Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Part 2, Chapters 7-11

Part 3, Chapters 12-15

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Acho holds that open and honest conversations are key to ending racism. How does he create a safe space for White people to ask questions about polarizing topics related to race?

Using specific examples, discuss how the past inflects Black peoples’ understanding of racial injustice today.

Discuss three negative stereotypes about Black people. How can they be countered?

What is the difference between a protest, a rebellion, and a riot? How do those in power and members of the media use these terms to reinforce racial biases? How does this, in turn, impact the policing of Black and White acts of civil disobedience?

What role do anecdotes, statistics, and history play in Acho’s book? How are they mutually reinforcing?

Why is a White woman wearing her hair in a multitude of braids problematic rather than flattering?

How can White people be true allies to Black people?

Identify and discuss examples of White privilege. What can White people do to address this problem?

How does Acho stress action over intention?

10.

Race is a social construct, not a biological attribute. Discuss the genesis of this construct and the role it plays in maintaining inequality.