The Power of Privilege: How white people can challenge racism

by June Sarpong

The death of George Floyd and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests have made clear to everyone the vicious reality of racism that persists today. Many of those privileged enough to be distanced from racism are now having to come to terms with the fact that they continue to prosper at the detriment of others. Having spent the last four years researching, writing, and speaking about the benefits of diversity for society, June Sarpong is no stranger to educating and challenging those that have been enjoying the benefits of a system steeped in systemic racism without realising its true cost.

In The Power of Privilege, June will empower those fortunate enough not to be ‘otherised’ by mainstream Western society to become effective allies against racism, both by understanding the roots of their privilege and the systemic societal inequities that perpetuates it. The Power of Privilege offers practical steps and action-driven solutions so that those who have been afforded privilege can begin undoing the limiting beliefs held by society, and help build a fairer future for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Audiobook, Social Justice, Politics, Adult

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[rebecca | velvet opus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking antiracist resource with history on the social construct of race starting with the two original humans and useful tips on how to move beyond performative allyship and create a fairer future. It's also a quick read and very British.

[Althea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book on becoming anti-racist and tackling racism in every sector of your life. It offers concrete steps in order to do so and would work well alongside reading Ibram X. Kendi's How to be an Antiracist and Reni Eddo-Lodge's Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race. Something I also enjoyed about this was that there was also a focus on racism in the UK, not just the US.

Thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for an audiobook ARC of this title in return for a review

[hannah pachet · Rating 5 out of 5]

…race is the topic of inclusivity that people find most uncomfortable to confront. White people have the luxury of ignorance, as you don’t experience racism at first hand — you can therefore try to avoid it or turn a blind eye, as long as you don’t consider yourself to be racist on an individual level. But deep down most white people recognize their complicity, unintentionally or otherwise, in a system that has racism at its foundations.

this was really well done! it covers a lot in a small number of pages, so it’s both a good quick read to introduce yourself to this topic as well as something to fit into your reading schedule to keep yourself engaged. it’s definitely very focused on the west, as the uk and us are where the author has lived and personally experienced what she writes about, and the people living in these countries are her primary audience. i haven’t read june sarpong’s other books so i can’t compare them to this one, but i’d be interested to read more of her work!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
TWs: police brutality, racism, violense

The Power of Privilege is a non-fiction book that offers white people in positions of privilege ways to be actively anti-racist. Even though the book is short, it manages to discuss a relative wide set of topics, gives sound and workable advice, and addresses intersectionality. Sarpong makes a point that not all white people have the same amount of privilege (due to the intersection of class, gender, sexuality, etc.), and focuses on those who have the most power (i.e. white heterosexual men).

The book mostly discusses challenging racism on the corporate level, which makes it very suitable as an anti-racism resource to distribute in the workplace. However, this leaves other levels and venues of challenging racism relatively unexplored. I also would have liked for it to have more information on unconscious bias and prejudice, since I feel like even people who think they're anti-racist and try to actively help, often hold racist beliefs that they don't realise are racist.

In any case I would recommend this book for people who want to challenge racism, but aren't aware how to go for it - it is a great introductory resource that you might check out before going into the more detailed and heavy books that cover anti-racism topics.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 1 out of 5]

“The underrepresentation of black people in elite professions and their absence from wealth listings is contrasted with an overrepresentation in the lower socioeconomic stratas of society.” Maybe in the US and UK, but not in South Africa. When one makes such a broad statement, one should probably look at the rest of the world, too.

I’ve decided to read this book on racism as I’ve already read “Caste” and “Why I Don’t Talk to White People About Race” as I’ve found both lacking in the sense that they only addressed the US and UK respectively. But once again, it’s a book that sees racism only directed at Black people (from white people). In my country, racism is owned by all and directed to anyone deemed “other” (even if objectively all parties are Black).

So much of the book was copied from “Diversify” (another book by the author that I’ve already read) that I started to skim and then decided to DNF. I learned much more about this issue (in the US) in Shonda Rhimes’ “Station 19”.

[Kate (Reading Through Infinity)]

This is a good introduction to for those wanting to begin unlearning interalised racism and become more actively anti-racist. For me personally, the writing itself was good, it was just a bit too short.

This is definitely a me issue though and it stems from the fact that I've read other, longer non fiction books about racism and colourism recently (Natives, Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race, Don't Touch My Hair, The Good Immigrant, etc) so I was expecting more depth from this.

But, this is designed to be an introduction not a full-length non fiction book, so it's doing exactly what the author and publisher set out to do (and my criticism is a bit moot, really). Would definitely recommend this to white people who haven't read many/any non fiction books about race and privilege before, as it's a great starting point.

[Onyeka · Rating 2 out of 5]

A useful starter for ten for white people interested in becoming anti-racist allies.

