Surrender, White People! audiobook

And interesting and funny perspective! This is definitely more along the lines of 3.5 starsEarlier this year I picked up D.L. Hughley's book How Not To Get Shot which I found so funny and insightful to the experiences that I had with White people attempting to address my Black experience in America. When I found out that he had another book coming out this year I knew that I had to check it out as well. Please note that D.L. Hughley is a comedian. His take on a lot of issues can be "raw" in terms of language and it isn't for everyone.While his other book focused on reversing the misconceptions of the Black experience, Surrender, White People! is more focused on discussions regarding reparations and how the US can do better in creating equal opportunity for all Black and Brown minorities. A lot of the topics that D.L. Hughley comments are topics that are worth discussing; however, the modern situations that he discusses definitely feel a little dated. In this context "dated" doesn't mean that they aren't worth discussion, but that Hughley doesn't necessarily bring any new ideas to the table. It is clear that this book was written prior to the events of 2020 when these topics wouldn't have been discussed as adamantly. Now that there is a lot of discussion surrounding them, I think that it unintentionally harms his insight. This doesn't take away from his creativity. I enjoyed the way that Hughley translates the idea of reparations into a "constitution" of sorts. The humor with which he discusses the topics is always well worth listening to especially when he specifically discusses members of Congress like Mitch McConnell. I think he covers a wide variety of topics which is good for any listener; however, one topic that he touched on that I don't hear enough people talk about is food access. I think that it's easy to focus on topics related to discriminatory behavior like voter suppression, lack of job equity, educational equity, etc BUT let me tell you the lack of access to fresh food is such a HUGE problem. There are so many complaints about how Black people are the burden of the health care system, but no one seems to equivalate that to the lack of access to fresh food. It also must be noted that the Black community doesn't have the best relationship with the health care system after spending so much time being experimented on and deemed unworthy of sufficient health care access. This section really resonated with me and definitely was the best part of the book. One of my favorite parts of anything that Hughley writes is his sense of creativity. I think that he presents current social commentary is a humorous way that is unlike a lot of non-fiction books. I've seen other reviews of his books where individuals have stated that they do not feel as though anything that he is discussing is funny; however, it is important to recognize the saying "sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying." These topics aren't funny and they are things that need to be continuously brought to the forefront of national conversations; however, if you are Black or Brown and you experience these things continuously sometimes the best remedy is to laugh that way you don't cry from the pain.Overall, I think that this was a solid book. I definitely enjoyed his other one better, but it still made me laugh out loud and appreciate his discussion of so many important topics.

4.5 stars!!! Idk which of D.L. Hughley's books I like more, but I loved how much D.L. goes into the history of racism in America here. He talks at length about systemic issues that affect Black communities like unfair disadvantages for healthy food choices, schools, jobs, health care, excellence, and even the way technology is racist! The false narratives that exist throughout history run deep (traditional holidays, Confederate statues, history books themselves, the stories about the good ol' days) and create worse and worse ideas about what Black people are "allowed" to do today and into the future because that grossness is often built into a lot more than you might think. D.L. is a comedian first and foremost and made me laugh a LOT because it IS fucking ridiculous that we basically learned about the invention of the peanut as the one contribution of Black people and that people are getting real pressed about Black people playing literally fictional characters!!!! So many of the reparations posed in the book are meant as jokes surrounding firm truths we actually have to care about and D.L. succeeds so well in making his audience smile AND think hard about how America is still fucked up and needs a lot of fixing. I definitely recommend this!!!

White people have literally gone batshit crazy in this country. Granted, it’s not completely their fault. Part of it is genetics: white people have simply evolved to think that they are entitled to everything, from better housing to better education to better jobs. Part of it is their history: Few non-white cultures have stood up to their craziness and told them “no”. The few that have tried tend to be branded as “enemies” or “terrorists” or “those people” and subjugated or slaughtered. White people call this patriotism.But there will be a day that white people get their comeuppance, and I hope that the revolution will be led by D.L. Hughley.In his book “Surrender, White People!”, Hughley humorously articulates a peace treaty putting an end to the 400 years of war waged on black people. Yes, it’s funny, but don’t be fooled: Hughley is making some seriously unfunny social commentary in this book.Take, for example, history textbooks. One would think, after reading a standard curriculum high school textbook, that slavery was just a minor embarrassment to white people, rather than the horrific and vile institution that it was.There are ignorant people, still, who think that black slaves were treated decently. After all, they were given jobs, beds, and food on the table. What could they possibly have to complain about? According to Bill O’Reilly, not much: (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/bu...)There is also a tendency to whitewash (pun intended) the reasons for the American Civil War. As Hughley points out, most textbooks say that it was due to state’s rights. What often gets forgotten or never mentioned is that it was primarily the state’s rights to profit off of slavery. (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/...)There is also a slew of major historical events in which crazy-ass white people just went completely medieval on black people’s asses. Ever hear of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre? I hadn’t, until I read about it in this book. Most people, for decades, until recent historians started digging into the past, hadn’t either, as the white community kept a tight lid on it for years. (https://www.history.com/topics/roarin...)Hughley’s book is full of this eye-opening stuff. In between the laughs, he is trying to make a very serious point, one that is only now, in 2020, finally being addressed seriously. Except, of course, by our idiotic rancid mango-and-cat-semen jello mold of a president. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...)

