Rating: 
Summary: An ignorant view of white people
Review: This is an extremely poor book. In order to discuss a controversial issue, such as white racism in American society, one needs persuasive evidence to support his/her perspective on the subject. Tatum provides no such evidence, unless you would like to count a handful of isolated incidences of white racism found in this book, which could have easily been fabricated by the demented mind of the author, as evidence. Without plausible facts or statistical data to reinforce her unjustifiable complaints, Tatum and her argument do not deserve the reader's attention or respect, inasmuch as this book lacks the professional touch of a writer who actually desires to convince her audience of considering her viewpoints. In addition to the deficiency of evidence, Tatum's underlying argument is extremely anti-White. Instead of presenting insightful and relevant comments of racial identity in the United States, this book primarily, and inexcusably, attacks white people.
Let us look at one of Tatum's underlying themes. "Racism is a system of advantage based on race. And you have to ask yourself, who is advantaged by this system, and who is disadvantaged? In the U.S., it's the white people who are advantaged. I'm not saying that all white people are actively racist. The question is, are you actively anti-racist? There's no such thing as being passively anti-racist." If one can see through the psychobabble, then he or she will realize that this comment is pure illogical gibberish. Let us disregard the fact that Tatum's fundamental argument stated above is not at all supported by facts elsewhere in the book, and focus on exactly what she is stating. Bluntly, she means that white people are somehow "advantaged" in American society by some unknown power, and since many Whites do not fight this power that assists them, then these white people are thus "passively racist." We must make a note that ONLY WHITES can be passively racist by Tatum's definition. Since Tatum does not explain how Whites are advantaged or how Blacks are disadvantaged, the reader does not know what to think. To make her argument even less intelligent, when she talks about affirmative action later in the book, she circumvents the issue of how the affirmative action system is unjust to Whites by incorrectly explaining the workings of this racist system. Essentially, Tatum cannot accept that Whites can be disadvantaged by affirmative action. Finally, to make her line of reasoning more incoherent still, she claims in the beginning of the book to be against any "system of advantage" but entirely supports affirmative action (an obvious "system of advantage"). It is interesting that she encourages a system that hurts Whites and helps Blacks. With this clash of reasoning, the conclusion can be drawn that it is not a "system of advantage" favoring white people that Tatum is against (because NO SUCH SYSTEM EXISTS), but white people in general. Tatum's avoidance of describing affirmative action as a "system of advantage" (and thereby leading to the presence of Black passive racism) conveys to the reader that Tatum's argument is invalid and that she holds unfavorable emotions towards Whites. To further delve into Tatum's anti-White mentality, let us look at an interview with the author (Courtesy of familyeducation.com) about her book. "Q: You mentioned in a speech that critical thinking is the key to interrupting the cycle of racism. How can parents and teachers encourage kids to think critically about stereotypes?
A: Ask them questions, and encourage them to ask questions about what they read, see, and hear. If your kids are watching TV, prompt them with questions like, "Do you really think that all Latinos act like that?" "Why is it that there are no black people on Seinfeld?" Soon your kids will begin to point out patterns and stereotypes to you. You just need to get the ball rolling." Take a look at Tatum's ignorant comment about "Seinfeld". Disregard the fact that there are indeed black people on "Seinfeld", including Kramer's lawyer who appeared on many episodes, and ask yourself the following questions. The show was based on real people (who happen to be White), so why is it necessary for Tatum to impose on Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld to add Black characters that do not fit into the plot? Shouldn't the creators of the show be the ones deciding how the story is controlled? The most important question of all is: Why does she single out 'Seinfeld'? Why does she not compel predominantly Black shows, such as 'The Steve Harvey Show', 'Moesha', 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire', The Bernie Mac Show, Family Matters, etc to include more Whites? The answer is quite simple: Tatum is a racist. Throughout the book, one can see that Tatum's mission is to injure what is White and help only what is Black.
It is highly ironic that a racist like Tatum can write a book concerning racism. Reading this book will NOT be an enlightening experience that delves into racial identity nor will it be at the least bit factually valid. Tatum's book will ultimately lead those impressionable enough to believe her views to become more ignorant. Such ignorance is disguised behind psychobabble and unsubstantiated reasoning, but do not be fooled. By means of deception through unsound theories and impressive vernacular, Tatum gives the impression that the American system supports Whites while harming Blacks, and she states that Whites must accept and counteract this action in order to be considered "anti-racist." Overall, do not believe everything you read (ESPECIALLY IF YOU CHOOSE TO READ THIS BOOK), because Tatum's argument has no soundness to it whatsoever.
