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Frequently Asked White Questions
Are you a white person with questions about how race affects different situations, but you feel awkward, shy or afraid to ask the people of colour in your life? Are you a racialized person who is tired of answering the same questions over and over? This book is for a basic guide for people learning about racial privilege. In Frequently Asked White Questions, Drs. Alex Khasnabish and Ajay Parasram answer ten of the most common questions asked of them by people seeking to understand how race structures our every day. Drawing from their lived experiences as well as live sessions of their monthly YouTube series Safe Space for White Questions, the authors offer concise, accessible answers to questions such as, “Is it possible to be racist against white people?” or “Shouldn’t everyone be treated equally?” This book offers a thoughtful and respectful guide for anyone trying to figure out “woke” politics without jargon and judgement.
128 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
15 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2023
I was recommended this book by a friend and WHEW did she deliver. As she said in her review, this is “absolutely essential reading for all.”
The craziest part of reading this book is that my brother turned to me at dinner last night and asked question #1. I’ve already left my copy on his nightstand to read.
The craziest part of reading this book is that my brother turned to me at dinner last night and asked question #1. I’ve already left my copy on his nightstand to read.
June 12, 2023
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s concise, efficient, includes summaries of each chapter, a glossary to refer back to, and a list of reading recommendations. It hits all the hard topics that have frequently crossed my mind and communicates them in a gentle, inclusive, and hopeful way - with a tasteful hint of humour. I love it and will definitely be coming back to it.
I’ve always felt that when humanity is in danger in one place, all of humanity is endangered. This book offers insight into how these huge structures (capitalism, heteropatriarchy, settler colonialism, racism, etc.) intersect to form what our society calls “normal.” It includes tips on how to have difficult conversations and do anti-racist work.
In this world, being oblivious is just as good as being complicit. We need to put the effort into being anti-racist.
I’ve always felt that when humanity is in danger in one place, all of humanity is endangered. This book offers insight into how these huge structures (capitalism, heteropatriarchy, settler colonialism, racism, etc.) intersect to form what our society calls “normal.” It includes tips on how to have difficult conversations and do anti-racist work.
In this world, being oblivious is just as good as being complicit. We need to put the effort into being anti-racist.
September 10, 2023
I appreciated this book - an „FAQ“ of most common questions that are answered with a Canadian perspective that includes multiple racialized groups. A short, highly accessible book.
December 6, 2022
Frequently Asked White Questions, by Canadian writers Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish, both of South Asian descent, provides a handy concise guide to systemic racism and taking steps to becoming antiracist. The authors divide the book into 10 chapters, each addressing a key question, e.g. “How Do We Fix Past Wrongs Without Creating New Ones?”, “How Can I Talk About Social Justice Without Turning People Off?” I particularly appreciated the authorsʻ conversational tone and carefulness to de-jargonize and clearly define key terms used when conversing about equity, diversity, racism, and oppression, also their practical tips on how to engage in civil conversations, and the takeaway summation of key principles at the end of each chapter. As an American, I also enjoyed reading about how systemic racism manifests itself in the Canadian social context. As an AAPI woman, however, I disagreed with the authorsʻ assertion that “White people experience many forms of intersecting oppression, but they cannot experience racism because we live in a world structured by white supremacy”--really?! Yes, thereʻs no doubt that BIPOC folx experience racialized disparities to a much greater degree than those who are white, also have historically suffered under, and continue to be harmed by the pernicious effects of institutionalized oppression and policies, whether itʻs redlining, segregation, profiling, or higher statistical rates of incarceration. Yes, white cis-het males generally enjoy privilege and status that others in society do not. However, BIPOC individuals also do not get a “free pass”; sadly, all humans can fall prey to making judgments of superiority or inferiority based on race or ethnicity. Nevertheless, Parasram and Khasnabish’s book represents a valuable, readable, and accessible concise resource, which hopefully will encourage greater civil and hopefully productive dialogue about social justice.