The prologue is a little long-winded & the Stateside references are tangential, but her ten-point plan gets to the point. June Sarpong’s target audience are clearly her peers: those in senior, decision-making, budget-holding positions. Great to have an actionable, pithy text to point them to full of humanising anecdotes, stats and policy.

Decent read to pass on…

[Heidi Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many anti-racism books and resources being recommended, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed with information. This little book from June Sarpong is the distilled version of all of that literature. It covers a wide range of topics from the Black Lives Matter movement to the shooting of Mark Duggan, Trump and the American political landscape, and June’s own experience with MTV in the late 90s. She manages to provide a huge volume of information in a succinct way, sparking act rather than guilt or paralysing outrage. I’ve read a lot of the other books on the market at the moment and learned a lot from them, but this was the first that inspired me to be proactively anti-racist. I felt I was anti-racist before, but this gave me concrete ways in which to DO something that will hopefully make a real change. Read it. Gift it. Read it again.

[nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

come talk books (and other things) with me over at my twitter!

a decent book. i don't think i was quite the target audience, and it felt slightly surface-level, but this was still thought-provoking enough to make me think about challenging some of my own privileges outside of race.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was super disappointed in this book. some wisdom but way too much faith in meritocracy and "kinder" capitalism

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

My notes on the book:

June gives 10 actionable points that white people can do to challenge racism. These are:
1. Be aware.
- Use data in your organisation to understand the differences.
- Read historical books by black authors to see a different perspective.
2. If you have a position of privilege, seek out those less privileged and offer support & opportunies.
3. Make decisions with "share" values & impact at the heart, not just financial return.
4. Stand up to injustice.
5. Educate Yourself.
- Lack of black history on the curriculum, make up for it yourself & help promote it.
- Statues should be in museums where their actions can be explained! (remember though that statues are just a symptom and not the cause)
6. Create a level playing field for people of colour
- Business leaders/investors must proactively seek out & create a level playing field for people of colour
- You want groups of people that think differently
- Remove barriers of success
7. Reduce inequalities for all will help everyone come together
- Fairer system & opportunities for everyone
- Seen before when tensions increase due to inequality what happens
- Vote! And encourage everyone else to, especially those in the BAME community against voter suppression
8. Be anti-racist & encourage others to be so too
- Don't create conflict & shame when challenging views
- Remind people of everyone's shared humanity: we all have emotions, feelings and require relationships
- Don't assume bad intent
- Ask questions
- Stay calm
- Make the argument but don't assume your point is valid
9. Redefine success
- Include inclusion as a measure of success in business -> provide training to recruitment managers
10. 7 ways to act in a workplace: the sponsor, the champion, the amplifier, the advocate, the scholar, the upstander and the confidant

[The Reluctant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book that introduces readers to being anti-racist; providing clear and concise, actionable ways of creating change.
———————————
June Sarpong writes eloquently about her work in diversity, experiences of Black people and what everyday, actionable steps we as White people can take to bring about real positive change in the world.

It’s time to no longer be oblivious to what’s happening around us. Be the change - play your part!

Key take aways are below:

Achieve awareness
- Understand and accept impact of legacy pursuit of power
- Motivated and active ally of black people

Build sustainable inclusivity
- Distributing wealth towards more sustainable balance across people of all identities

Do the white/right thing
- Stand up to injustice
- Long lasting, strategic involvement needed
- Challenge white privilege in sustained and meaningful way

Educate yourself about the past
- Don’t aim to erase or rewrite history
- Reinstate positive black history
- Acknowledge and include negative white history
- Need inclusive curriculum, full spectrum of experiences to be taught

Create a level playing field for women of colour
- Recognise the intersectionality of gender and race that women of colour have to face
- Allow progress towards parity with men in earning capacity and progression rates
- Removing barriers to success

Make a bigger pie
- Income inequality is major barrier
- Fairer system for all is the ultimate goal
- Share innovation
- Implement different ways to find talent

Be an ally, inspire more allies
- Expand circle of influence
- Remind people of everyones shared humanity

Redefine what it means to win
- Inclusion needs to be valued equally alongside wealth and profit as measure of success
- Work with marginalised groups to come up with standards that really challenge culture
- Contribute to changing things for the better

Act now
- Focus your attention where you can have the most impact
- The things you do must have substance

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Audio review - author narrated her own book and did an excellent job of it. This seems to work especially well with non fiction and added a personal connection to the listening experience.

