Dear Professor Rose,I hold out hope that you are able to respond to my email sent to you addressing the point below. But in the event you don’t, I wanted to list them here as well.Thank you for the labor and research invested in Metaracism. I found it to be a highly accessible read that provides a clear framework for understanding what you mean when discussing the interaction between various social systems affects outcomes for Black Americans. I would kindly add that throughout your book, you make several claims that appear to me as non sequiturs. The logic that is being employed in some of your references and claims tend to suggest that because America has a history of racism, any disparity between blacks and whites must be because of racism. I’m afraid this is not a claim that could stand up to scrutiny in any courtroom without having to rule out reasonable doubt of other variables. Many of your examples such as Trayvon, Kelly Williams-Bolar, or Mike Brown weaken your argument due to some of the details of those specific cases that can be found online and in public court documents. With respect to some of your cited references for bias such as the Implicit Assessment Test (IAT), the creators of the test have stated on record that the test has little to no correlation to real world bias. Important disclaiming info like this is missing from a handful of the examples and studies that your cite. As a Professor at Brown, I imagine you welcome rigorous feedback that moves the conversation forward, and it is in that spirit that I offer the following thoughts on your diagnosis of systemic racism.Areas of AgreementHistorical Legacy: I agree that America’s history of slavery and micro/macro-level racism has left a lasting imprint on the present.Systemic Interconnectedness: Your thesis on how bad outcomes in one sector (like education) compound in others (like housing or health) is a compelling observation of social reality.The Dignity Gap: I wholeheartedly agree that every individual deserves equal dignity and respect regardless of race.The Limits of Class: While I lean toward class as a more effective proxy for addressing inequality, I share your skepticism that class-based solutions alone would prevent the formation of new structural hierarchies.Areas of DivergencesWhile I appreciate your framework, I find myself disagreeing with several of the book’s core conclusions:Outcome vs. Intent: I am not convinced that an institution is inherently racist simply because it produces disparate outcomes between groups.The "Racism-First" Solution: I am skeptical that "solving" for racism would automatically result in better educational or economic outcomes for Black Americans today without addressing other cultural or behavioral variables.Policy Directions: I disagree with race-conscious policies and "soft on crime" initiatives (such as ending cash bail or school suspensions). I am concerned these may inadvertently harm the communities they intend to protect.State Responsibility: I do not believe it is the role of federal or local government to engineer equal outcomes between disparate groups.Questions for Further ReflectionThe Immigrant Paradox: How do we account for Black immigrants and their second-generation children who often excel within the same systems described as "metaracist"? If the system is designed to suppress Blackness, why does the "success gap" between native-born and immigrant Black Americans persist?Global Comparisons: Why do we see similar health and education disparities in countries like Brazil or the UK, which offer universal healthcare and free tuition? If these social safety nets don't close the gap there, why should we expect them to work here?The "Asian Premium": If systems are structurally biased toward Whiteness, why do Asians consistently outperform Whites in income and educational attainment? Are those same systems then "racist" against Whites?Historical Precedent: Can you point to any advanced, multicultural or homogeneous civilization that has successfully produced equal outcomes across all ethnic groups?

This is a thoughtful, understandable, and brilliantly written that should be a textbook on racism. Dr Rose is a treasure and a respected leader in her field. This book tells the harsh truths about systemic racism. A real eye opener.

This book is incredibly empowering, and I think could be a great and easily digestible introduction to understanding systemic oppression in America and offer starting points to think about the ways in which we can dismantle the system. Rose eloquently gives tools that are more effective and accessible for people to use in their everyday lives, so they can share these ideas with their mother, their grandfather, their sibling, their neighbor, their uncle, their coworker, their cousin, etc, and not be in a permanent state of translation. She basically describes how this idea of racism currently exists within interpersonal and personal experiences, and we need to focus on it more as a system/ as systemic racism, which is not being talked about as much in mainstream media. I feel Metaracism does a great job at pointing out the flaws in our society, and dismantling the discrediting of black people while reaffirming their experiences. I envision HELLA collective solidarity if enough people read this book.

I wish I could give it even more stars. I can’t say enough good about this book. It is an easy to read, extremely interesting, necessary book that EVERYONE should read in order to understand where we are and why, and how to do better. Her meticulous attention to detail, comprehensively researched subject matter leaves no stone unturned in setting forth the undeniable picture it helps us see. I believe we can do better as a society. I even choose to believe we want to. If you do, start here to get the picture we’re living in so we can do the work of making it happen.

This informative read brings current the issues America continues to struggle with in the 21st century.