Rating:
Summary: Nonsense
Review: If there were one word to describe Tatum's unsupported arguments, unwarranted complaints, specious reasoning, and painful-to-read psychobabble, then "nonsense" would be most apt. I guess if you are looking for a book full of gibberish and unsubstantiated assertions, then by all means read this; you will not be disappointed. However, it is baffling to me how any intelligent person can be drawn in to believe the blatant fallacies that the author presents in this highly offensive book. By merely looking at Tatum's viewpoints, it can be shown that she has no better understanding of racism than Archie Bunker.
Foremost, she describes racism in America as a system of advantage focused on helping Whites and hurting Blacks. "This system clearly operates to the advantage of Whites and to the disadvantage of people of color." (7) Yet, she fails to provide one shred of evidence to support her terribly incorrect and inherently racist comment. I asked myself when reading this, "How did this biased system help me, as a white male?" I haven't yet received a job or gotten into a college just because of my whiteness. She states that whites have access to better schools, housing, and jobs. (7) Such a comment is laughable, inasmuch as one could not find any statistical facts in the entirety of this book to buttress such an outrageous anti-White comment. Look at the author herself: She went to a decent high school, got accepted to a highly rated liberal arts university, received a PH.D, became a dean, and was able to publish a book on a subject that she proves to know very little about. She did this as a black woman. Since she does not mention any personal struggles accomplishing all of this, it can be inferred that she personally has no experience being thwarted by the system that is supposedly against her. Additionally, I, like her, was a high honor student throughout high school. I participated in a number of varsity sports, a plethora of clubs, did volunteer work, maintained several jobs, tutored children, etc. As a white man would not this system that Tatum claims to cater to the whims of the white individuals of society, be guaranteed acceptance to Wesleyan University. The answer is "no," but I, unlike the author, do not feel I need to blame this incident on race or skin color.
Look at the National Basketball association or the National Football League. In a society that is White by majority and with a system that is against blacks, as stated by Tatum, how can the NBA and NFL be composed of a majority of African American members? The answer is simple, Tatum is obviously wrong in her ludicrous allegation, and these players were chosen because they proved themselves as the best basketball and football players in the country. This is similar to the situation considering the majority of white politicians. These people were well financed, well educated, and campaigned the most effectively: The color of their skin had nothing to do with them securing a government position, and therefore there are no advantages of being White, regardless of what Tatum says. Additionally, just because many of the politicians are White, does not mean that white people are favored in society. Society is composed of individuals, each with their own opinions and viewpoints, regardless of their race. Thus, it is foolish and quiet offensive that the author states that just because the system is run by predominantly white individuals, that they will somehow only help the Whites in society, who do not necessarily share the same views.
Second, Tatum makes spurious arguments throughout her book. She states that the "undesirable" characters as the hyenas in Disney's "Lion King" were played by Hispanic and African Americans (while the noblest lion was also depicted by a Black). (48) Her logics clears puts Whites in a Catch 22 situation: Whites cannot win with her. What I mean is that had the hyenas been portrayed by Whites, then Tatum would merely state that the movie is predominantly white, and that minorities were not represented fairly.
Third, instead of providing statistical data to support her argument, she uses isolated instances of White racism, such as the bigoted teacher (58) or the white women exclaiming herself to be "normal." (93) Such poor examples prove that Tatum's argument is weak.
However, amidst all of the nonsense, this book lets the reader delve into Tatum's anti-White sentiment. She claims that she was "socially isolated" in high school because there were few Blacks. (75) This indicates that she never gave Whites a chance from the beginning. Such an incident stems to encompass Tatum's stereotyping of Whites later in the book. Focusing on the white women who claimed to be "normal," Tatum goes on to state: "Like many White people, this young woman had never really considered her own racial and ethical group membership." (93) How dare Tatum say such a thing!? By interviewing only one individual, she is unjustified in stating that many white people share the same views. Unlike the poor and isolated examples of anti-Black bigotry Tatum presents, her stereotypes of whites can be found in many places in this book. "Whites pay little attention to the significances of their racial identity." (95) With no large scales surveys taken, such reasoning is unsupported and prejudiced.
The views on affirmative action later in the book also prove to be incorrect, and her opinion of affirmative action conflicts with the points she presented earlier. She previously states that she is against any "system of advantage" but supports affirmative action, a racist system clearly based on giving jobs and schooling because of race and skin color: This is the only "system of advantage" in American society, in spite of what Tatum states, and it favors Blacks over Whites.
In conclusion, this book and others like it do not create bridges between races: they merely make skin color a major issue, where it clearly should not be. It puts false ideas into the impressionable mind, and will undoubtedly create more bigots in this society that, for the majority, is open-minded. Miss Tatum should clearly rethink the real issues of racism before teaching others her already warped viewpoints.
