Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

Open and honest communication is the foundation of Acho’s book. His title, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, stresses that the exchanges will challenge readers. The aim of these difficult conversations is not to punish White people, but rather, to educate them about various aspects of race and racism in the US. Acho’s book mirrors his popular YouTube series in tone and content: Although racism is a serious topic, his informal writing style sets readers at ease. Moreover, Acho makes questions as integral to the book as they are to the video series—each chapter begins with a question Acho received from a viewer via email, questions he answers in a frank, unvarnished manner. Indeed, the original title of Acho’s series was Questions White People Have, reflecting the centrality of dialogue to his project.

Acho aims to affect change through dialogue. Educating White people, however, is not the end goal, but a point of departure. Fostering an awareness of the plight of Black people and an appreciation of Black culture increases sensitivity and understanding and cultivates allyship. By engaging in conversations within their own social circles, allies can in turn educate others and call out their same-race peers for biased behavior, thereby contributing to the fight for a more equal society.