Think Like a White Man: A Satirical Guide to Conquering the World . . . While Black

Much of what is written here exists in office politics, but to view it with from a caucasian viewpoint is strikingly different from how it is described exhaustively in this book.

Hilariously smart, deep and profound - a must for any black professional struggling to make sense in these racially chaotic times. When all else fails - laugh

Think Like a White Man is a book among a slew of recently published books about the experience of black and ethnic minority people living in racist societies. I am thinking of books such as: The Clapback by Elijah Lawal, Natives (Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire) by Akala, and Why I am no Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge, to name a few. All of these books are worth the time invested in reading them. However, Nels Abbey's Think Like a White Man stands out because it is a refreshing take on an old problem.Abbey presents us with a spoof character, namely Dr Boule Whytelaw 111, who is a professor of white people studies at Bishop Lamonthood University. The book is supposed to be a biography of Dr Whytelaw 111 who by the time of its publication has gone missing while undertaking a "field trip to discover, research and document a remote white tribe". The underpinning satirical idea is that Dr Whytelaw 111 aims: "to overthrow the White Man ... once and for all" by using "the White Man's own weapons and tools to defeat him".The structure of the book makes it easy to read and understand Abbey's message. Each chapter is given a title with an epigraph, followed by an outline and discussion of organizational topics such as power, networking, and concludes with some dos and don'ts. The book is basically a self-help book aimed not just at black professionals, and ethnic minorities but also, to a much less extent, white working class people. Early in the book Abbey tells us that the average white man or woman, if they happen to be working class are: "at best, on a slightly better version of the sinking ship that black people have been on for a few centuries". The book, "will show them how to turn the ship around". However, Abbey's main focus is on: "the political aspects of life as a black professional"As a satire, there are no holds barred. The book is irreverent, mocking and even littered with self deprecation. Readers should not miss the point that perhaps Think Like a White Man is not just a satirical critique of white people but also a subtle critique of black and ethnic minorities. For example, Abbey is right to acknowledge and point out that at times black people and black professionals fail to understand the diversity among ourselves and turn on ourselves by making derogatory remarks against each other.As a self-help book, there are some excellent lessons for the uninitiated. However, some of these lessons are unpalatable but nonetheless worth heeding. Take for example, a discussion about subservience with all its unfairness and humiliation when experiencing it. Quite understandably Abbey tells the reader to: "Treat it like a police stop and search session ... swallow your pride, prepare for shame and embarrassment, demonstrate the requisite subservience and just do it".Think Like a White Man presents a potted history of British colonialism. I appreciated that aspect of the book as it served as an introduction to colonialism without the tedium of statistics and a overly scholarly approach. I also loved Abbey's cultural references such as: "I looked open casket sharp". This refers to the practice of some black people having the coffin of their their dead opened for viewing during a funeral where the deceased is normally spectacularly dressed.There are numerous laugh-out-loud occasions in the book. One that particularly tickled me was where Abbey tells a brief story of him attending a firm on his first day at work. Whilst standing waiting in the lobby area as the white workers passed him they all flashed their ID cards at him. He is lulled into a false sense of security until the penny drops and he realizes that as a black man in a suit in the lobby area the workers thought he was a security guard.There are two appendices. The first provides an analysis of a list of "types of black people in the corporate world". The second provides a "black professional dictionary" in order to decode the White Man. The first appendix is perhaps the more useful of the two in that it provides some concepts with which to analyse, understand and even sympathize with the black professional functioning in the corporate world and the world at large. It reveals some startling, shameful, and painful truths. The first appendix also throws up, if not a paradox, then at least an irony in that it runs contrary to what Abbey has been promoting in the main part of the book that is black professionals should think like a White Man. However, at the same time, if you do you are a betrayer of your background, culture or race.The question to ask and answer is this: as a self-help or professional development book does Think Like a White Man achieve its aim? The answer, in short, is yes. I would urge any upcoming black or ethnic minority professional to read the book.

They say a lot of truth is said in jest and this satirical book is no different. After working in offices with white, non-black and a hand full of black people for decades, I had already come to know many of these truths. From the explanation of what drives some black/brown people to become useful idiots, who talk up the party (support white supremacy) lines - I wanted to say an uncle named tom, but it may be censored - all the way through to coded white people double speak, which is everywhere. This book tells the truth, in a jovial and satirical way. It is well worth the read!A word to my fellow honourable black people: If you want to thrive, be open to like minded black people. Conceal completely from the rest.

For anyone who wants to better understand how their white privilege means they progress in their career, or how a person of colour has to think/act to get ahead in theirs read this. I am a 49 yo, Welsh white working class urchin who wants to make sure he tackles any bias he may have, and also be a better parent to his children.It is funny, insightful, painful and superbly well written.If the only tool available to me to stop racism is to be better educated, then books like this are invaluable.