Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race?

25 Arguments That Won't Go Away

By: Keith Boykin

Narrated by: Keith Boykin

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Fight back against misinformation and ignorance as New York Times bestselling author Keith Boykin debunks 25 of the most common claims used to refute America’s racist past and present.

The most toxic racial arguments share one of five traits. They try to erase Black history, prioritize white victimhood, deny Black oppression, promote myths of Black inferiority, or rebrand racism as something else entirely. They’re all designed to distract society from racial justice, but now we have the tools to debunk them.

With a mixture of personal experience, reportage, and extensive research, Keith Boykin takes a wrecking ball to twenty-five of the most widespread deceptions about race, such as:

• The Civil War was about states’ rights, not slavery
• Affirmative action is reverse discrimination
• Critical Race Theory is indoctrinating children to hate one another

and shows us how to refute lies, myths, and misinformation with history, knowledge, and truth.

©2024 Keith Boykin (P)2024 Bold Type Books

Why we can't avoid the race issue

I liked that the author brought receipts for his reasoning behind his work. If we ignore the embedded history of race and racial supremacy, we will forever be divisive.

Brilliantly written

I finished it within a few days. Engaging and thought provoking. A must read for all races.

It is not the 400 years ago

Own the past, heal the present, and maybe one day, whites in America will stop fearing blackness and release the “invisible” shackles we still have around our necks, hands, and feet.

The Answer To The Often Asked Question

A white coworker asked this question to me almost a year ago. I realized that it was his comfort of living life in his “white” skin that gave him the impetus to ask such a question. This is a book for any “white” person who really wants to know, to read and get the answer. Thank you Mr. Boykin, you did a wonderful job in addressing the race issue in America. I highly recommend this book!

Outstanding Truths and Rebuttals

Boykins' Historical and Antecdotal Evidence and Reasoning is a breath of fresh air and something every anti-racist should read, listen to, and absorb for constructive engagement and rebuttal to ignorance and evasion of racism in America and its comprehensive involvement in all sectors of society yesterday and today. The only way to begin diminishing racism and its centuries old structures and practices is to force the dismantling by forcing the truth.

Outstanding…must read to understand the negative impact of Race in America

Outstanding audio! The audio does an excellent job of addressing 25 questions/statements from others who ask the question: Why does everything have to be about race? Keith laser focused responses are necessary tools for people of color to successfully answer the question with facts and historical perspectives.

Historical Facts

I like the overall presentation, the research and the narration held my attention. The narrator seemed to take time so that the statements made had impact. Easy listening and very informative.

A Great Reference Guide to Crucial Moments In America’s Racial History!

Keith Boykin's latest book, "25 Arguments That Won’t Go Away: Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race?", is a compelling and insightful read that serves as much more than just a book; it is a vital resource. This book brilliantly combines historical facts with Boykin's personal experiences, creating a narrative that is both informative and deeply personal.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to act as a quick reference guide to crucial moments in America's racial history. Boykin revisits the arguments that seem to perpetually circulate in discussions about race, providing a fresh perspective and, importantly, a factual counterpoint. He doesn't just rehash old facts; he breathes new life into them, offering novel insights and perspectives that I had not previously considered.

Boykin systematically dismantles the most toxic racial arguments that have plagued American society. He addresses misconceptions that range from the true cause of the Civil War to the myths surrounding affirmative action and Critical Race Theory. His approach is not just about correcting falsehoods; it's about replacing them with a narrative grounded in truth, history, and knowledge.

What sets this book apart is Boykin's ability to interweave his personal experiences with his reportage. This blend makes the book not just a historical account but a story that resonates on a personal level. It’s a reminder of the pervasive nature of these arguments and the importance of staying informed to counter them effectively.

In conclusion, Keith Boykin’s "25 Arguments That Won’t Go Away" is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of race in America. It is an enlightening, thought-provoking, and ultimately empowering book that provides the tools needed to dismantle long-standing racial myths and advocate for racial justice. Whether you're well-versed in the subject or new to the conversation, this book has something to offer everyone.

A MUST LISTEN

The insights, references, tips, and relevance the author provides is really good. He takes a macro and micro lens to the subject matter.

A Clear Perspective on Race in America

Each argument was well supported by facts and examples. The book was clear and precise. Totally worth the time spent examining why everything is about race. It leads to an understanding that can, if one desires, lead to transformation that makes the issue of race much easier to navigate regardless of one's race.