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If you want to understand what’s wrong with our public schools, you have to look at what is arguably the most powerful force in shaping them: white parents. A five-part series from Serial Productions, a New York Times Company. Hosted by Chana Joffe-Walt.

Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews

Amazing!!

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schreibo3
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2020-08-07
Ignore the white fragility of the bad reviewers. This show is very informative for anyone trying to understand why the country is the way it is.

Misguided

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Doodle crap
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2020-08-07
The pod is about one particular school in one particular school district. However, when white people are spoken of it sounds like a blanket assertion condemning all white people. I am a school board member in a small district in MS. I can tell you that the picture you’re painting here isn’t reality all over the United States. I wish you would afford the understanding/empathy you have of non-white ethnicities toward the white ethnicity. We are all not the way you are portraying us here. I have four white boys and we go to a predominantly black school, by choice. I enjoy the show, and will continue to listen as I am learning.

Education decision makers — listen to this!

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sparkyrupp
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2020-08-07
What a wonderful job you do synthesizing so many different causes and issues without placing the blame on one thing— because that is too simplistic and ineffectual. I have worked in the same public high school for over 25 years, and one of my biggest frustrations is watching the consequences of having no institutional memory. Everyone thinks he/she has the quick fix, but the truth is there is none.
Very impressive research and presentation!

Parent

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Tomochocinskijr
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2020-08-07
As a parent of small school age children this show made me do some soul searching. It seems we all wanna say the right thing but do we put our money where our mouths are.

Trigger warning

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Tippyco811
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2020-08-07
Btw...reverse racism isn’t a thing. Your white fragility is showing.

Agenda driven

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vbflyfish
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2020-08-07
This could be a very interesting look at how different people interact - well meaning folks can unwittingly cause issues.
But instead it becomes anti-white. This is not productive. Parents of all races presumably want the best for their kids and they’ll work to provide this. Is this bad? Is this just bad if you’re white?
One could make a podcast about how awkward it is when poor whites or minorities suddenly interact with upper socioeconomic level folks- but that would be tasteless. Listening to this feels like essentially the same thing, only with roles reversed.

Educate me!

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095remi
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2020-08-07
As a young white woman I do NOT deny the fact that racism against black and brown people exist. For myself, yes! Please educate me! I can’t say what it’s like to go to a New York City public school, I didn’t grow up there. but I appreciate the fact that people take the time to teach me. even if I can’t do something to help that specific situation, just knowing this could help me understand.

wow!

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zeckiezeckie
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2020-08-07
five minutes in, and this a flashback to kindergarten shopping in philadelphia, circa 2004/2005.
thank you for this important work. i am looking forward to more.

Well Produced

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girlynetwork
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2020-08-07
It’s a timely podcast that is frankly eye opening. I recommend you listen with an open mind and an open heart.

Can’t wait for the next episode!

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M_Tomlinson
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2020-08-07
I have been studying the school system in NC, specifically Wake County, and the segregation that is happening before our eyes all under the mask of “school choice”. I spoke on this recently at the National PTA Legislative Conference and this podcast is like a breath of fresh air. Calling out one of THE driving factors in racial and socioeconomic segregation that still exists today... we are ingraining it in our children from the start of kindergarten. The choices white parents are making is resulting in stark segregation and inequitable education, yet somehow manage to be celebrated by white parents and still supported by school boards. Thank you for boldly calling to attention something that is probably the most tiptoed issue however likely holds the largest key to true quality and equitable education for all. 10 stars if I could!

So interesting

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mj6635
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2020-08-07
As a public school teacher, I find this fascinating.

Fascinating

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borgeoisradical
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2020-08-07
Talks about race in a way I’ve never heard before. A must-listen.

A must listen

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JJCCNN55
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2020-08-07
As a public educator, this is a story I am familiar with, and yet found fascinating. Perfect storytelling. Thank you for raising awareness and opening eyes.

It. Is. Great.

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JNette Rem
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2020-08-07
This is a great podcast. I am a white parent and I was initially turned off by the title. However, the content is important. It can be uncomfortable, and it should be. This podcast makes you pause and think.