October 21, 2022
There is a lot to love about this book and somethings that certain people will find problematic but anything that tries to help us understand each other can only be a good thing and that is what the authors of this book is trying to do. It is always easy to blow off the opinion to others as nonsense or the wrong interpretation but to do that is to negate others experience and only hold true to your own. There was one thing I had issue with in the beginning it said they run workshops that are safe places for white questions and when a white guy stood up and said the N-word other white people in the class shamed him and made him feel bad but if this was truly a safe space shouldn’t the people running the workshop have stop those people because the author says he was not beinga-whole just expressing his opinion so why were others allowed to make him feel bad in this safe place? Besides that they also had graded bison this book and although I think the wording could’ve been different in a lot of the book overall benefit of this book is worth taking a look. In the everchanging world of race in race interpretation we should listen to everyone’s voice and try to understand where they are coming from. I do want to point out that the authors of this book are both from Canada and in reading it you can tell the slight differences but not so much that the book can’t make a difference. When I first saw the title I thought immediately I wouldn’t like this book but there were a few places I found myself laughing and others where I went I didn’t know that. And as I said no matter what you agree with her don’t agree with the book overall is a great benefit to a world struggling to find a new identity. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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October 29, 2022This book is a distillation of lived experiences and conversations had through Safe Space for White Questions (SSFWQ)--a place to have nonjudgmental conversations about people's questions on race structures and privilege. The book draws on 10 common themes that have occurred in SSFWQ over time.
As I read, I realized I need to be careful while reading and reviewing because I'm not A) Canadian nor have I ever lived in Canada; and B) I'm coming at this content from a place of white privilege. But I think--apart from the Canadian bit--I'm part of the intended audience. As I read it, part of the objective of the authors' work in general, including this book, is to help take the burden of educating white people off racialized people. And they really do break it down in the book! I found myself wishing I had a card copy of the book to apply tabs and color-coded highlighting to keep track of themes and important elements to come back and digest more later. It raises so many thoughts and questions in my mind that I wish had been covered also. And I found the Canadian perspective very useful, in that it helped me take a step back and see the same topic through a slightly different lens. This was also unique in my reading so far in another way, as it really breaks down what culture is, with call-out definitions of key terms like you would hope for in a textbook...but so much more readable. I appreciated the material so much--it was easy to read and understand (and it isn't too long), but the material was still deep and important. I plan to re-read it later, after I've processed it more internally, so I can settle it more in my consciousness.
As I read, I realized I need to be careful while reading and reviewing because I'm not A) Canadian nor have I ever lived in Canada; and B) I'm coming at this content from a place of white privilege. But I think--apart from the Canadian bit--I'm part of the intended audience. As I read it, part of the objective of the authors' work in general, including this book, is to help take the burden of educating white people off racialized people. And they really do break it down in the book! I found myself wishing I had a card copy of the book to apply tabs and color-coded highlighting to keep track of themes and important elements to come back and digest more later. It raises so many thoughts and questions in my mind that I wish had been covered also. And I found the Canadian perspective very useful, in that it helped me take a step back and see the same topic through a slightly different lens. This was also unique in my reading so far in another way, as it really breaks down what culture is, with call-out definitions of key terms like you would hope for in a textbook...but so much more readable. I appreciated the material so much--it was easy to read and understand (and it isn't too long), but the material was still deep and important. I plan to re-read it later, after I've processed it more internally, so I can settle it more in my consciousness.
June 19, 2025
This is a short, relevant read that addresses frequently asked questions that often come up from white people when discussing racism.
Each chapter finishes with a key principle that summarizes the learning from the chapter, presented again at the end of the book in an appendix titled « Top Ten Principles for Thinking About Racial Politics As a White Person ».
Appendix B includes a glossary of terms. A colleague shared the term, collective liberation, with me last year and it was the first time I had heard the term 😳 I found this helpful to have a clear definition for a few terms I am still learning.
Here is how Ajay & Alex define collective liberation:
Freedom for all, understood in the sense that no one is really free until everyone is, and one group’s liberation cannot come at the cost of another’s. It also embodies the notion that each struggle against oppression and exploitation is part of a much bigger constellation of freedom struggles.
Appendix C includes a reading list of titles, almost all of which have made their way onto my Goodreads Want to Read shelf.
I’d encourage folks to check out the Safe Spaces for White Questions YouTube channel, which Ajay and Alex support folks to, in their words, « deepen their knowledge of race and social justice issues without fear of conflict ».
Let’s work towards collective liberation! For me it starts spending time educating myself, having more conversations about racism with the white folks in my life, and shifting out of my comfort zone and using whatever privilege I have to take more action.
Each chapter finishes with a key principle that summarizes the learning from the chapter, presented again at the end of the book in an appendix titled « Top Ten Principles for Thinking About Racial Politics As a White Person ».
