proficient approach to potentially heated parlays is sure to inspire constructive, and perhaps life-changing, conversations.

September 15, 2021
A cogent explanation of why respect and acceptance should ground conversations about race. Headlee joins authors such as Ijeoma Oluo (So You Want To Talk About Race) and Robert Livingston (The Conversation) in offering practical suggestions for thinking about, and talking about, racism. Headlee's mixed-race heritage--she identifies as a "light-skinned Black Jew"--and "non-race-specific features" have allowed her "to see the racial underpinnings of our society in a way that most can't, or don't." Defining a racist as "someone who makes assumptions about another person (either positive or negative) because of their perceived race or ethnicity," an attitude not limited to White supremacists, Headlee provides questions and exercises for self-evaluation. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, political science, and sociology, as well as ideas from Buddhist thought and philosophy, the author offers a road map for crafting productive conversations that, she contends, "have the power to change hearts. Among her suggestions are engaging with others through curiosity, fostering empathy, and listening actively. She advocates "using a series of questions intended to increase your understanding" of someone else's views while also encouraging them "to think through their ideas on a deeper level than they may have before." Even when disagreeing on important issues, it's possible to develop a meaningful relationship with someone "simply by spending time with them." Commonalities, Headlee asserts, "help to build bridges of empathy." Regarding conversational strategies, she advises that we take turns talking: "Before anyone states their own opinion, they should restate what they heard from the other person, making sure they've articulated their ideas accurately." The author focuses most on private interchanges. In the workplace, businesses trying to promote diversity often employ unproductive methods that do not lead to a change in culture. True inclusivity requires "specific policies," and it's vital to realize that "silence is complicity." A thoughtful, enlightening guide that joins a host of others addressing persistent racism.

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November 19, 2021

How do we talk about racism? Is it possible to talk about it without the conversation becoming an argument? Journalist and author Headlee (We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter) believes it is possible, and her new book provides pathways for those looking to discuss racism. Headlee (self-described as a light-skinned Black Jew) argues that all people have biases. Using scientific and personal examples, the author theorizes that in order to educate each other, people should point out instances of racism or bias but avoid name-calling or accusing. Instead, she emphasizes that conversations should be based on questions that do not pass judgement (e.g., "why do you say that?" or "what makes you think that?"), and taking time to thoughtfully listen to and consider the answers. For Headlee, this is a method of accountability that might not change a person's beliefs but could open the door to deeper understanding. Throughout the book, she presents examples of conversation pieces, open-ended questions, and possible outcomes. VERDICT Headlee has created an informative, enjoyable book that functions as part-memoir, part-guidebook to having conversations about racism. A must-read for everyone.--Leah Huey, Dekalb P.L., IL

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.