Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice

I am an “old person” (in my 70’s) whose orientation on DEI issues might be described as “traditional ACLU”. Accordingly, I believe that free speech (especially on campuses) is a near-absolute value, and should override DEI considerations when the two are in conflict (again, on campuses — not necessarily in the business or political worlds more generally). I think that scholars such as Charles Murray should be able to speak on college campuses without being shouted down or having their invitations rescinded, and that untenured / adjunct faculty should not have their contracts cancelled or non-renewed because of a verbal slipup in class, or even an intentionally provocative comment in class. I believe these things quite strongly, and would be extremely resistant to apologizing for expressing these views even if someone in a less privileged group sincerely stated that they were/are offended or hurt by them.I fear that these views, and my resistance to apologizing for them, would place me in the “stuck 20%” portion of the population that is referenced chapter of this book about “Principle 7” — at least in the eyes of many DEI proponents (though perhaps not these authors).Nonetheless, I was engaged (and not at all offended) by what the authors said in this book. I read it quickly from cover to cover. I found the real-world situations that they described to be recognizable, and I thought that the advice that they offered was practical, moderate, and useful. I recommend it to anyone interested in a committed but non-polemical statement of the case for DEI and how to pursue it.In an ideal world, I would like to see DEI actually debated — in society but especially on campuses. It should not solely be a debate between the moderate left (where I see myself) and the progressive left, but truly between the left and the right. It needs to be possible for “inclusion” to include people who are truly right of center: Fox News viewers, Trump voters, January 6 sympathizers, election deniers. Many of these people are “privileged” only insofar as their skin is white — they are likely to be less privileged in the dimensions of family income or education than the majority of nonwhite students on “elite” campuses. Why can’t Harvard host a debate between Chuck Schumer and Josh Hawley on these issues? If Harvard sought to do that, would DEI advocates try to prevent it from happening? Would they succeed?

I checked out this book from the library, and after getting only 1/3 of the way through, I knew I needed to own this book. I found myself wanting to highlight and add notes in the margins. As a middle-aged, white, heterosexual woman, I have seen my “privilege” time and time again. This book really helped alleviate the guilt I feel and help me open the conversation with others when I feared saying the wrong thing. I work at a public middle school with quite a diverse population, and I have recommended this book to everyone I work with.

Excellent book that provides specific tools for managing difficult conversations. I work at a university and recommend it to all of our department chairs and deans.

This book is a gem! It’s that wise friend who isn’t preachy but is still wise, who helps you sort out confusion and muster courage. Who helps you see the “why” and the “how”. A must read, must have, must share book! Thank you, Professors Yoshino and Glasgow, for this vulnerable, practical gift!

If you are an avid reader of DEI books and research (wether you’re a practitioner or other), well, this is **THE** book of the year… actually years to come. Do get it before the first print runs out! Yes, this book is about how to have inclusive and sensitive conversations; yes, it is also about recognizing where each person in the conversation is coming from and how to approach the conversation (e.g., one may be talking about language or policy and the other about humanity and human rights); it is also a book that will help you navigate potential conflicts as we move into a more inclusive society. But what this book really is about (wait for the last few chapters), is a GUIDE FOR CULTURAL AND SOCIETAL CHANGE. The authors don’t say it from the beginning but let the readers deliciously discover it as they read along. It’s really a guide for JUSTICE and EQUITY. And it is told in such a way in which meaningful stories are weaved with solid and thorough academic research. Both Kenji and David are excellent legal scholars at the top of their fields, and they’re now sharing those gifts with us through this magnificent DEI book. It’s truly a gift for society, a gift for change in the right direction and in a sensitive way – which is EXACTLY what we all need right now; a way to come together in productive conversations. So, go buy it! And enjoy one of the best reads you’ll have.Highly recommend this for all DEI practitioners, teachers, professors, and family members going through change. And anyone in society who’s looking for a better future and way of productively engaging with each other.

This book is a gem! It’s that wise friend who isn’t preachy but is still wise, who helps you sort out confusion and muster courage. Who helps you see the “why” and the “how”. A must read, must have, must share book! Thank you, Professors Yoshino and Glasgow, for this vulnerable, practical gift!

I’ve read a lot of books about identity and diversity, but this is the only one I’ve encountered that focuses on actions and behaviors. This book is awesome. A huge contribution to the literature on this crucial subject.

Let me begin my review with the same honesty the authors did in their introduction to SAY THE RIGHT THING. I am a CIS white woman who is 75 years old. In some ways, I think I might be part of their target audience. Am I an ally to marginalized groups? I like to think I am. At the same time, I find myself not understanding the granularity of what allyship entails.Reviewing SAY THE RIGHT THING: How to Talk about Identity, Diversity, and Justice is a challenge in and of itself. Some of the things I want to say about this book could violate the basic tenets being presented. Why? Because I am human, and I am fallible. SAY THE RIGHT THING is, however, a model for teaching anyone and everyone that sensitivities exist and awareness of them is important. Kudos for acknowledgment that even the most thoughtful among us can and will make mistakes when we speak.My sole criticism of the book stems from the granular nature of the premise. I found myself wondering if children are being taught both sides of this coin. Are some adults teaching intolerance of the ‘other’ while others are promoting tolerance. Imagine this on a bell curve with extreme tolerance is one end and extreme intolerance the other. I see the high point of the bell being filled with confusion and chaos. Some will use this book to gain insight while others will use it to find gotchas.This old dog has been learning new tricks daily and will continue to do so until the end. It’s a good day when I learn something new, and I did learn some things new in SAY THE RIGHT THING.

5 stars

I’ve read a lot of books about identity and diversity, but this is the only one I’ve encountered that focuses on actions and behaviors. This book is awesome. A huge contribution to the literature on this crucial subject.