In "Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race?: 25 Arguments That Won't Go Away," Keith Boykin skillfully addresses common racial myths with personal stories, solid research, and undeniable evidence. He challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and equips them with tools to combat false beliefs. Even for those with limited knowledge of U.S. history, Boykin's breakdown of racist arguments is clear and accessible. By incorporating contemporary quotes, he highlights the ongoing relevance of addressing racism. .

In the end, this book is a rallying cry for racial justice. It shows why we need to keep talking about and working against racism, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference.

A huge shoutout to Netgalley, Publisher PublicAffairs, & Keith Boykin for the opportunity to read this book!!!

Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? By Keith Boykin is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand race and its most common arguments. Ironically, I was recently at a friend’s house, and someone mentioned during dinner that he doesn’t “see race.” Thankfully, after reading Boykin’s book, I was able to have a meaningful conversation and hopefully he saw a different perspective about “color” that night.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about our country’s political climate and have a discussion about racial justice.

In Why Does Everything Have To Be About Race, Keith Boykin focuses on 25 of the most used examples of the most used tropes that people use to deny racism.
He starts with Barack Obama and how some Americans believe that a country that had a black president can't possibly be racist. He finishes with the question "why does everything have to be about race" and explains how race affects bipoc. In each chapter he details how to rebut each piece of misinformation with the facts.

Thank you net gallery for the advanced copy of this book. This book gives 25 arguments made by people about race and rebuttals for each statement. The answers were well researched well organized and well thought out. Very informative, excellent read.

There are a lot of tropes that people use so much they think they're real, such as that having a black friend means you're not a racist. This book goes through those tropes, analyzes them, and shows why we have to do better.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This was a really fantastic book and I highly recommend that everyone read it. I learned a lot and Boykin's straightforward explanations and responses to each perpetuated myth and assumption was incredibly engaging to read. Again, I highly recommend this book for everyone to read and learn from.

Back in 2015 or 2016, as Donald Trump raged about Mexico sending its “rapists and narcos” across the U.S.-Mexico border, wherein, according to the lying emperor with no clothes, they were “allowed in unimpeded” because of “Obama’s policies”, one of the big news channels sat down a group of white Republican women and asked them about their position on immigration. One of them quickly said that she had no problem with immigrants themselves, you see, so long as “they come in the right way”; when pressed, she clarified, “legally”. Once the reporter explained that crossing the border to ask for asylum is legal, she immediately retorted, “then it shouldn’t be”.

Because the point, of course, is not whether Black and Brown people come to the U.S. “the right way” or not, it’s that they come at all.

That same white supremacy and hatred of Black people (and all other racialized minorities to different degrees and in different forms), underpin every system in the U.S., from 1619 through to 2024–and, unless something drastic changes soon, ’till the end times.

In Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race?, the author contextualizes his work from the very beginning; after a very brief chronology of race and racism in the U.S., the introduction stars with this quote:

“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.” (Tony Morrison, 1975 Portland State lecture)

As he explains just below it, many (if not most) racist arguments are often presented as well-meaning, sincere questions, that in themselves erase hundreds of years of a history that constantly repeats itself: in the second paragraph of the first chapter, he lays it bare: “the young white people who yelled at Elizabeth Eckford and Ruby Bridges for desegregating their schools in the 1950s and ’60s are now trying to prevent their grandchildren from knowing what they were doing.”

As a gay Black man born and raised in the U.S., and having worked both in politics and journalism for many years, Mr Boykin is very aware how race works in the country, both at the systemic level, and at the personal level; without going too deeply into the weeds, he weaves the political history inherent to current political arguments, both racist and antiracist, and contextualizes a lot of popular culture through its racist roots (such as deconstructing how The Dukes of Hazzard‘s car, the “General Lee”, is part and parcel of the revisionist history of “heritage, not hate” the Republican party has engaged in since the 1960s).

The writing voice is quite engaging, making this book easy to follow despite the sheer volume of examples of racism and discrimination cited in virtually every page, from individual incidents to laws and public debates; though these make the book feel longer than its page count, the book itself doesn’t break new ground for anyone who has been paying attention, and definitely not for any Black person born or living in the U.S. today.

Mr Boykin’s writing is both personal and pedagogical, breaking down concepts that many white progressives don’t quite grasp, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes out of internalized racism hiding behind that ignorance, and backing up every analysis with historical fact. For this reason, this book is also endlessly quotable, if not comfortable to read.

It is perhaps for this reason that the phrase “America’s racial history” is used, when the better word there is racist–the former allows white people to blame a nebulous system that benefits them in every aspect of their lives on “vibes” rather than the, you know, racism that created said system.

