The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism

By: John Barnes

Narrated by: John Barnes

Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

An eloquent and thought-provoking audiobook on racism and prejudice by the Liverpool and England football legend John Barnes.

John Barnes spent the first dozen years of his life in Jamaica before moving to the UK with his family in 1975. Six years later, he was a professional footballer, distinguishing himself for Watford, Liverpool and England, and in the process, becoming this country's most prominent Black player.

Barnes is now an articulate and captivating social commentator on a broad range of issues, and in The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism, he tackles head-on the issues surrounding prejudice with his trademark intelligence and authority.

By vividly evoking his personal experiences, and holding a mirror to this country's past, present and future, Barnes provides a powerful and moving testimony. The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism will help to inform and advance the global conversation around society's ongoing battle with the awful stain of prejudice.

©2021 John Barnes (P)2021 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

One Man’s Truth

As an African American it was very interesting seeing racism from the perspective of a Black European. I like that he offered his opinion on what has worked, failed, and could be done better. I’m glad that as a celebrity he was aware of his privilege but understood how little it improved his condition. I recommend this book.

Relevant for progress

It should be a required reading for our young people. John Barnes has taken on a difficult topic and has made several and relevant good points. On a side note, he was an excellent footballer and a true master of the game.

Wonderful Book!!! Honest and thoughtful!!!

I saw Mr. Barnes on a British talk show (I’m American). He intrigued me with his honesty so I thought, why not give it a listen. I spent the entire time listening to this book saying “Yes!”, and “amen brother!”

I am a born an bred white southern middle aged man and feel the same as Mr. Barnes about the subject of racism.

I tell my kids if you have to look over your shoulder before you make a comment about someone, the comment is probably bigoted. And as a person of lite skin any time some one of darker skin tells me something I said, or did is racist. I take it as gospel and try to become more enlightened.

Thank you Mr. Barnes, I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen and I hope and pray this conversation continues.

South Carolina U.S.A

Very insightful and interesting

I liked this! Very good, It made me think and provided a different view point. Good job Mr. Barnes

Socially spot on

I came across this book due to a very remarkable set of coincidences. John Barnes speaks truth to masses in a language that has the power to unite so many passionate followers of Professional Sports ( or Sport?).

I am thoroughly enriched by his experiences and perceptions of the world he has observed throughout his storied and cultured lifetime.

He manages several points down the field very effectively. He inspired one show stopping thought in me for today:
The Problems of Today are all connected on a massive network. The only way to unravel this Great Knot, is one loop at a time.

Thank for your work here, Sir! I'm sorry I came in 2nd place to review this book on Audible. The honor of first place went someone else, on one of my all time favorite days of the year. :)

Understand your racial bias!

What a brilliant take on how we've gotten to where we are today racially. John Barnes, in a way only he can, expresses beautifully the reality what it will take to see each other as equal in worth

Good read

Good interesting read. I’m appreciative of the point Mr Barnes highlights throughout this book. He shed light in areas I was ignorant. I live in America but I never thought about racism outside of my country. The way John discusses it made me more aware it is a global pandemic. I would recommend this material.

Some Great Points

As I was born in the Uk (British Black) then moved to the USA I found the book somewhat interesting. I agree with some points and disagree with others. The uncomfortable discussion on racism is needed both in the US and the UK, racism is identical in both countries as I have experienced in both. The fight against racism is where there is a difference. Laws in the US affords one to find a lawyer and fight some of the instances (Doesn’t mean one always wins) However the UK seems to lack acknowledgement that racism is a real issue thus making it near impossible to do much about it. Meagan and Harry are perfect examples.
This book can lead to great future debates.