Very informative and necessary

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AcE3_____
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2020-08-07
“I wanted more nuance” aka I thought you would do more than blame white people and racism. The problem with that is, the issues do stem from white people and racism. Get over yourself, listen, and take action for equity (like sending your kids to the schools you cry and complain about). All the people giving this one star ratings are the main people who need to listen to it. Again, get over yourself. White supremacy has created this imbalanced country that we live in. We need to acknowledge that, reckon with it, and stop repeating the cycle of task forces that never fix the inequality in our public school system. This podcast is amazing! Keep it coming!

Listened to the first episode to give it a shot

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Jayfelt
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2020-08-07
Turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be. To be honest I only listened to the first episode, but it was way too much of a white woman explaining why white people are racist by them trying to not be racist. Couldn’t listen to it anymore. Wouldn’t recommend it, but hey free country.

Good Case Study of School Dynamics

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Money $teve
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2020-08-07
I have always wondered about this topic and now I have a great case study.
It would be nice to have the episodes all released simultaneously but oh well.
This is not a general interest podcast.

Anti-racism

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Apple Dev. Reviewer
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2020-08-07
People must realize that America is the least racist country in the world. We were the first to repeal and destroy slavery. We have created the most racially diverse society in the history of the world. We were founded on the idea that ALL people are created equal. If America is so racist, why have millions of Blacks immigrated to our country? They are still immigrating, by the way. This raises the point: do you think that Black people are stupid? Why would they immigrate to a country that is “systematically racist”? This podcast is another blame-the-whites-for-making-such-a-horrible-society leftist talk show.

dumb racist republicans PRESSED

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camerakitty#5
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2020-08-06
#blacklivesmatter
All these one star snowflake racist REPUBLICANS. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE GOOD DEAL W IT.
😌That’s on PERIODT boo 😘 ❄️❄️❄️❄️

...

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undertalefan100000000
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2020-08-06
This podcast goes either way
On one side to does Address important issues that most of use miss
On the other side it is being very reverse racist (is that how you say it? )
In the end this podcast cast isn’t the best but it’s not the worse
Also kanyadubbs please don’t write a review when you drunk

In a good way...

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EmilyPia
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2020-08-06
This show is so cringeworthy, in a good way. Listening to a WASP mom talk to a PTA comprised of low-income parents about an *absolutely gorgeous* vacation home in CA that they’ll auction off for an upcoming school fundraiser (planned entirely by the white parents on an exclusive email chain)... It’s so good. Or, at said fundraiser, a member of NYC’s elite talk about the “world of opportunity speaking a second language opens up” ...to bilingual Latino parents. It’s just SO. GOOD.

Oh to be so white yet so naive.

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bdershaw
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2020-08-06
Sadly accurate, and not just in public education. Many of us whites are notorious for “knowing” what’s best for other races without ever asking them. This is proven by the negative reviews that seem to be mostly white people fearful that the whitewashing of America has finally been exposed (read how they even try to whiteout racism). As a friend likes to say, sounds about white.

Insightful and illuminating

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Dangji
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2020-08-06
As a product of public school education myself, I’m learning about the ways in which my own school (predominantly asian) was also segregated and how all the AP classes were filled with Asian students and all the brown kids were in the regular classes. It’s only come to my realization after attending CSU Long Beach which is way more diverse and where I’ve sometimes been the only Chinese American student. It’s helped me learn more about what racial justice means and how my identity is shaped as an first generation American. Much of what this podcast is addressing is the perspectives of well meaning but ignorant white parents. White parents aren’t the only ones susceptible to this mentality. Asian parents who sometimes occupy higher income brackets or live in middle class suburbs can have similar views. I’m so grateful for this podcast for further expanding my growing perspective on this topic.

Interesting

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aekaufman
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2020-08-06
It obvious a lot of people who gave this podcast one star didn’t even listen to even one minute of the first episode. These issues are complicated, and as a well meaning “nice white parent”, it is interesting to hear how good intentions definitely do not always translate. These parents meant to do a good thing, and maybe it wasn’t for the right reasons, but they clearly didn’t plan on coming in and making things worse for the students who attended this school. I look forward to hearing more about this issue so I can avoid making these kinds of presumptions with my own child’s school. This podcast is excellent so far.

