Welcome to Litsy!

Jeffrey Boakye takes a list of terms used to describe Black people, official, derogatory, personal, stereotypes, endearments etc, and breaks them down in the context of Black British culture. He has a really informal writing style, and can be very funny, while still packing a punch. I‘m left with plenty to think about - it‘s helped me understand why certain seemingly innocuous terms could cause offense - and given me an even longer reading list.

As we become MORE aware of huge systemic issues of mass incarceration, this book reminds us to look at young women, and not just focus our whole attention on young black men. Girls face racial issues, but also gendered issues, stemming from slavery through today where they are considered more mouthy, more sexualized, and more nonconforming just be being themselves. All of which puts them at a greater danger of being punished as “willful” ⤵️