Appendix B includes a glossary of terms. A colleague shared the term, collective liberation, with me last year and it was the first time I had heard the term 😳 I found this helpful to have a clear definition for a few terms I am still learning.
Here is how Ajay & Alex define collective liberation:
Freedom for all, understood in the sense that no one is really free until everyone is, and one group’s liberation cannot come at the cost of another’s. It also embodies the notion that each struggle against oppression and exploitation is part of a much bigger constellation of freedom struggles.
Appendix C includes a reading list of titles, almost all of which have made their way onto my Goodreads Want to Read shelf.
I’d encourage folks to check out the Safe Spaces for White Questions YouTube channel, which Ajay and Alex support folks to, in their words, « deepen their knowledge of race and social justice issues without fear of conflict ».
Let’s work towards collective liberation! For me it starts spending time educating myself, having more conversations about racism with the white folks in my life, and shifting out of my comfort zone and using whatever privilege I have to take more action.
November 2, 2022
Similar to Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity, this book is written as a gentle introduction into systemic racism and what white people can do. It isn't a sweeping manifesto and is written in a very open manner, very much aware that people with privilege quickly get defensive when they feel (incorrectly) threatened. For someone who is already working on themselves, this might not be a great resource, but more of a refresher or reminder of the basics. For someone who is just starting their journey, this can be an excellent starting point to check their own biases. As an American, it was refreshing to read a different perspective from another country as the authors are Canadian. I also appreciated that the discussion was not limited to the mistreatment of Blacks, but included may minority groups and the concept of intersectionality. The book is short and written is concise well thought out chapters. It would be good book to own, post-it note, and refer to again and again as one navigates being a more anti-racist member of society.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fernwood publishing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fernwood publishing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
March 24, 2025
So what questions do you have about race or race relations that you would like answered? Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish, two mixed raced Canadians, have distilled the questions they have frequently encountered during their online forums (Safe Space for White Questions) on race relations into this title along with what answers they have to the questions. Since these sessions were held in Canada, a number of the specific examples are Canadian, but the answers are broadly applicable.
The book has ten chapters. Some chapter looks at a particular topic - "Can you be Racist Against White People," "How Does Racism Relate to Other Forms of Oppression?," and "Can Members of an Oppressed Group be Oppressors?" Other chapters focus more on personal involvement - "How Do We Fix Past Wrongs Without Creating New Ones?, "How Can I Talk About Social Justice Without Turning People off?, " or "What's the Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation?" There are also chapters on how to be antiracist and what exactly the "Race Card" is. The authors finish with a list of principals for thinking about racial politics as a white person.
So if you are trying to figure out how to navigate this maelstrom of race and culture, take the time to read or listen to Frequently Asked White Questions. The time will be well spent.
The book has ten chapters. Some chapter looks at a particular topic - "Can you be Racist Against White People," "How Does Racism Relate to Other Forms of Oppression?," and "Can Members of an Oppressed Group be Oppressors?" Other chapters focus more on personal involvement - "How Do We Fix Past Wrongs Without Creating New Ones?, "How Can I Talk About Social Justice Without Turning People off?, " or "What's the Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation?" There are also chapters on how to be antiracist and what exactly the "Race Card" is. The authors finish with a list of principals for thinking about racial politics as a white person.
So if you are trying to figure out how to navigate this maelstrom of race and culture, take the time to read or listen to Frequently Asked White Questions. The time will be well spent.
December 21, 2022
Frequently Asked White Questions by Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish successfully endeavours to explain systemic racism, and offers guidance for becoming actively antiracist in everyday life. The book is organized into ten chapters, each setting out to answer frequently asked questions about race in Canadian society today. The authors provide clear and concise answers to queries that range from whether or not it is possible to be racist against white people, to how one can strive to be antiracist in their own life. There are many valuable takeaways here, and I would recommend this read to anyone who is interested in educating themselves toward striving for a more harmonious society of love and understanding. I will be sharing my copy.
Many thanks to the authors and publisher for providing me with this title to read and review.
Many thanks to the authors and publisher for providing me with this title to read and review.
June 22, 2023
TW: all of the intersectional oppressions
This is a light book on a heavy subject written by two Haligonian academics of colour who host a drop in space for white people to ask questions about race, gender, politics, ethics, and much more. It distills much complex work and thinking into ten questions and answers.