5 years after writing the letters

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Rejects nickname
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2020-08-06
I have now finished episode 3. I think a bait and switch has happened and Chana has not proven her thesis. That white parents have all the power and should give it up. The school was on the failing list and now she describes it as mediocre- that s a big difference. She tells us in the first episode that it was at risk of being closed because it was so under attended. She does not remind us of that in episode 3. And why was it under-attended I infer because of choice everyone now has. So that’s a big change. And why do white families want to send their kids there now because it’s 28 percent white. It’s not all white it’s the perfect amount. Black parents are no happier to send their child to an all white school . So why do white parents need to give up their “power “? I can’t wait for episode 4 to hear why. I see nothing wrong here. And BTW I have sent my child to a 99% black school. And I also sent him to a dual language title I school and it was not effective for my child. I have plenty more to say. I wish she would interview me.

Oh my gosh

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aasmund
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2020-08-06
I wouldn’t want to be a kid being mocked on a nationally advertised podcast

So far so good

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Pmgester
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2020-08-06
I like the series. There are some themes that pop out the first three episodes. I hope that there will be an episode on the Ocean Hill- Brownsville “situation “ in 1968.

Insightful, Raw, and Real

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Chris.3888
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2020-08-06
As a NYC public school teacher, I am glad The New York Times is finally offering a refreshing and honest evaluation of the segregation of NYC public schools through this case study. It’s unfortunate that although New York likes to think of itself as a modern and “diverse” city, it really is a deeply segregated city both in housing and in the school system. Despite what the Supreme Court ruled, New York City schools are separate but unequal. The result is that many black and brown children are being left behind. Any of the hate you will see towards this podcast will be from, you guessed it, “nice white parents.” Except they’re not so nice.

Keep an open mind and get uncomfortable

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LindzB6766
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2020-08-06
As an educator and a white parent in a school-choice state, I was excited to learn more about how communities could come together to improve schools and promote diversity. The first episode was a shock to my system in the BEST possible way. It made me squirm. It made me uncomfortable. It made me defensive and frustrated. And it also made me want to have a real conversation about schools and gentrification with every parent I know. I listened to it three times while waiting for episode 2 to come out, each time realizing to a greater and greater extent how even the best intentions without context and a true understanding of privilege and priorities can have the opposite of the desired result. As someone who firmly believes that education is the great equalizer and who has devoted her life to providing every child with the best school experience possible, this podcast shone a light on the pitfalls that we can run into when we charge full-steam ahead with pre-determined plans, and do not make room for other voices, especially when those voices provide perspective and context we do not have.

Thought provoking

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fifty FB j flick
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2020-08-06
As a NYC parent I relate to many of the topics discussed. As a public school parent on the UWS, I’ve experienced some not so nice white parents have oversized reactions to a diversification effort in the district 3 middle schools. Many at my own elementary schools said nasty things about the middle school my son attends. As one 5th grade child told another “that school is for dumb, poor people”. Though now as a member of a very diverse middle school community, I am going to work harder to be less tone deaf than some of the white parents that were highlighted in the first few episodes of this podcast. More than anything it shows the need for a complete overhaul of the NYC school system.

Don’t Let the Ratings Keep You From Listening

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Kirstenanne8
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2020-08-06
As a white teacher in an urban school, this podcast is imperative to listen to. Keep an open heart and mind. You have to be willing to reflect. This podcast clearly outlines the disparities in our US education system.

Very Eye-Opening

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Jazz💛
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2020-08-06
I have learned so much from this podcast. Can’t wait to hear more episodes!

Thank you...

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WesCandela
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2020-08-06
So incredibly core to understanding inequality in our world...and how it starts...with the young.
Thanks for this, thanks for all the work and effort.

