Debunks the most pervasive myths using evidence, easy-to-understand examples, and practical tools, and answers questions about discussing race by covering: characteristics of typical, unproductive conversations on race; tacit and explicit social rules related to talking about racial issues; race-specific difficulties and misconceptions regarding race talk; concrete advice for educators and parents on approaching race in a new way.

What is race talk? -- The characteristics and dynamics of race talk -- The stories we tell: White talk vs. Back talk -- "The entire world's a stage!" -- Colorblind means color-mute -- "What are the consequences for saying what I mean?" -- "To speak or how to speak, that is the question." -- "I'm not racist!" -- "I'm not White, I'm Italian!" -- Interracial/interethnic race talk : difficult dialogues between groups of color -- Race talk and White racial identity development : for Whites only -- Being an agent of change : guidelines for educators, parents, and trainers -- Helping people talk about race : facilitation skills for educators and trainers.