
Book Summary
“Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor” started as a digital workbook by Layla F. Saad, which transformed into an Instagram challenge and then took form as a full-fledged book. The book serves as a guide that takes readers on a 28-day journey of self-reflection to understand their participation, whether active or passive, in upholding white supremacy.
The book is organized into four weeks, with each week focusing on a specific theme such as white privilege, white fragility, and white silence. Each day, readers are presented with a specific aspect of white supremacy to reflect on, coupled with questions to journal about and further reading resources. Saad uses concise language to present complex concepts, making them accessible to readers who are new to discussions of race and racism.
The aim is not to shame or guilt readers, but to make them aware of their role in perpetuating racial disparities. Saad challenges readers to confront their biases, unpack their privilege, and scrutinize systems of power they benefit from. By creating an introspective process, Saad invites readers to make fundamental changes in their beliefs, behaviors, and actions towards combating racial injustice.
Author Intro
Layla F. Saad
Layla F. Saad is a ground-breaking writer, speaker, and podcast host, who has dedicated her life to the themes of race, identity, leadership, and personal transformation. Saad’s work drives conversations about the role of race in our society and encourages people to become consciously anti-racist.
Robin DiAngelo, the author of the New York Times bestselling book “White Fragility”, provides a forward to the book, solidifying its place in modern anti-racist literature.
Book Reviews
“Me and White Supremacy” offers a journey into understanding the structures of white supremacy, but its scope seems limited. Saad’s approach is primarily introspective and personal, which might not translate into tangible actions to dismantle systemic racism. Despite its insightful content, the book might leave readers craving a more comprehensive guide to activism.
Saad’s book is an engaging and challenging exploration of the insidious nature of white supremacy and its impact on society. Through her 28-day challenge, she guides readers in examining their internalized racism and complicity in maintaining racial hierarchies. However, the book does require a willingness from readers to engage honestly and introspectively with their own biases, which may be a challenging endeavor for some.
While “Me and White Supremacy” offers crucial insights into the mechanisms of systemic racism, its format may not work for everyone. The introspective nature of the book requires consistent commitment from the reader, which could be demanding for some. Nevertheless, it is an important work that offers readers tools to confront their part in upholding white supremacy.