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Mediocre

The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America

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Mediocre

By: Ijeoma Oluo
Narrated by: Ijeoma Oluo
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From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race, an “illuminating” (New York Times Book Review) history of white male identity.

What happens to a country that tells generation after generation of white men that they deserve power? What happens when success is defined by status over women and people of color, instead of by actual accomplishments?

Through the last 150 years of American history—from the post-reconstruction South and the mythic stories of cowboys in the West, to the present-day controversy over NFL protests and the backlash against the rise of women in politics—Ijeoma Oluo exposes the devastating consequences of white male supremacy on women, people of color, and white men themselves. Mediocre investigates the real costs of this phenomenon in order to imagine a new white male identity, one free from racism and sexism.

As provocative as it is essential, this book will upend everything you thought you knew about American identity and offers a bold new vision of American greatness.

©2020 Ijeoma Oluo (P)2020 Seal Press Americas Civil Rights & Liberties Economic History Economics Freedom & Security Gender Studies History & Theory Political Science Politics & Government Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences United States Discrimination Social justice Inspiring Equality Thought-Provoking American History Economic disparity

Critic reviews

"Ripped, tragically, from yet another and another and another set of headlines, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America breaks ground and forces a bold, startling, and necessary conversation about the implications of institutional supremacy, and its crushing impact on people of color and women." (Patrisse Khan Cullors, cofounder, Black Lives Matter, New York Times best-selling author of When They Call You a Terrorist, joint recipient of The Sydney Peace Prize)

"Once again, Ijeoma Oluo uses her elegant voice to speak directly to the root issues at the core of the United States' seeming inability to reconcile who we have been with who we had hoped to be. This book goes beyond how we got here, and digs into where we are, what we're going to do about it, and what's at stake if the people with the most power refuse to do better." (Ashley C. Ford, writer)

"Oluo is one of our great voices and Mediocre not only educates us, but it inspires us all to act and change the world for the better. But first, I need to read this book again. It's just that damn good." (Phoebe Robinson, New York Times best-selling author of You Can't Touch My Hair)
Compelling Historical Research • Eye-opening Revelations • Authentic Narration • Thought-provoking Analysis • Warm Delivery
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This book examines the trauma of white male supremacy on all people including white males. it is done with thoughtfulness and world class thoughtfulness. Ijeoma Oluo speaks in the direct yet hopeful spirit of the Hebraic prophets. Ijeoma Oluo, thank you for this work!

Do yourself a favor and read this book!

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so smart, so thoughtful, extremely captivating. The work behind this book is so appreciated. Beautiful, thank you. 💛🙏💛

amazing writing amazing talent.

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A rare look at how racism and sexism have particularly shaped the modern white male.

I will encourage everyone I know to read/ listen to this.

the system works as designed

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The writing is very easy to take in despite the loaded subject. It’s very helpful to have historical context for the behavior we see in headlines and in everyday moments. And definitely one of the best “read by the author” audiobook performances I’ve heard in a while.

The book we need right now

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I cannot express how amazing this book is. as a white man reading it I was shocked, angry, ashamed, and so many more feelings but they were all 100% necessary. every single person with a shred of decency or care regarding racial inequality, white supremacy, and/or feminism absolutely should read this book

powerful! an absolute must read

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Ijeoma Oluo continues to pull me up from the depths of exhaustion and apathy over the world we live in with her hard truths, wry takes, and the life giving balm of hope. Can’t recommend this book and her other writings enough. Please. Read . It. All.

Masterpiece

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I learned a great deal. I respect the courage it took to share her personal experiences and understanding in addition to the information and historical perspectives.

Excellent perspective!

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Thorough research. Clarity. Should be read by all who care about America's continued forward progress. The country needs more courageous women like her.

A Much Needed Read for All

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The fact that the author is also the voice talent makes for an authentic listening experience that is more cathartic testimony and heartfelt plea than simple narration - particularly in the way she describes and indicts the ideas and institutions of violence that are both promoted and commodified in America.

I believe what Oluo puts forth is bitter medicine - not only for white men to hear (particularly when their spirit is seized in the clutches of such despair and self-loathing)...but also in regard to the role that patriarchy plays in the perpetuation of violence and domination among all men (speaking as one) - in relation to ourselves, each other and everybody else.

Kudos Ijeoma...I salute your willingness to be so courageous, thoughtful and vulnerable in writing such an important book.

A heartfelt plea...

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If this was required reading for every white 16 year old in the US the world would be a different place

Excellent Excellent Excellent

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