Cómo ser antirracista

Escrito por Ibram X. Kendi

Narrado por Tony Dandrades

“EL MEJOR LIBRO DEL AÑO”
The New York Times Book Review • Time • NPR • The Washington Post • Shelf Awareness • Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews

El racismo es, en su esencia, un sistema poderoso que crea falsas jerarquías de los valores humanos; su lógica distorsionada se extiende más allá de la raza: desde la forma en que consideramos a las personas de diferentes etnias o colores de piel hasta el modo en que tratamos a las personas de diferentes sexos, identidades de género y tipos de cuerpo. El racismo se entrecruza con asuntos de clase, cultura y geografía e incluso cambia la manera en que nos vemos y nos valoramos. En Cómo ser antirracista, Kendi lleva a los lectores a través de un círculo cada vez más amplio de ideas antirracistas —desde los conceptos más básicos hasta sus posibilidades visionarias— que ayudarán a identificar claramente todas las formas de racismo, comprender sus peligrosas consecuencias y trabajar para oponerse a ellas tanto en nuestros sistemas sociales como en nuestro interior.
El antirracismo es un concepto transformador que reorienta y revitaliza la conversación sobre el racismo y, más fundamentalmente, nos señala nuevas formas de pensar sobre nosotros mismos y los que nos rodean.
 
Kendi teje una combinación electrizante de ética, historia, derecho y ciencia con su propia historia personal de despertar al antirracismo. Una obra esencial para quien desee ir más allá de la simple conciencia del racismo y dar un paso más allá para contribuir a la formación de una sociedad justa y equitativa.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning comes a “groundbreaking” (Time) approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society—and in ourselves.

“The most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind.”—The New York Times

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • Time • NPR • The Washington Post • Shelf Awareness • Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews

Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. At its core, racism is a powerful system that creates false hierarchies of human value; its warped logic extends beyond race, from the way we regard people of different ethnicities or skin colors to the way we treat people of different sexes, gender identities, and body types. Racism intersects with class and culture and geography and even changes the way we see and value ourselves. In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.

Kendi weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 23 sept 2021
• ISBN: 9780593585863

Ibram X. Kendi

Ibram X. Kendi is a National Book Award–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include Antiracist Baby; Goodnight Racism; How to Be an Antiracist; and How to Raise an Antiracist. Kendi was the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the Director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research for five years, before leaving to become Director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study in 2025. In 2020, Time magazine named Kendi one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was also awarded a 2021 MacArthur Fellowship.

Comentarios para Cómo ser antirracista

[therebelprince · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Exhilarating and epic.

I usually end up rolling my eyes at "everything you thought you knew was wrong" style books, because - no matter how well-intentioned - there comes a point when it's hard to believe that out of every human on earth, we've all been going the wrong way and only the Messiah-like author can save us. But this is actually not Kendi's aim. Instead he draws on a rich vein of historical sources and some impeccable research to explain the points-of-view of those who already knew what we should be doing, contrasting it with his own development as a young dark-skinned black man growing up in the USA, filled with his own biases, bigotries, and fears. We emerge from the final chapter not, perhaps, with an answer on what we need to do to solve the impacts of racism in our society, but certainly with an awareness of innovative, powerful, and practical tools at our disposal.

One caveat for international readers like myself: this book is not a "beginner's guide" in any sense - to the problems of racism, to sociology, to history. It was written by a highly-educated, intellectual, deeply progressive American who writes for The Atlantic and he assumes his audience are highly-educated, intellectual, deeply progressive Americans who probably read The Atlantic. As a result, I got a bit lost occasionally when American history and slang played major roles in some chapters, or when the discussion veered off into modern academic theories on race and discrimination. (Kendi himself acknowledges that he doesn't use some of these phrases when talking to laypeople!) That's not a complaint - after all, this is an American book for Americans; I'm the problem child for reading it in my far-flung corner of the earth.

Yet I don't say that to put you off the book. It still has a lot to say on how we process our individual biases, instilled in us over a lifetime, and I will be reflecting upon it for a long time to come.

[brendart20 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I think this is more of book for academics. Hard to read as a white person, but a very important book to read as a white person.

