(reviewed by JD Jung)
“Your good intentions used to be enough. But in these diverse and divisive times, some people would hold you accountable for your actions. You were not raised for such unfairness. You need help.”
Your black co-worker Daquan, (aka the author, Adam Smyer) has come to the rescue. He advises white people on what not to say to their black friends (or at least those they claim are their black friends), in You Can Keep That to Yourself.
He gives mostly one-word prompts with explanations on why a white person should not say certain things to a black friend. For instance, do not refer to a person as a “thug”. The reason?
“If you rounded up the ten worst mass shooters of the century, it would look like your living room on a Super Bowl Sunday.
You wouldn’t know a thug if one audited your taxes.”
Some words that you may think of as innocuous are “Ellis Island” and “Zepplin” (as in Led).
He compares Led Zepplin fans to those who would have liked Al Jolson if they lived in another time. Why? You’ll have to read the book.
Instead of word prompts, there are a few phrases spelled out, such as “I Don’t see color” or “Just as bad”, that are yes, “just as bad”. Yes, I just said it; and again, you’ll have to read the book to find out why.
“Daquan” conveys his message with humor, mixed with sarcasm and a but of anger. The only thing I wish was that it was longer. I enjoyed reading these bits of enlightenment, but wasn’t ready for the book to end.
Still, for a unique and timely (and yes, very short) read I recommend You Can Keep That to Yourself.