Rating: 
Summary: to better undstand race
Review: why are the black kids sitting toghether is good for those people seeking to better undstand how people identify themselves in terms of race. It really opened my eyes to see how people come up with identifying themselves in race in adolscents and this occuring mainly in minority students. This can lead to minority students associating with members of their own race which acts as a way of trying to figure outwho they are as people. In addition, this book is good because it takes the discussion out of the terms white and black by taking into considertations, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians. The only real flaw is that Tatum focuses a little too on her own life and lack enough large studies that would better back her opionion up and giver her more credibility.
Rating: 
Summary: Would you ask why do all the white students sit together?
Review: I read this book several years ago. As a black professional, it saddens me that anyone would still ask this question. But, of course, white people do all of the time. And I recommend this book to them. I have spent all of my legal career in a boardroom, conference room, or restaurant where I am the only black person. When was the last time most white Americans attended a business meeting or quasi-social event where they were the only white person? If there is one more white person, they will find each other. If you are in Chicago and you want soul food, do you go on a black neighborhood where is it likely to be authentic and inexpensive. Of course not. You stay where it is trendy, expensive and you are comfortable. So it was when I was in college in the 70's. In a very unfamiliar and sometimes hostile place, we looked for some of the comforts of home. We sat with people who understood we were human, and did not treat us as if you were part of the latest experiment in Martin Hall (biology). If this is less than obvious to you, buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Required reading for educators
Review: Tatum addresses a fascinating paradox: why ethnic identity still matters to young people in a society that has struggled mightily to become more colorblind. This should be required reading for all who work in primary, secondary, or higher education. The author explores a sensitive topic in an open, non-judgmental tone. Moreover, she uses her background as a social scientist and educator to explain psychological development theory in a manner accessible to the general reader. While personal vignettes and fluid prose make this an easy read, don't be surprised if this book sparks intense personal reflection. Tatum is a refreshing voice in an era in which competing political agendas often reduce conversations about race to polemics and sound bites.
Rating:
Summary: Must-read for educators of any race, in any area
Review: I found this book to be enlightening and incredibly relevant to working with young people, especially as a white teacher in a very racially mixed area. I learned a lot about how race identity and race relationships develop.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book is excellent reading for anyone who is interested in understanding race in America, especially as it relates to Black youth. I was one of the Black youth that she spoke of and I feel that everyone word of her book rang true. The book also gave me incite into myself. I would definitely recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Tackles a Touchy Subject w/ Honesty & Sensitivity
Review: Discussing race is a challenge. However, it's one that Tatum (the author) overcomes with sensitivity and candor. I am lucky that someone took the time to write such an informative piece. Tatum relies on her years of research, background as an educator/speaker, and personal experience to discuss the nature of racial differences as they existed (and exist) in America today. Talking about race makes people feel uncomfortable. When engaged in these type of discussions, I have found that people are either on the offensive or under attack, as race inspires a myriad of heated emotions. Accusations fly. People get hurt. Others feel guilty or angry. No progress is made. Tatum does a great job at *confronting* but not *fueling* the emotions associated with race. Therefore, the reader feels comfortable and open to the subject matter -- rather than feeling defensive or angry. Thus, the true meaning behind her words can better sink in. This is an incredible accomplishment. Additionally, Tatum gives the reader practical suggestions on how to be an active anti-racist (i.e. a person who strives for equality). Although I myself am not an educator, I would highly recommend this to teachers, principals, and school admininstration persons, as the book does have a strong educational spin. However, I think that anyone can benefit by reading this well-conceived text. Excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: An Actual and to an Actual Question
Review: I often turn the question around. The question being, why are all the blacks kids sitting together. I then ask why are all the white kids sitting together. I do that to get people thinking in hopes they can find an answer, but from here on out I'll just point them to this book. It answers that question ans so many more and does so with such honest and real dialogue. If you are a teacher, students, black, white, red, yellow, green, brown, male female, a gentile or jew, you can gain knowlegde from this book. A definate read for all of America
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: I share this book in workshops I facilitate and numerous talks with my teacher colleagues. There's no other work I know that explains so well the need for us to understand the role of racial/cultural identity plays in shaping what our youth, particularly youth of African descent, feel and understand about themselves in this society. Tatum's book will help you understand that if racial and cultural identity are not a part of the curriculum and schooling, the social and cultural needs of many students will remain out of sight to them and to their teachers. I feel that this book should be required reading for teacher preperation programs. It explores issues of racial identity development, racism, and empowerment. Well done studies and discussions of the book should inform reader of how schooling needs to change in order to help students shape their racial/cultural identity in ways that are empowering and transformative. So much so that when a student understands her own identity, she is better able to cross bridges to understand relate to others outside her group. Finally, I would like to comment on the writing of this book. I have met Ms. Tatum on two occassions. Her warm, modest personality is reflected well in her writing. Though she is scholar, her book is written with compassion and spirit. She knows how to translate some very weighty issues and concepts into very clean prose that is not redundant and weighted down with jargon. I wish more scholars would learn to write like her.
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