Hilarity Ensues
This book is not for the easily offended. If you are middle class, American, college- to early-forties-aged, affluent, upwardly mobile, and especially white, you may be highly insulted by what is printed therein.
Based on the website of the same name, also run by Christian Lander, this book lampoons many of the silly things that "white" people (any of the groups mentioned above) like and do. Some of the things are pretentious. Some are odd. Some are fun. All of them will probably give a good laugh to a person with a good sense of humor about his or herself.
Many reviewers on the website claim that this book and the site are "racist," but this reviewer (who is a twentysomething white person who has many friends and relatives who fall into many of the abovementioned categories -- some into several at once) feels that those reviewers are missing the point.
It is about time that the tables were turned and white people had a bit of fun poked at them -- and besides, it is harmless, self-aware fun. The author himself is young, white, middle-class or above, and openly admits to partaking in many of the activities and tastes he mocks on his site and in his book. So "racism" is not a valid complaint about his work.
As just mentioned, this book is for the self-aware, and those who could stand to be a bit more self-aware. This reviewer found herself wincing at a few of the oh-so-true and a-bit-too-close-to-true entries that she does enjoy (for example, vintage clothing, sweaters, vegetarianism, and recycling).
Someone who is quite touchy and very attached to their white, middle-class privilege (such as this reviewer's father or the yuppie couple who arrogantly and unobservantly hit her bicycle with their BMW recently) could potentially be very, very offended by seeing their habits made fun of in such a way.
However, someone who has a good sense of humor and is willing to laugh at him- or herself could easily turn this book and website into a point-based "Whiteness Test" with which to challenge themselves and their friends (which is probably a very white thing to do) -- or even make it into a drinking game (not advised for anyone but the truly brave or very avant-garde).
This book is not juvenile or infantile like many modern "humor" books. Do not expect flatulence jokes (at least that this reviewer noticed) or sub-par, insulting writing styles. The author assumes that his readers are intelligent people, which to this reviewer adds to its funny.
The author can come across as slightly condescending, but rest assured that he is patronizing himself as well as he is you.
Buy this for a very "white" friend as a joke. Buy this for a very "white" relative as a subtle (or not so subtle) jab. Buy this for a very un-"white" friend or relative to laugh (or shake your heads in pity) at the whites. Buy this for yourself as a self-awareness test and to laugh at yourself -- and/or others -- all evening. Check out the website as well.
But seriously ... that is a very white thing to do.Read full review
