Drawing on her own experiences as the daughter of a Ghanaian
mother and a white British father, Afua Hirsch’s Brit(ish): On Race,
Identity and Belonging explores the complexities of race,
belonging, and identity in contemporary Britain. Hirsch combines
personal narrative with interviews and broader reflections on
British history, colonialism, and current social issues. She
examines how the legacy of empire, the reality of
multiculturalism, and the persistent structures of whiteness
shape the lives and identities of Black and mixed-heritage Britons.

Identity and Belonging:
The book provides a nuanced exploration of what it means to be
British when your heritage is complex, and how questions of
identity are shaped by both personal and societal forces. Hirsch’s
struggle with her name, her family’s migration stories, and her
search for a sense of home offer rich material for class
discussions about self-perception and the construction of
identity.

Race and Racism:
Hirsch critically examines the idea of “not seeing race” and how
this supposed color-blindness can erase the lived experiences of
minorities and shut down meaningful conversations about racism.
She challenges the myth of a post-racial society and highlights the
ongoing impact of racialized poverty, discrimination, and
prejudice in Britain.

Heritage and History:
The book connects individual stories to broader historical
narratives, such as the effects of colonialism, the legacy of the
slave trade, and the evolution of multicultural policies in the UK.
Hirsch discusses how British history is deeply entangled with
African and Caribbean histories, making it essential reading for
understanding the roots of contemporary diversity and inequality.

Intersectionality:
Hirsch’s account delves into the intersections of race, class,
gender, and migration, showing how these factors combine to
shape people’s opportunities and sense of belonging. The book
also addresses colorism, mixed-race identity, and the
complexities of adoption and foster care for children of color.

Critical Reflection on Multiculturalism:
The text offers a critical perspective on Britain’s approach to
multiculturalism. Hirsch discusses the limitations of policies like
“race-matching” in adoption and the dangers of assuming that
increased diversity automatically leads to equality or inclusion.

Language and Representation:
Hirsch reflects on the power of language, names, and
representation, both in everyday life and in the media. The book
encourages students to think critically about how language can
include or exclude, and how representation shapes self-image
and societal attitudes.

Non-fiction · United Kingdom · 2018