Review of A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism

[Chinazo Anozie]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism" by Zephareth Ledbetter.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“Treating someone differently in any way, for perceived better or worse, based solely upon the color of their skin is racist.”

This quote from the book was one of the many take-homes I got from reading this stimulating work.

A White Man’s Perspectives on Race and Racism by Zephareth Ledbetter is a nonfiction book that discusses the difficult and sensitive topics concerning racism that most people are afraid to talk about. Ledbetter talks about what constitutes racism, its causes, and its effects. He also digs deep into other hot topics, such as slavery, immigration, entitlement schemes, and many others.

It was refreshing reading Ledbetter’s honest opinions that weren’t watered down in an attempt to be politically correct. I’m Black, and even I agree with Ledbetter on the double standards regarding what may be perceived as racism. While it’s an unfortunate fact that racism does exist, I believe it needs to be worked on systematically and not just in shallow ways, especially regarding perceived and not actual racism. For example, like Ledbetter, I don’t believe that showing your appreciation or admiration by emulating other cultures should be termed cultural appropriation. Also, while I’m strongly for diversity and representation, I believe this must be adequately balanced with getting the right people for the job and not just filling roles to meet a quota. I would rather get a job because I was the most qualified person for the role as opposed to being chosen for it solely because of my gender or skin color.

One of the hot topics that I thoroughly enjoyed was the discussion of the use of the N-word: Black people continuing to use this slur on themselves is problematic. On one side, I understood where Ledbetter was coming from: having different rules for different races can lead to confusion, resentment, and even more segregation. Take an example where a White person is enjoying and singing along to a song by a Black person that has the N-word; that person would be labeled racist if they dared to repeat that word even while just singing along!

However, on the other side—and as a Black person too—I understand why Blacks have claimed ownership of the word that previously had such awful connotations and revamped its meaning. I also get why it always raises our hackles hearing a White person use that word. Personally, I believe intention matters regarding how any other race uses the word. In the example of the White person singing along, I would firmly disagree that they were racist in that situation.

I honestly don’t know the solution to this: should Blacks stop using the word altogether? And that’s the beauty of this book; it causes one to think objectively and not just have an incorrect knee-jerk reaction that even having this conversation is racist.

From the length of this review, it probably won’t come as a surprise to say how much I enjoyed reading this book, and I happily rate A White Man’s Perspectives on Race and Racism by Zephareth Ledbetter 5 out of 5 stars. There was absolutely nothing I disliked about it. It was also perfectly edited. There are so many other thought-provoking issues that Ledbetter thoroughly analyzes, and I honestly encourage everyone, regardless of race, to read this book.

I heartily thank Zephareth Ledbetter for sharing his views.

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A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism
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[Victory David 3]

The review of "A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism" by Zephareth Ledbetter, as shared by Chinazo Anozie, provides a thorough and insightful examination of the book. Anozie praises Ledbetter for his candid approach to discussing race and racism, noting that the author tackles sensitive topics like slavery, immigration, and cultural appropriation without diluting his opinions for political correctness.

A key takeaway from the review is Ledbetter's exploration of the complexities surrounding the use of the N-word, prompting readers to reflect on the implications of language and ownership. Anozie appreciates the book's ability to spark thoughtful discussions rather than provoke knee-jerk reactions, highlighting the importance of context and intention in conversations about race.

The review is overwhelmingly positive, awarding the book a perfect five stars, and it encourages readers of all backgrounds to engage with Ledbetter's perspectives. Anozie's reflections, as a Black reader, add depth to the review, demonstrating that the book resonates on multiple levels and challenges preconceived notions about race and racism.

Overall, this review positions "A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism" as a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race relations in a nuanced way.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

Wow! Thank you for this review. Phew! Heavy stuff discussed there, and I must say, as a Black person, too, I am also intrigued about the author's perspective on this contagious issue. I think even Black people had heated disagreements about the usage of the N-word between themselves and outside of them, so I am eager to learn how the author tackled it and what proposal he puts forward for the future. Thank you for handling this review diligently. You were not emotional and reactive but cool, calm, and collected. Your professionalism is noted!