The book itself is clear, concise, practical and invested in promoting real change. Sarpong gives a balanced view of what privilege is and how it's never as simple as 'whites versus blacks'. Those looking for a tomb that expounds on anger at injustice rather than practical solutions that promote an equal society had better look elsewhere - Sarpong's goal is to foster better communication, not to alienate the sub section off society who have currently and previously been held up as the norm. She writes that guilt and blame are obstacles to real change. This was a refreshing perspective (and in line with ideas I have held for some time so of course it resonated with me.) Overall, this was a great book for those who want to help create change without doing damage but are lost as to where to start. I'd also recommend it to those who are (justifiably) angry at injustice but have allowed that anger to turn them into a firehose full of petrol, rather than attempting to open lines of communication. This is a great book for everyone who wants an equal society.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I should have been able to read this quicker, but I didn't pick it up all the time. I find that's an issue I have with non-fiction. It feels like work, so I don't gravitate towards it. That being said, this was a really useful book. It highlights the way white people can make changes to benefit all of society, but especially for those at the bottom.

It's easy to become angry when you hear the phrase "white privilege", and question how you can have privilege when you're struggling to get by. The book looks into ways of saying how economic disparity is one of the biggest issues in tackling any social change. It isn't an us vs them when combatting but rather a look into how we can pull everyone up the ladder.

I recognise that I have more privilege than others, but I'm still not in a position where I can make big changes. However, the book outlines a few ways that I can make a change that will see differences later on down the line. It doesn't have to be an instant thing, the incremental steps we take are what will cause the snowball to get bigger.

I really recommend this book as it's a good place to start at looking into your own privilege and what you can do to be the change you want to see.

[Artemis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a decent amount of books on on privilege and what people can do to challenge various -isms.

This book, in my eyes, isn't the best time-for-value sink for the average person.

If you're skeptical, and want to read a book that will tell you what to do in regards to business, at an incredibly shallow level, then this book might be it. Or not, I don't know.

The nice thing is it is a quick read, the bad thing is that it feels incredibly empty.

Plus, there's racism against Indigenous folk in there. Speaking on using privilege to challenge racism, why somebody with June Sarpong's resources couldn't investigate the idea that talking about "totem poles" might be off, I'm not sure (https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/culturally...).

I hate to criticize a book that is based on doing better, but the suggestions are all so hollow that, other than "educate yourself, open doors (literally sometimes), talk to people", there's not much there. Other than the point that businesses would profit if they just got around to including marginalized folk.

It'd be better to read Ibram X. Kendi, more time to invest, sure, but at least the concepts are properly explored.

[Harri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Privilege: How White People Can Challenge Racism by June Sarpong is probably the book a lot of us have waited to read and even more of us need to read.
This book is the perfect accompaniment to anybody on a journey of coming to terms with their privileges and allying themselves with the Black Lives Matter movement.
As Sarpong, so eloquently describes, it is not enough to not be outwardly racist; you have to also be anti-racist and challenge yourself and your views daily.
The audiobook is fairly short and can easily be listened to in one go. Read by the author, it feels more like a friendly chat than a lecture. Though some topics are difficult and uncomfortable they are approached in a way as to educate, not blame.
With anecdotal stories interweaved amongst well-researched facts, it's hard not to be moved by this book. It offers practical advice as to how we can create a safer, accepting community in a world that is infected with systemic racism. I would urge everyone to read/listen to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of the audiobook!

[Lisa Bentley]

I was absolutely blown away by Diversify by June Sarpong when I read it. Where I was expecting a book about the history of racism – which to be fair could have been full of anger and hurt – what I got was a very measured, practical guide to modern day racism across the spectrum and advice on how we can help to stop it – starting with the classroom. In her pocket sized book The Power of Privilege, June Sarpong discusses another, often ignored side of racism – privilege. 

It is easy to get confused by the term and become instantly defensive but it is a concept that needs further discussion and understanding and also acceptance that society has been built on white privilege. The sooner people accept that, the more likely institutionalised racism will hopefully come to an end. 

I listened to The Power of Privilege on audiobook and what I appreciated was that June Sarpong narrate it herself. This allowed her to get her points across more accurately than if someone else had narrated it for her.

The Power of Privilege isn’t an exhaustive read, yet it is an important one.

The Power of Privilege by June Sarpong is available now.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good introduction book for those who are wanting to understand privilege and start the path of unlearning internalized racism. June provides ten actions you can do to become more anti-racist. The actions were simple, easy to understand and apply, which is very important for beginning your anti-racism journey.

While I do think this is a good book, if you have already read longer anti-racism books, like How to be Anti-Racist, So You Want to Talk About Race, White Fragility, etc., then this book might be a bit short and simple for you. But, one thing this book does that the previous ones listed didn’t was talk about racism in the UK. This book provides facts from both the U.S. and the U.K. which was new information for me. I appreciated that this author provided both sides of the pond facts and how both are struggling with racism.

Overall, while this is short, it’s a great start for those who are just starting their anti-racism journey.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

June Sarpong places the horrific murder of George Floyd and the racial disparities between those affected by the coronavirus pandemic into the context of centuries old racial biases. This isn’t a comprehensive history, being only 128 pages but provides the context of institutionalised racism and the ongoing effects of racist policies in the UK and US.

