Page 22 - IDF Journal 2023

IDF News – Spring 2023
Equality and Diversity Book Reviews
Dr Phil Batty
IDF President
Over the last two years I
have read many books on this important topic. As a white man, I felt it important to try to understand the
lived experiences of others and to learn more of painful experiences specific to those who belong to a protected characteristic group of people. It was felt by our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Support Group that I should write some reviews.
Why I’m no longer talking to White People about Race (2017) Reni Eddo-Lodge
The title is certainly provocative and troubling for a white person but the book is well written. The first part is a deeply moving account of Ms Eddo-Lodge’s experiences as a black child and young adult. I was particularly moved when she described all the childhood story hero characters in films as being white and she wondered when she would turn white to be seen as good. I found the narrative of this section emotive and I was angered by the injustice of her experiences. Her explanation of ‘structural racism’ is both moving and compelling. The second part resonated much less with me as the race issue appeared to be somewhat lost in her political views which appear aligned with Corbynism and militant left-wing politics. Nonetheless, this is a provocative publication and definitely worth reading.
Belonging (2020) Kathryn Jacob, Sue Unerman and Mark Edwards
This book is beautifully written and a study on working together to build a better, kinder workplace. The authors make the case that diversity is not just a tick box exercise but a true competitive edge allowing organisations to harness talent, innovation, employee joy, and value. This is a serious investigation into diversity and equality in the workplace with many excellent practical tips. A must read for all leaders to navigate this rapidly changing field!
Why we kneel, how we rise (2021) Michael Holding
I felt a connection to this book largely due to my interest in sport, especially cricket. The author presents issues such as white privilege, dehumanisation, and the issue of whitewashing history, with both passion and compassion. He recognises this is an issue for all races, and humanity in general. He shares
the issues of ‘learned behaviours’ that resulted in his mother being ignored
by older generations of her own family because she married his father, a black man of darker skin colour than her own. He shares lived experiences from sporting icons of colour from the UK, France, USA, Caribbean, Australia and South Africa. This is a very positive book that will stay with me for a long time. I advise anyone who has mixed feelings about ‘taking the knee’ to read and understand.
The author presents issues such as
white privilege, dehumanisation,
and the issue of whitewashing history, with both passion and compassion.
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