[treebeard_404 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I guarantee that if you read this book, there will be something you disagree with. But I strongly believe that if you read the whole thing, walk the intellectual path Kendi lays out, then you will find much you agree with and much to ponder. He will challenge your assumptions. But he will not attack you as a person. So do not be afraid to pick up this book and perhaps see the world in a different light.
[Audiobook note: Kendi reads this book himself. This was not wise. Far too often, his delivery is too rhythmically choppy to be a good listen. You should probably stick to the print version.]

[daumari · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is a crucial read, though I feel like it's the sort of book to be gifted or loaned to people who need it that otherwise wouldn't pick it up. Part autobiographical (as it helps to identify your own history of thought and trace what influenced your development, especially being raised in an inherently biased system), part framework to identify the ways racist policies influence our ideas, Kendi stresses that being "not-racist" is not enough, that the only opposition to racism is anti-racism. Otherwise, we tacitly endorse racist policies by supporting the status quo, typically because it's convenient for us.

Kendi also goes over how yes, people of color can be racist as well, because again, it's easy to fall into the idea of supporting your 'team' without noticing that policies disproportionately affect us not only along racial lines but also class and gender, and how assimilation codifies power into a specific group to the detriment of others. Really worthwhile read, especially to challenge and check your own viewpoint.

[lschiff-742783 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Really excellent, accessible analysis of racism in the US and how we can tackle it. Especially thought provoking for me was the section on "Space" and the discussion around public education and public schools. As someone who was immersed in the effort to bring more people into public schools and to garner widespread support for public schools, the questions of integration and segregation were always important, especially in a district that was under a court order not to have highly segregated schools. I'm chewing over Kendi's perspective here, thinking back on my experiences organizing for what seemed to me at the time social justice goals, and reflecting on what could have been different goals and different approaches, and what that looks like now. I'm not there yet, but will be spending time trying to gain clarity on this.

The one area where I found myself disagreeing with Kendi was on the connection between racist policies and racist ideas. He argues that racist policies, established by political leaders for their own self-interest, foster racist ideas, and that only anti-racist policies can bring about anti-racist ideas on a large scale. I found his historical examples quite short on historical context and analytical support. For instance, the Affordable Care Act did not result from intensive organizing on the part of the Obama administration. Communities across the country had been organizing for more than a decade for transformative change to health care policies, focusing on single payer solutions that as they gained more support at the state level helped to push federal leaders more in that direction. Without all of that on the ground work--talking to friends, neighbors, co-workers; canvassing and phone banks for each time Single Payer came on a state ballot; municipal health care expansion; pressure on elected officials; and more--the ACA would never have been possible. People's ideas about health care changed, people were organized to put pressure on elected officials, and then elected officials established a policy that took a first, modest step towards universal health care.
Kendi stakes a lot on the promise of anti-racist policies, which makes sense, but needs to acknowledge the on the ground organizing precisely to change minds, that sets the stage for those policies.

[jonbrammer-788089 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Really just an outstanding overview of antiracist thought and strategy. Kendi's humility and acknowledgement of his own mistakes are inspirational - this book makes me want to be a better person, ally, and anti-racist.

I did wonder about the "Space" chapter, especially when thinking about Trump's bragging about his administration's funding of HBCUs. Kendi is in favor of Black and integrated spaces being venues of empowerment, but the fact that Trump is simultaneously boosting HBCUs while trying to dismantle affirmative action (the DOJ is suing Yale and other universities over their diversity policies) feels segregationist. Just something to think about.

[squealermusic-893611 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Nicely structured, easy to read but full of ideas.

[akerekes83 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

The story is well written and entertaining as a autobiography. However the author comes off as a overt racist and his proposed solutions both totalitarian and full of vengeful resentment. The author seems to have through this book since become a minor prophet for the Church of Critical Social Justice by saying all of the correct incantations but there is no substance behind them. This book is wholly undeserving of its popular praise.

This book gets 2 stars instead of 1 only because the actual story was well written and entertaining.

[anniik_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Powerful.

Intensely powerful book. Beautifully written and made me think a great deal about my own biases and privilege. This book forces your mind into uncomfortable places and urges you to make yourself better. Should be required reading.

[foof2you · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This book is a must read for those wanting to know more about being an antiracist. It is well thought out and it also is a biography about how Kendi's views have change as he has grown up and through various events in his life.

[dairyqueen84 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Good food for thought. I liked the way Kendi wove his personal experiences and growth into his discussion of racism and antiracism.

[dualmon · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

A tough, sometimes grating read, but useful perspectives

[nosborm · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Amazing, sobering, and eye opening. Everyone should read this.