“When slavery ended, the legal ownership of human beings ceased, but its infrastructure of white supremacy did not. It morphed into other forms: racist law enforcement, convict leasing, Ku Klux Klan terrorism, voter disenfranchisement, Jim Crow segregation, public accommodations discrimination, employment discrimination, and denial of access to government assistance programs.

Millions of white people didn’t abandon their racist beliefs because a constitutional amendment was ratified in the 1860s or a law was passed in the 1960s. They simply found another way to express themselves.” (Chapter 10: White Americans still benefit from the legacy of slavery)

As we read on, Ms Boykin’s criticism of the white supremacy behind the existing policies and practices that make up the U.S. today, grows more pointed and direct, not sparing any of the Black people–celebrities and not–whose own ignorance moves them to believe that racism would dissipate if people just stopped talking about it, thus becoming unwitting accomplices in the exploitation of all Black people.

“Whenever Black people in America demand justice, many white people in America question how it will affect them.” (introduction to Part Two: Centering White Victimhood)

(This point is made abundantly clear by the repetition of this simple fact: no Democratic president has been elected through a majority of the white vote since Lyndon B Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964, while a majority of white people have already voted for Trump twice–so far.)

“If you are white and you don’t worry about everyday experiences turning into deadly confrontation, you can thank your white privilege for that. And thanks to the unique terms and conditions, you don’t have to be rich to receive it”

“Even the ability to move about in the world freely without harassment has economic value”. (Chapter 8: Even the poorest white people have white privilege)

This is the kind of book one would give to a well-meaning white leftist who idly questions the necessity of affirmative action, parroting that “it should all be about qualifications/education/ability/experience, not skin color”; to those who still and again exclaim, aghast, “this is not my America!” every time another Black person is murdered by cops; to the co-worker who asks, with some exasperation in their voice, “why do you always bring up race?” when systemic discrimination rears its ugly head.

In other words, this book may be a way to–with luck–reach the casual racist who’s never examined the privilege afforded them every day by their skin color.

It is not, however, without its faults, though I concede that in the grand scheme these are more quibbles than problems:

— Given its general tone as written (trying to convince reluctant white people), the affirmative action analysis could use a bit less, “more Black kids in college is a good thing for everyone, really”, and more, “affirmative action means that poor white kids get their chance at Ivy Leagues too–and from there to better jobs”. A better argument would be to include some of the points made later in the book: like reparations, the point of affirmative action isn’t to unfairly advantage some people, it is to eliminate inequality. “The work must go on until Black people are equal in result, not just word.” (Chapter 15: We will never reach equality in America without reparations.)

— Press apologia (not unexpected, as Mr Boykin is a journalist often writing for these news outlets). It is worth noting that mainstream media isn’t “bullied” into repeating and legitimizing the fascists’ arguments. Mainstream media is owned by corporations, which are in turn owned by wealthy (mostly white) people, who not only want a piece of the money white rage brings in, but also agree with its goal: a return to unfettered white supremacy that will only benefit them, as already obscenely wealthy people.

— Democratic party apologia, likely present because in a two-party system, we need people to vote for the not-Nazis, even if they’re not perfect, but, as people who benefit from white privilege can (and too often do) hold out for a hypothetical “perfect” candidate rather than the flawed one that could slow the descent of the country into hell, and so the flawed party and candidate must be made palatable by hyping up their record.

— Graphic descriptions of cops murdering Black people are presented without warning (beware especially chapter 12: Complying with the police does not protect us).

— While acknowledging that Black people in the U.S. being told to “go back to Africa” for criticizing this country, after their ancestors were enslaved and stripped of their identities, language, religion and culture by the white ancestors of those calling for them to leave, is the height of white supremacy, I can wish that a mention had been included of the Indigenous people in the U.S. who are told to “go back to Mexico” simply because they’re Brown–completely erasing the fact that white people have come to Indigenous people’s lands in waves, for a good five hundred years and counting, to oppress, abuse, and murder them. Similarly, I would have appreciated a note during the discussion of Black people’s racism against white people (controversial concept in itself), acknowledging that there are racial tensions and, yes, racism, between Black people and other people of color (often exacerbated by white people’s hierarchy of racism, but that’s a discussion better held elsewhere). I mention these omissions because I found them jarring, given that white racism against non-Black people of color is mentioned several times in other parts of the book.

— And finally, I wanted more direct comparison of some of the statistics that are trotted out to diminish Black people. For example, the percentage of Black families who lose custody of their children to spurious accusations of abuse v the percentage of white families who do; the percentage of poor white kids/white women benefiting from affirmative action v the percentage of poor Black people doing so; the percentage of white people with some financial stability resorting to violence to solve any and all issues, v that of Black people, and so on. Racist people–especially those who don’t want to accept they’re racist–will always argue for the individual cases when convenient, but it’s harder when the numbers are, as it were, in black and white.