Personally, I loved this book. Hughley does a fantastic job incorporating history, current politics, and humor into this thought provoking "treaty". The only stumbling block I hit was in the realization that no one that doesn't already agree with the premise of systemic racism in the US both in the past and currently will ever pick up this book. I learned more devastating truths about racism and this book is continuing the conversations I am having and still need to start. All that to say, if you're ready to recognize and adjust based on new information this book is a great starting point. Also, points for laughter, DL Hughley does not disappoint!

I howled throughout this book! Hughley’s comic genius lays out the terms for a peace treaty between black and white people. Some gems include:White people shall consider reparations. All Popeye’s chicken sandwiches shall be offered at a three-fifths discount.Statute of Statue Limitations. White people having gotten overly attached to bronze statues of racists, now agree to end the practice of erecting new bronze statues. Take Kanye. We don’t want him.Take us into custody. No longer shall police shoot first, having been “scared”.Reverse Louisiana Purchase. White people shall be given the South. We don’t want it and you can have your own country.

Hilarious, horrific, humbling.The book’s description says it will “stare history in the face and hilariously hold America accountable to its wrongs” and it delivers.Along with a lot of laughs, there’s a lot of eye opening history, ideas and points of views throughout. Points of views I have never truly considered and a boatload of history I never knew of as well. Some of it very difficult to read. Also,throughout the book is the idea of reparations. Reparations is a “(fill in with a word of your choice )” topic for many. I knew a little about the subject but, D.L. Hughley allowed me to uncover just how little. Thought provoking is an understatement and I have a much deeper appreciation for reparations having read this book.Mr. Hughley, I surrender. And I look forward to sending copies of your book to some people that will enjoy it and frankly, in some cases, need it. Thank you for an excellent read and the perspective.

I could write two reviews that would look like I'm reviewing two entirely different books. It is an easy read that moves along effortlessly. It is also funny. Yet, it is dead serious and sprinkled with history and important questions. That is the brilliance of DL Hughleys Surrender White People. He is readable, user-friendly, humorous, reflective, and spot on. Kind of like that favorite teacher that we all remember who was fun and engaging to the point where you didn't even realize you were learning, questioning, and growing. But you were. And you are in reading Hughley's new book. The take away that I love the most (and that I include here to remind myself) is that asking white people to surrender may sound militant and scary, but if you unpack it, it makes a simple, reasonable request. It asks white people to surrender their perceived supremacy and share the good that is supposed to be available to all of us. That's it. Admit that supremacy is simply bullshit and let's all play on the same field. Not so militant or radical, right?

I loved this audio book. DL Hughley wasn't familiar to me, but I will definitely be seeking out more of his work. Also, I surrender.

Easy read. DL is a genius! He took a serious subject and dropped it right in our laps with great seriousness, realistic solutions and a twist of humor to keep the reader interested because why not? He is a funny man but never too funny to tackle the hard topics of the world. I listened to the audiobook and I am positive that hearing the infliction of his voice made this that much more enjoyable. Thank you DL. You covered so much in a short amount of time/pages so there’s no excuse to “not have time” to read this!!!

Hughley tackles some huge issues with laugh-out-loud humor. Anti-racist reading lists have been widely shared over the last year, and this is a good addition to add a teaspoon of sugar to the bitter brew. The humor here is a delivery vehicle for truths about reparations, racial violence, and the far-flung damage wreaked by white supremacy. Read it and laugh, and then stand up for justice.

DL spoke the absolute truth about racism, within these United States of America. People are leaving NEGATIVE comments. Why ? 2021 and people still find it hard to talk about racism.

Engaging and eye-opening and outrageous, clued me in to so much I didn’t know and never knew to question (the GI Bill, real estate, on and on). Also: funny lovable voice/storyteller.

Yes, you must read it. And then surrender. You are about to learn some history that was left out of our textbooks.