The historical portion of this book wasn’t the most interesting for me because it was very surface level and I have read other books on the topic. However, Sarpong includes a list of ten practical things we can do to tackle racism in our own communities. This advice was done brilliantly and though some of the steps are simple, the author wasn’t condescending in any way.

Overall I would recommend this book and think that it would be a great book to buy as a gift.

4 out of 5 stars!

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**listened via audio book**

I'm a huge fan of June Sarpong, seeing her on my tv as a kid - and even more so now she is an advocate for diversity and BLM.

This book is short and concise, but man, does it pack a punch! It is incredibly informative and gives you a lot to think about. It covers so much.
As a white, working class woman I sometimes struggle to FULLY understand black and ethnic minority struggles. However this book has definitely opened my eyes to a lot. Also, as a teacher I am always on the look out for new ways to explain and teach about BLM and racism. I will be recommending this book to fellow members of staff, and I will also be using the knowledge I have gained from listening to this book as a resource within the classroom.

[Lara Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a short book Sarpong provides actionable insights on how white peopple can challenge racism.the book starts with a discussion of privvilidge, while marginalised groups E.G. working class men are discussed I feel further discussions of times where men can feel disadvantaged such as the family court would have helped more men identify with the book. After discussing privvilidge the book provides ten actions to promote diversity. I liked that Sarpong gives examples from Britain, and is realistic that we cannot all take forward every action at once. This book helps us create a society where can all be winners in the best way possible for us.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio copy received from NetGalley for review. This is a very accessible overview of how privilege works and a selection of solutions to change society for the better.

This short book talks about diversity in an intersectional way, and pushes for change in an inspiring, not guilt-tripping way. If you want to learn more about how to be an ally and how to use your priviege for good, this is the book for you.

Sarpong narrates the audio herself and it feels like a positive chat, not a negative lecture.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Privilege is timely with the BLM movement. Sarpong gives a UK perspective which is refreshing and serves to remind us all this is not just an American issue. She clearly outlines 10 ways that white people can combat racism and challenges hoe it is not possible to not be racist – the clearest explanation of white privilege. This book serves as a great introduction to the issues and is informative.
Many thanks to #netgalley for gifting the audiobook of #Thepowerofprivilege in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Privilege is timely with the BLM movement. Sarpong gives a UK perspective which is refreshing and serves to remind us all this is not just an American issue. She clearly outlines 10 ways that white people can combat racism and challenges hoe it is not possible to not be racist – the clearest explanation of white privilege. This book serves as a great introduction to the issues and is informative.
Many thanks to #netgalley for gifting the audiobook of #Thepowerofprivilege in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The power of privilege' is an intelligent guide for white people to become anti-racist allies. It suggests ten actions that we can take to make sure equal opportunity is no longer an empty phrase. I am grateful to June Sarpong for taking the time to educate us - I can only imagine how tiresome it must get to tell us that we need to listen and engage constructively... Her tone is firm, intelligent and positive. She is trying to make sure we achieve a fair society where everyone gets a slice of the pie. I don't understand how anyone could disagree with her.

[Shona Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Although this book is short it packs in so much good advice and relevant bang up to date examples of the work that is happening around the world. I found myself putting down the book to go and follow the people mentioned such as Lavinya Stennett the founder of The Black Curriculum, which I had heard of but didn't know by name before.

I really hope that the work June is heading at the BBC continues to make an impact on the visibility of Black and other people of colour on our screens in the UK.

[Jason Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide for anyone looking to turn their despair at current affairs with regards the BLM movement and wider race inequality in our society.

This book in two parts is a great intro to further reading or the perfect accompaniment to other current best sellers such as Akala/Eddo-Lodge and offers great practical advice on how you can be an effective force for change everyday and through your work life.

Brilliant :)

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, Timely, Needed, but Stronger If Shortened

As exactly the white male she refers to, I was looking for this commentary and guidance. As a former politician, community organizer, strong liberal, engineer, and closet philosopher, I was/am not unfamiliar with the history. I'd read Kendi, and a shorter version of this would be more powerful and more handy. Well done. Truly. Cut it by 50%.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love how June Sarpong includes instances of "otherness" not just for those of colour but for anyone broken under the yoke of those in higher positions in society. We just need a book now combining the effects of discrimination against those with learning disabilities because a lot of what June says here applies to this minority too. Thank you for writing this, June. One day, racism will no longer be something you or the next generations has to fear.

[Laura Newsholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really excellent and incredibly accessible book that I will return to time and again. As a white, middle class woman, there was so much useful and insightful information and action points to enable me to use my privilege for good. June Sarpong is never accusatory in her statements, which I think will appeal to many and overall, I thought this was a truly great read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.