The best part of this work is the succinct and clear definitions. It is the spirit of generosity of the authors to help fragile white peoples find their way into the fold of activism and resistance. I’m glad to have read it and engaged with the thought and care these two bring to this work.
This is a light book on a heavy subject written by two Haligonian academics of colour who host a drop in space for white people to ask questions about race, gender, politics, ethics, and much more. It distills much complex work and thinking into ten questions and answers.
The best part of this work is the succinct and clear definitions. It is the spirit of generosity of the authors to help fragile white peoples find their way into the fold of activism and resistance. I’m glad to have read it and engaged with the thought and care these two bring to this work.
December 18, 2022
Canada or the United States, there seems to be the same problems with race in both countries. I appreciated the authors & their viewpoints on from Canadian perspective. I so long go the day where we don’t have to entertain conversations about race & the impact of white supremacy. Unfortunately we’re not there yet. By covering whiteness with frequently asked questions, this book presents a working framework to improve race relations. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the authors & the publisher for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley, the authors & the publisher for this ARC.
November 30, 2022
This book is a distillation of common conversations that came up during conversations the authors hosted about race at the university they work at. I think it was a good overview in non-academic language of these ideas, and an excellent place for someone who is interested in learning more about race to begin. I also thought it was interesting to read a book about race that has a Canadian perspective rather than a U.S. perspective.
January 26, 2023
As a colonial settler I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Not only is it accessible & informative but it is challenging in an open & entertaining way. Thank you Alex & Ajay for so generously using your own lived experiences as illustrations for consideration. My hope is that your efforts impact, inspire & encourage others like me to confront & dismantle our own biases. Until everyone is free no one is free. Collective liberation can & should be our goal.
November 2, 2022
I didn't know this book was about racial in Canada until I started reading it. Much of it applies to the US however The two authors are Asian in heritage and have experienced much personal racism at the hands of whites too.
This book has helpful questions and answers on how white people can learn about racism and become allies of POC.
This book has helpful questions and answers on how white people can learn about racism and become allies of POC.
August 25, 2023
they did say it’s fundamental, basic information, but I still underestimated HOW basic they meant. So it is *really* elementary knowledge and I didn’t learn anything new, but other than that it’s fine
February 4, 2025
Loved the local Halifax perspective. Great resource for anyone with questions about race, racism, and getting involved in activism. Felt like reading a simplified version of my whole social justice degree.
October 25, 2022
It is a fair attempt at having a clear and broad perspective of some racial issues, however it was a disappointment to see how it addresses issues by misdirecting the response.
March 30, 2023
Absolutely essential reading for all.
November 27, 2023
Super short and the the point; I really loved they used Canadian examples since a lot of anti-racism educational reading is focused on the USA.
October 14, 2024
Chapter nine is great—practical things you can do to fight racism.
On the whole, the authors struggle to communicate to anyone beyond the urban, politically left wing community.
Really nice to engage with Canadian antiracist content. We need more of it.
On the whole, the authors struggle to communicate to anyone beyond the urban, politically left wing community.
Really nice to engage with Canadian antiracist content. We need more of it.
May 12, 2023
In this book the authors put forth 10 questions that they have heard variations of in talks that they have hosted and explains each question in turn. This is an effort to give answers to the white people asking them and how to be an anti racist while not making racialized people shoulder the burden of teaching them those topics.
When I saw the title of this book on Netgalley I was super intrigued and decided that I had to read it. I’ve been reading more anti racist literature and this sounded like it would be an amazing read. I was right.
The book explores 10 questions related to structural racism and how to be an anti racist. Each chapter is short and succinct. Each chapter does an amazing job of explaining each topic in turn. I especially liked the summary at the end of each chapter to help readers get a better handle on what they have just read.
Overall highly recommend this boon for people of all ages and look forward to reading more by the authors.
When I saw the title of this book on Netgalley I was super intrigued and decided that I had to read it. I’ve been reading more anti racist literature and this sounded like it would be an amazing read. I was right.
The book explores 10 questions related to structural racism and how to be an anti racist. Each chapter is short and succinct. Each chapter does an amazing job of explaining each topic in turn. I especially liked the summary at the end of each chapter to help readers get a better handle on what they have just read.
Overall highly recommend this boon for people of all ages and look forward to reading more by the authors.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews