Say No to Racism: Tips and Advice on How to be Anti-Racist

This book is written in such a way that guides the reader gently to learn about an often controversial topic. The titles at the top of each page make the book easy to follow and guide the reader through the narrative. Being a mother of a young baby, I found this book easy to pick up and put down without losing track of where I was. The topics have a lot of recent, real life examples which illustrate the points clearly and concisely. It definately has opened my eyes to the prejudices different races of people suffer and it will be a resource I use to discuss racism with my children when they're old enough to understand. The pocket size of the book is also handy for popping into your bag and reading on the go. All in all, the book is very well written, approachable and thought-provoking.

This is a great little book about a topic that affects us all. Very relevant to today’s society and full of interesting facts and anecdotes... well written and very easy to read; the book is split into bitesize sections. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the topic and even more so to anyone not interested in the topic!

The author’s characterisation of racism as an objectively defined moral problem that must be resolved by individual behaviour in our everyday lives, rather than by new laws and legislation, is to be welcomed. Barrage dismisses explicitly the notion that anyone can be “born racist” or should “feel guilt” for inheriting social structures which may have racist practices. There is no mention of correcting injustices of the past; rather, the author’s intent is to find the quickest way towards social harmony for people alive today. Barrage also doesn’t place herself or her experiences in the way of the book’s message: this is a book firmly about ideas. All in all, therefore, the message is a positive one.Where the book falls down is primarily in its expansive definition of racism to cover many aspects of society and many different kinds of behaviour. This is likely to exclude other relevant factors from the discussion of social issues, and ultimately lead to increases in racial tensions. The author would be better served by directing her readers to possible alternative explanations for socio-economic disadvantages experienced by racial minorities, and how tackling these could be integrated into her “bottom-up” approach.

This is a fascinating book, which takes the reader (gently) through a new way of understanding one’s role in racial justice. The author is keenly aware of the sensitivity of the subject, and also how we’re often hardwired to get defensive the moment our views, both of ourselves and how we act in society, are challenged. However, the book does a great job of building a sense of trust with the reader so that we can understand the issues at hand, as well as ourselves, from a non-judgmental stand-point, which during these times of polarization and hyper-sensitivity is critical. It’s packed full of interesting insights into racism in contemporary societies, and goes a long way to moving the debate on from simply seeing racism as extremes of hostile behaviour to a one where racism can be subtle, unconscious, unintended, yet still harmful. At the same though it’s really accessible, and doesn’t preach to the reader about how we all are complicit in a system which continually leads to unequal life chances for ethnic or racial minorities. Instead, it seeks to reveal how many of our everyday behaviours can impact the lives of friends, co-workers, strangers who come from different ethnic groups. Most importantly, however, it offers us ways in which we can help. Small things we change, everyday opportunities we can take, to move societies towards greater racial equality and also improve the lives of those who face disadvantage and discrimination in their lives. It can be a hard read at times – there’s no escaping that – these topics are highly charged and becoming more politicised by the day. Yet, at its heart is the understanding that many (and hopefully most) of us want a just society, where people from all backgrounds are treated equally. However, we just cannot simply hope that it will emerge one day without our effort. It takes us to change our mindsets and behaviours, and the book provides an abundance of ways in which we can do this. It’s practical in a way so many other book on these topics are not. Ultimately, it asks us the reader to come on a journey of self-realisation and positive change, and one that will not only benefit those facing discrimination, hostility and disadvantage, but also ourselves.

It's a topic that we simply couldn't ignore anymore nowadays in parenting but we feel difficult to describe some of related issues easily or answer some very simple questions.This handy guide has given us the best and easy to follow ideas to speak to our children about racism. It summaries the main aspects of the topic. Excellent writing. Great samples.Pocket size, a must have in the handbag for an outdoor reading with our kids. I enjoyed reading it myself when commuting to work.

This is a short easy read about a very important topic in today’s society. It includes ways in which you could stand in to help someone who is being targeted by racist comments.I recommend this book to those who are looking to gain a bit more of an understanding around this topic.

This book navigates through a crucial, complex and heavy topic like a knife through butter. It's very clear, easy to read, straightforward and practical. I was particularly gripped by the history behind and data on racism. Highly recommended, particularly for people on the go, parents with young kids, schools and organisations.

An excellent read that covers all the talking points of racism. For those that may need some reminders or those at a young age, it's a great guide to modern society. I encourage anyone who may have any doubt about racism in today's world to have a read.