[wahoo8895 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Very thought provoking book. I'd like to think that I'm beginning to think like an antiracist.

[squeakychu · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Wow! What a powerful book…as well as one that presents hope for the future! It is a thorough, detailed look at the history and modern day aspects of racism followed by personal anecdotes, making reading this book both informative and immersive. I must admit, though, that I had a bit of a struggle to understand everything and sometimes had to re-read bits of it to clarify what the author was trying to say. I found that the information was forcing me into self-reflection and pointing out ways in which I can become more antiracist. I like that.

It is of note that race itself was not a concept until formalized in the fifteenth century. That this was only six centuries ago is in itself startling. There is so much food for thought and conversation in this book that I think the best way to read it is very slowly, and taking the time to discuss Kendi’s ideas with others.

This is pretty heavy reading if you take time to try to understand all of what is being explained and try to think about how you can incorporate antiracism into your own life. This will be an ongoing process for me--one that will start with antiracism toward Blacks, but later will incorporate these ideas into my relationship with all kinds of people. My biggest take from this book is that no one person should.be taken as a symbol for a whole group. It is an idea that should start with the Black population, but should be part of any relationship with someone else.

Think about it. If the author has to take the time and effort to organize for himself how to be antiracist, how much more important is it for everyone who is not Black to do so as well? Let’s begin now, and let’s do this together.

[lukespapa · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Whether you will agree or disagree with Kendi, this is an important book to read because it will make you think and question your personal beliefs about race and racism. Such reflection is critical if we are to move forward as a society. What Kendi does brilliantly is to define his terms and in this he makes clear there is no middle ground - you are either supporting policies that are racist, or not. The hard work is identifying and changing policies that are advantaging one race at the expense of harming others.

[sara_cat-107388 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This was a truly powerful, and dense, book. I highly recommend it. It is well organized and while the chapters are connected, they are also focused on specific aspects of things so that readers can choose to read just a chapter at a time and not have to worry about needing to reread anything to pick the book back up later.

The main reason I currently have this book at 4 stars is because sometimes it felt a bit repetitive - though I can see why he wrote out things rather than shortening them. And some of it was also hard for me to follow. Though, it may simply be that this is a book that requires a second read from me. So, it's possible that after a reread I might change it to a 5 star.

The book says so much and gives so much to think about. And from all the quotes and references throughout the book it is obvious how much time and research went into this.

[phoenixcomet · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I know that I'm supposed to be all "hot under the collar" about this book on antiracism, but instead, I was nothing but agitated by the author's constant hatred of everybody. He does define different categories of racism and does highlight the horrors of hatred amongst the colored population, not including the systemic racism of white people toward blacks. In short, the only chapter that I truly appreciated and related to was the last one where he discusses his battle against cancer. There must be some better books to read on the racism problem in the United States.

[ar_bookbird · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This should be required reading for everyone!

[drfuriosa · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

This is an engaging and informative book about becoming antiracist and looking at intersections of racism. I would be particularly interested to hear from black activist folx who read the chapter on "Failure," as it made me wonder how Kendi's argument would be received in a POC-only context. As a white person, I found myself nodding along, but then I realized, um, I'm white. How might this read out of my personal context?

I'm not sure that the memoir-to-analysis format always worked for me, though I did find the metaphor of cancer for racism really quite arresting.

[quondame · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A personal history of the development of the author's ideas about anti-racism, in which he faces and provides opportunities for us to face, mirrors reflecting his/our own racism and racist beliefs. This is not a recipe but a foundation.

[streamsong_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

“Definitions:
Racist: One who is supporting a racist policy through their action or inactions or expressing a racist idea.
Antiracist: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea. “( P1)

[[Ibram Kendi]] examines arguments about race including social and cultural constructs, gender, class, sex, degrees of color, black colleges and finally, survival.

He puts forth the argument that it is not enough to simply *not* vocalize racist sentiments.

If you are living within the current framework of American society, you are reaping its benefits. If you are not working to change policy that puts others at a disadvantage, you are a racist.

If you believe Bill Cosby’s sentiment that all blacks (and other minorities) can succeed if they work harder and behave themselves, you are racist.

It’s interesting and helpful that the author identifies his own evolution on these subjects and identifies that he himself held racist ideas in several areas.