[Leen282]

After the review, I want to read this book. There are many good points addressed: why is it perceived as racist if a caucasian repeats something a Black says? What is the solution - I also don't know. I too strongly believe there is a difference between cultural appropriation and admiring a culture so much that you copy certain elements. It makes my hair stand up when a caucasian little girl is being told off for 'cultural appropriation' because she'd love to have many braids in her hair like the cute black girl in school has... I felt myself nodding along when reading the review, I am going to pick up a copy of this book and read it in full.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Racism is still an unfortunate aspect of life in many parts of the world; be it against minorities or more generalized. This book looks at it in America, and possible ways forward. The review is insightful and thorough.

[Mr Benj]

A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism" by Zephareth, a book that features discussions about racism, its causes and its effects. It will be enlightening to read about this complex subject, and also find out about the explanations on slavery and other related matters. It is a book to be read.

[Diamond Igwesi]

Hmm, very heavy and sensitive issue indeed.
I am black and to be honest, I myself have noticed a lot of these issues and possibly more. And I also agree that no matter how sensitive the issue is, it must be addressed.
I only think that with what is currently happening in the US and its DEI issues, the timing of the book's release makes it even more sensitive.
Congrats on BOTD nevertheless.

[Catherine Sweet]

The reviewer made some interesting and thoughtful points about the book and about racism. The books explores the subject of racism from different perspectives and examines related subjects such as immigration and slavery. The author’s approach makes this a thought-provoking read.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

“A White Man’s Perspectives on Race and Racism” by Zephareth Ledbetter tackles cultural appropriation, the N-word paradox, and systemic racism with unflinching honesty. Praised for sparking dialogue over division , this centrist take challenges norms. Congratulations on being BOTD!

[tarafarah7]

Well-written and professionally edited, today's BOTD is a nonfiction read that's thought-provoking and filled with sensitive topics surrounding race that should be reflected on and discussed. After reading your review (which I loved), I decided to add this to my WTR list; you explained everything so well and have definitely piqued my interest. Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work!

[Nusrat Jahan 45]

Chinazo Anozie’s review of *A White Man's Perspectives on Race and Racism* by Zephareth Ledbetter praises the book for its candid exploration of race, slavery, immigration, and cultural appropriation. Ledbetter’s unflinching honesty and refusal to dilute his views for political correctness stand out. Anozie highlights the nuanced discussion of the N-word, emphasizing its role in sparking thoughtful dialogue about language and context. Awarding the book five stars, she recommends it to readers of all backgrounds, noting its ability to challenge preconceptions and foster empathy. Anozie’s perspective as a Black reader adds depth, affirming the book’s universal relevance and impact.

[Bertha Jackson]

Reading this book will help you understand racism better and how you may appear racist even though you do not intend to. Thank you for your informative review.

[Magdalyne chebet]

"A White Man’s Perspectives on Race and Racism" by Zephareth Ledbetter is a thought-provoking nonfiction book that explores racism, double standards, cultural appropriation, and social issues. The opening quote sets the stage for an honest discussion on race-based treatment and perceptions. Congrats BOTD!Thank you @Chinazo Anozie for the informative review.

[T Lynn Caruso]

The review of the book was great; I could not find the free sample, but from what the reviewer has expressed, though, it is the same thoughts I have had on several issues. I know there is no quick fix to the issue; it will take many generations to be raised from the start to not be biased towards others of different skin color. But maybe start with no titles, just as Americans, not some other culture in front of it if that is the country you are born, raised, and living in. No special treatment for being black, white, yellow, green, or of certain religions. Level the playing field for everyone and start taking responsibility for situations because of our own actions instead of blaming it on how we were raised, financial situations, and so on. We have raised a generation of cry babies who do not want to work to better their situations in life, only sit back and feel offended over everything. Raise the children to be strong, responsible, caring adults, that look at others as just people and maybe that will go a long way to changing the future.

[Supritika Ghatak]

Zephareth Ledbetter’s A White Man’s Perspectives on Race and Racism examines racial inequalities, ethical dynamics, and social contradiction. With a striking introduction, the book challenges readers to interrogate the conventional purview on race and employ it in deeper, receptive discussions.