1 star reviews are snowflakes LOL

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president of the snowflakes
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2020-08-06
The people rating this with 1 star are for sure racist people who don’t want to acknowledge their participation in upholding the racist systems and structures present both in US schools and the country at large. Definitely listen 🥳

The power of the white voice

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SusanOli
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2020-08-06
The power of the white voice is clearly evident in episode 2. A letter from 1,000 black and brown families was not as powerful as letters from about a dozen or so white families. Let’s be mad about those facts. One can be mad about the power of the white voice but that anger doesn’t negate its power. The question is, how will white voices use their power once that power is recognized?

Great so far

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Sdiffley
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2020-08-06
I’m really enjoying this podcast. It’s so informative and interesting and told so well. I think that people who are giving 1 star reviews really need to take time to listen, really listen.

School integration is a liberal white fantasy

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ernchamp
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2020-08-06
This podcast (which is excellent) illustrates how liberal white folks love the idea of equality. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Said it best ... “ “As the nation, Negro and white, trembled with outrage at police brutality in the South, police misconduct in the North was rationalized, tolerated, and usually denied,” he wrote. Leaders in Northern and Western states “welcomed me to their cities, and showered praise on the heroism of Southern Negroes. Yet when the issues were joined concerning local conditions, only the language was polite; the rejection was firm and unequivocal.”

Love this. Insightful and thought provoking.

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Looksloxs
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2020-08-06
NYT, This American Life, Rabbit Hole and Serial are the best podcasts out there- And I have listened to hundreds of diverse shows. The reporting is intriguing and thoughtful as well as responsible. I’m thankful for the work that is put in to create this inspiring entertainment. Keep up the good work!! I’m always so excited to hear that there is something new from NYT or Serial.

Demonizing whites

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Jajdksj
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2020-08-06
Clearly a driven narrative to this podcast.

Truth Hurts

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Yeah, I'm Black
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2020-08-06
Lots of “Nice White Parents” submitting mad reviews and further confirming the truth of the show.
Great job, Chana and all.

Awful

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Sean9812
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2020-08-06
Just awful. Next pod is Mean Black Parents?! Can’t wait...

Some “White Parents” weren’t liking it...

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high sprung
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2020-08-06
This podcast is awesome and eye opening. My only guess for why it doesn’t have a 5 star review is that the same white parents who are the subject of the podcast didn’t like looking at themselves in the mirror.
This is a must-listen!

Breaks in Sound

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Give me my favor
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2020-08-06
Is anyone else having 5 second breaks in the program of the 3rd episode?
I enjoy the series.

Great series!!

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ChloeDonegan
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2020-08-06
A must listen for white people. Especially all y’all freaking out before even hearing the podcast
Great illustration of the harm we can do, even when our intentions are good

Please listen

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trumpisdumb
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2020-08-06
I have enjoyed listening to this podcast, but before you pass a review because of the name or title, listen to the first episode. It’s not that bad. In fact, the host is a white parent as well.

What is there to be so mad about?

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nickybills
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2020-08-06
This podcast has generated so much drama and raging before it’s even told it’s whole story. There have been no conclusions. There has been no judgement. It’s been story-telling which is insightful and challenging like always from serial and this American life but certainly not meriting the controversy the reviews suggest (IMO). So far I’m enjoying it greatly and love the perspectives of all the people who are being interviewed. Looking forward to all the rest.

Fantastic!

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sesameginger
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2020-08-06
Wonderfully researched, narrated, and produced podcast on an important topic.

Try “School Colors”

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MRM98118
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2020-08-06
I think this is a really well-researched podcast that certainly should give all “nice” white parents something to think about. I would really recommend going further and checking out “School Colors” a podcast created by Brooklyn Deep that tells a similar story from a BIPOC perspective.

If You’re Uncomfortable, This Podcast Has Done It’s Job

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AB.9999
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2020-08-06
Dear White People,
Yes. This should make you uncomfortable. That’s the whole point. The title can’t be racist because as long as white people and white generational wealth have all the power and purse strings in this country, one cannot be “racist” against white people.
Bravo NYT and Ms. Joffe-Walt!
Signed,
A white guy in Brooklyn