As I mentioned above, this is not a comfortable book to read; but then, Black Americans haven’t ever been comfortable in this country, and this is barely a taste of what they live with every day of their lives.

Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? gets a 9 out of 10

This is a brilliant, well-written, well-organized book. Boykin does an amazing job of tackling some of the biggest things you'll hear touted by conservatives, and gives excellent arguments debunking them. There's a lot of information within these pages, and it's easily accessible even if you don't have a history background or if you don't consider yourself big on politics. I can't say I'm the most articulate person when it comes to debating, but I feel like this book has given me some excellent points I can bring up in conversation, and feel confident doing so. If I could, I'd have everyone who doesn't understand why race is such an important factor read this book. It might just help change some minds and bring enlightenment with it.

This is not my first time reading essays that dismantle the myths of freedom and opportunity that exist about North America. Bodkin’s legal background no doubt was a benefit to how he organized and discussed the material into these topics:
-Erasing Black History
-Centering White Victimhood
-Denying Black Oppression
-Myths of Black Inferiority
-Rebranding Racism
With explorations of different aspects of each category through several essays. Each sections established points, gradually building a response to the question, and title of this book: “Why does Everything Have to be About Race?”

The historical points demonstrating oppression of African Americans, through a variety of means and for centuries, were illuminating (and often infuriating) as various leaders through US history casually and callously diminished and dismissed the lives of people brought expressly and unwillingly to this land as free labour to enrich the coffers of white institutions and white landowners. Not that only wealthy whites profited from restrictions placed on Blacks, as even poor whites have profited from racism through an innate sense of everyday safety, and the possibility of improving one’s life that African Americans have never had.

The books straightforward and plain spoken approach dismantles the arguments put forth by white supremacists, and shows anyone who thinks we’re living in a post-racial world, and/or expresses any of the many racist sentiments author Keith Boykin carefully deconstructs and refutes in this set of essays, This book is a must read. Sadly, these are also the people who most need to read this are the least likely to pick up this well-organized, eloquently presented and argued answer to those who do not understand, how intrinsic race is bound up in North American society. This quote perhaps best encapsulates it for me:

"…Do a Google search for “the history of racism in” almost any subject you can imagine, and you’ll find examples. You can even search for “the history of racism in Google” and discover how search engines themselves were powered by racist algorithms. In fact, every aspect of American life—toys, dolls, schools, colleges, fraternities, sororities, housing, employment, marriage, family, business, finance, insurance, government, hospitals, fire departments, military units, railroads, air travel, media, music, sports, fashion, religion, policing, prisons, farming, tourism, movie theaters, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, public parks, private streets, highways, gated communities, cities, suburbs, cemeteries, and even the pollution in the environment—was set up to perpetuate white supremacy in a way that was often imperceptible to the white beneficiaries but virtually unavoidable for the Black victims."

Thank you to Netgalley and to PublicAffairs for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This author did a really good job explaining how our country is supporting and structured around racism from the origin. I like how this author structured his book to clearly explain the background on each of the items and how it applies to our current day. It is truly heart breaking that our country has chosen this and does nothing to make this right, or to even identify it as an issue. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

I'm always on the hunt for new non-fiction books that deal with current state of affairs. This one really hit the nail on the head and I was so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

This should be required reading for every American, especially the non-Black ones. Boykin provides responses to so many exhausting (and ridiculous) statements or questions that people constantly bring up when we are discussing race in America. I found this to be really empowering and so informative. I will absolutely buy a copy to reference again, and I encourage everyone to read this. Ally is a verb and we all need to do our part to be braver in pursuing equity and justice for Black Americans.

This book is for anyone who wants to know what to say when they happen to get into a race conversation. It will help you debunk and refute every argument. The information provided is presented in a easy to understand format and the author conveys the points without making it seem like a lecture. I like that Mr. Boykins weaved in some of his personal life experiences, when relevant, to bring a personal touch to the subject. #netgalley #whydoeseverythinghavetobeaboutrace?

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to refute racist arguments but can’t always find the right words. Boykin expertly debunks racist myths using a combination of history, statistics and lived experience. (And sometimes a health dose of sarcasm, as he does in the chapter about the infuriating myth of the “race card). Boykin patiently tackles all the arguments you’ve seen on your most racist coworker’s Facebook page, explaining why Black History Month is still necessary, why reparations are needed, and why white people who are poor still have white privilege. The author’s background as a Harvard-educated lawyer has a clear influence on the straightforward and persuasive way he lays out his arguments. I would recommend this book to allies looking to strengthen their anti-racist arsenal…and maybe also as a gift for that relative who doesn’t quite understand these issues.

Excellent book by Mr. Boykin. A must-read that concisely refutes 25 different arguments concerning race. It should be required reading for all college-level African-American/ American history classes.