It helped clarify ideas in other books I had read that I had not fully grasped.

There is an opportunity for thoughtful discussion with this book I plan to suggest this one for my book group in 2021.

[jzacsh-533759 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Highly recommend this book. It's clearly written, has such human and relatable stories, and builds up a picture of a right against racism by focusing on a flight against racist policies and anti-racist replacements.

[ffortsa · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I listened to this book and sometimes wished I had the text in front of me. Kendi is honest and sometimes scorching about his own journey from assumptions he calls racist to an understanding of actions and beliefs he deems anti-racist. Because he illustrated each component with his own life history, the 'education' of each chapter stings a little less.

I was especially interested in his appraisal of Brown v. Board of Education, which in his view was both racist and unhelpful. It determined that black children were entitled to attend well-funded schools but did not mandate that majority black schools be well-funded. Nor did it mandate that all schools have role models black students could relate to, or that black culture be attended to with dignity. That really opened my eyes. Even an attempt to 'do good' can be harmful.

[caanderson-1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

. One man’s journey to be an antiracist. It is a transformative concept of continuing the conversation regarding racism in America. The author talks about his own journey and how to dismantle racism. Fantastic book, worth the read.

[nmele_4 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Dr. Kendi combines his own life story with history, social science and diamond sharp logic to dissect racism and the other -isms with which it intersects. He defines racism and anti-racism and he illustrates his definitions through stories from his own history and from American history. I found the book challenged me to examine my own privilege, as other books have, but so multi-dimensionally that no single other book seems as comprehensive as his on the subjects of racism and anti-racism.

[gwendydd · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is a powerful and important book. Kendi argues that there is no such thing as "not racist" - he says a person is either an antiracist, or a racist. The neutral category of "not racist" doesn't exist, because anyone who claims to be "not racist" but doesn't actively support antiracist ideas and policies is, by their inaction, a racist. Antiracist ideas and policies seek to undo the harm that has been done by racism. Antiracism acknowledges that racism exists, and that it permeates all aspects of life and history in the United States, and that we need to actively work to undo the harm that racism has done.

The book's explanation of antiracism is interspersed with a memoir of Kendi's life and his personal process of understanding his own racism and embracing antiracism. Parts of the memoir are really heartbreaking: as a teenager, he believed the myth that black teenage boys are dangerous and violent, and it made him fear his own peers. He grew up hearing people say "Dr. King didn't die so that you could be lazy and get bad grades in school." The book also describes how racism pervades every aspect of American history, culture, and politics.

Despite this and despite writing the book while a white supremacist is in the White House, Kendi manages to remain optimistic. His vision of what antiracism is and how it can come about is enlightening. He draws important connections between racial prejudice and sexism, homophobia, and other kinds of prejudice and shows that an antiracist future also requires breaking down other forms of prejudice.

There is a lot to think about in this book. It is a very important book to read right now while our country descends into fascism. I hope that we can get closer to Kendi's vision in the future.

[lycomayflower · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I expected this to be a good book and an important book, but I was a little surprised by just how much I *enjoyed* it as well. Kendi interweaves his discussion of racism and antiracism with narrative about his own life, and this technique works to great effect to illustrate the concepts he's discussing. He is also able in this way to show his own growth from racist to antiracist, which may help diffuse any defensiveness a reader might have about the subject matter. Enthusiastically recommended.

[bell7_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Professor Ibram X. Kendi's main contention is that it's not enough to be "not racist," we must be actively antiracist. He takes us through ways in which people need to be active, not passive, towards racist policies while touching on various topics such as sexism, colorism, LGBTQ rights, and more as they intersect with racism and his own journey.

I was surprised to discover how autobiographical this book was, but it made for a fascinating read as Dr. Kendi explains how he came to his beliefs, and how he has changed over the years. There is a lot here, and while I tried to slow myself down and absorb, I will need to reread this at some point. I read the e-book, and found myself wishing for a paper copy to be able to flip back and forth to all the notes in the back. He sometimes has a unique, almost circuitous, delivery style that made it hard for me to follow when I wasn't familiar with the concept he was talking about, and I realized just how much I still have to learn.

[sanyamakadi · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I don't fully agree with Kendi's premise--that racism is based solely in power and self-interest, and governed solely by policies--but I appreciate his mix of social theory and personal experience, as well as the well utilized statistics integrated throughout to illustrate his points. I recommend.