• Under Our Skin

  • Getting Real About Race - and Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us
  • By: Benjamin Watson
  • Narrated by: JD Jackson
  • Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (391 ratings)

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Under Our Skin  By  cover art

Under Our Skin

By: Benjamin Watson
Narrated by: JD Jackson
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Publisher's summary

Can it ever get better? This is the question Benjamin Watson is asking. In a country aflame with the fallout from the racial divide - in which Ferguson, Charleston, and the Confederate flag dominate the national news, daily seeming to rip the wounds open ever wider - is there hope for honest and healing conversation? For finally coming to understand each other on issues that are ultimately about so much more than Black and White?

An NFL tight end for the New Orleans Saints and a widely read and followed commentator on social media, Watson has taken the Internet by storm with his remarkable insights about some of the most sensitive and charged topics of our day. Now, in Under Our Skin, Watson draws from his own life, his family legacy, and his role as a father to sensitively and honestly examine both sides of the race debate and appeal to the power and possibility of faith as a step toward healing.

©2015 Benjamin Watson (P)2015 Tantor

What listeners say about Under Our Skin

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

What's Under Our Skin?

Watson shines a light on the true problem with racism. "Its not a skin problem, its a sin problem." This is powerful, thought provoking book looking at the issues of race in America. Thanks Ben, this book has not only helped me talk about race with kids and adults, more importantly it has allow me to get with God and deal with the racists views in my own heart.
Rev. Felton L. Woodson, MEd, MDiv

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A white Christian woman listening

Listening to each other of all races with open ears. Constantly learning & coming at the situation in American with open arms because we are a broken society. This book & Benjamin’s writings exceeded my expectations & pushed my thinking to constantly think outside the box. The amount of compassion & fervent Mr Watson writes with is exactly what white America needs to hear. An incredible source that I will read to our kids when they are a little older too.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Perspective and Genuine Discussion on Race

If you could sum up Under Our Skin in three words, what would they be?

Heartfelt. Genuine. Balanced.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

As a Christian male who happens to be white, the most compelling part of this book was hearing an in depth discussion of race from another Christian who happens to be black. Watson and I share so much in common from a worldview perspective, and opinions on racism and sin in general, but his experiences as a black male in the United States are very different from mine, so his opinions and beliefs on the state of race in this country tend to be different. Hearing this perspective from a Gospel-centered individual was very enjoyable and enlightening. At the same time, Watson is keenly aware about the different experiences and perspectives of individuals like myself, and he fairly points out this throughout the book. It has definitely inspired me to strike up dialogue with others and continue the conversation, which I think was Watson's goal from the start.

What does JD Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent reading. Enjoyed his performance.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

That even though Watson and I can share so many of the same opinions about the root of racism, and it's ultimate cure, we can have very different opinions about the state of race relations in America currently, based on experience. Hearing an honest and heartfelt perspective from a fellow Christian who happens to be black, is very enlightening.

Any additional comments?

I think everyone should read this book, but perhaps most importantly individuals like myself who have grown up in middle-class neighborhoods that were predominantly white, and may not have seen much of the racism that Watson describes first-hand, except on the news. I'm glad I listened to this book, and I think it has given me a better empathy and appreciation for the experiences, beliefs, and culture of African Americans. Even though I may not agree Watson 100% on everything, I am happy to have this greater understanding, and I believe such an understanding can only be helpful for anyone going forward.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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thank you

Thank you Benjamin Watson for writing a beautiful book that helped me to think and profound ways. I especially appreciate the dialectics that you pointed to throughout the book as a path to healing.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Must Listen

In all the books on race and culture this is an absolute must listen. Even if you disagree with the Christianity aspect the book needs to be listened to.

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Enlightening

Even though we may not consider ourselves racist it is always good to be challenged and to do a self examination and see where we can improve. This book does that in a very friendly way. The narrator was very thoughtful and easy to follow.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A good starter book about race

I definitely think he could have given more practical ways that we can break down the divide. but I do appreciate his heart and what he shared.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A helpful and far look to understand each other.

Watson's, approach to this sensitive subject, is one written with great fairness, insight, and balance. His approach is not like the secular way of revenge or get even. It is about Christ. America has a sin problem. Man kind has a sin problem. We, all of us have a sin problem. I and my brother Watson agree that the gospel is the only way to change a man's heart. The stories are moving, thought provoking, and are presented with deep conviction. I felt there were a few times where Benjamin would make a few blanket statements, as if they were absolute when I felt that wasn't the cases. Feelings are very real but facts, need to be up front and center before we allow our feelings to determine that they are facts. However, there is great value to be found within the pages. As Benjamin points out, we all have biases and it is far too easy for us from time to time to not see people as God's image bearers, and to have compassion, and empathy towards people no matter who they are. And to not make light of such hard difficult issues and brush them off without taking the time to really examine the pains and hurt of these tough and complicated issues.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Perspective

When Benjamin Watson speaks, I listen. I have so much appreciation for his perspective.

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A balanced perspective

I found this book to be very helpful in offering a balanced perspective. It invites you to look inward, outward and upward to solve racial issues. Very thoughtfully written.

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