Thanks to NetGalley and PublicAffairs Books for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

The best way for me to give a really in-depth review of Boykin's book would be for it to be a classroom assignment (which it isn't) where I compare and contrast his reasons why race very much colors our interpretation of history. Without a doubt if I had been exposed to his book in high school (or a more simplified version in elementary school) my take on this history would be totally different. Saying that this is "Seeing history from another person's perspective", is a supreme understatement!

This book is a collection of 25 essays written by well-known political commentator Keith Boykin. Each essay confronts and refutes common arguments used to justify, support, and perpetuate racism in America. Some of my favorite essays include those addressing critical race theory being “taught” in public schools, the in accurate portrayal of black people and welfare, and black on black crime.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of racism in the US, but the author still manages to dedicate appropriate attention to each topic, and is able to include lesser known points. At the same time, the writing is accessible and not overly verbose, which makes it an excellent starting point for those unaccustomed to the level of expertise the author demonstrates.
The author does an excellent job referencing different historical events and actions/quotes by predominant figures that are lesser known and not a topic discussed in American schools today (including post-secondary education).
The author does not gloss over parts that may make readers uncomfortable; unlike some educators in the field, the author justifiably does not try to assuage any potential “white guilt.” Instead, the author calls for a deep examination of how racism has played and currently plays a role in the United States. It is only after everyone can understand and acknowledge this that we can move forward in working to change the future and “‘banish white guilt.’”
I have a degree in political science; I took many history classes in college; I have engaged in education to better understand DEIA in America. Yet I still found myself viscerally reacting in shock and disgust at revelations of things that have been done and said. In some ways, it is unbelievable that such a hatred and harm has been present in America. However, it is that exact thinking that leads to so many people hiding from it. Due to a belief in a great America, a general optimism in humankind, or sheer selfish and willful ignorance and denial, there are far too many white people who choose everyday to continue to perpetuate a system and culture that harms BIPOC people. It is through constant education and work that us as white people can begin to attempt to rectify the situation we are in.
I do not think I have ever annotated a book as much as this one. There are so many points and quotes I wish I could commit to memory in verbatim. Although I wish I could include every single one in this review, I will settle for sharing one for now. In reference to Senator Strom Thurmond (1954-2003) a man who strongly supported preventing the “‘social intermingling of the races,’” the Senate Republican leader Trent Lott said: “‘When Storm Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We’re proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn’t have had all of these problems over all these years.’”
The fact that twenty years ago, the Senate leader for the Republican party would proudly be quoted on such a horrific statement just goes to show how far America has yet to go. The racism in this statement is undeniable (in case you were okay with excusing the systemic, more “hidden” racism that denies Black people home loans, create discriminatory AI algorithms, and ignore the undervaluation of missing Black women’s lives).
The author’s biting humor and frustration exhibits the emotional labor put into explaining arguments that should not have to be explained.
Although I said above I love the accessibility of this book, I also would love to see a deeper dive in rehabilitating and undermining the ideology behind white supremacy and institutional racism. As someone who has comprehensively studied terrorist ideology, this book has made me interested in how America can work to rehabilitate and de-radicalize white supremacists.
Though this is my first time reading work by Keith Boykin, it will not be my last. (Also bonus: AOC follows Keith Boykin on Instagram.)

This was a fascinating, easy-to-follow book that laid out precise discussion points when asked questions about race.

Laid out in a simple format, this book covers a lot of topics and provides in-depth answers for each of the 25 questions. No response is overwhelming and there is plenty of information to back up the answer.

If you’re looking for a book that helps prepare you for uncomfortable conversations about race or just need reminders about talking points when engaged in a conversation about race, this book will be extremely helpful.

This book is a must read.
Keith Boykin has curated a list of the most common racist arguments and questions, and provides precise detailed answers to each of them.

I did not know a lot about United States history (other than broad lines and ideas), but that was not an issue at all. Everything is explained within the arguments, and so this book does not require previous detailed or exact knowledge of events or laws. Every historical or current event mentioned is explained.

I particularly like that the author used quotes from recent events (such as tweets from politicians), to showcase how prevalent these racist ideas are and how relevant and important the answers are today. It is repeated multiple times in the book, but racism isn’t an issue of the past; it is still strong and everywhere, and it cannot be ignored.



Thank you NetGalley, PublicAffairs and Bold Type Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.





(For some reason the format didn’t really work in my reader app and it made some of the pages especially the timeline hard to read which affected my reading experience but I’m not considering it in my rating because this is an ARC and the actual ebook will probably be better.)

5 stars is not enough. This book is well crafted, well researched and so well organized. The author’s approach to navigating difficult topics is a breath of fresh air. The layout of the book makes for easy navigation to revisit specific ideas or topics. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical context paired with relevant current events. I’ve learned so much from this book. I will be highly recommending this book to anyone looking to expand their view on WHY “it’s always about race.”