From what I can gather, the book is simply more of the same. More generalizations and more useless facts and tidbits that apparently characterize White people. It is meant for comedic purposes but it very quickly becomes rather monotonous and obvious that almost anyone can fit within the many categories Lander illustrates. With the release of the new book, Lander has released a promotional video that is hosted by Amazon.com. Both titles seem to be rather superficial and not necessarily indicative of whiteness and could have baring on close to anyone in middle class Victoria.
Has anyone had time to check these out? If so, what do you think?
-Shane
Oddly enough, I actually own his first book, 'Stuff White People Like.' I know a lot of people find it offensive, but he merely discusses the stereotypes of liberal, environmentally and socially conscious 'white' people. I found a lot of the things on the list to be generalizations but enjoyable to read and think about in a satirical manner. I find it to be a cultural commentary on a common type of social class in North American today, irregardless of color. It is on the same level as a typical coffee table or bathroom reader book, useful to pick up and flip through, but not to take too seriously.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand his new book takes a more geographical stance. He sub categorizes the preferences of white people into different regions, whereas in his first book he literally listed the 'stuff white people like.' He offers his opinions on Canada,(where he is from)which are interesting. He depicts a Torontonian as a young male wearing a kickball T-shirt and Montrealers being a funky young looking woman. He goes into detail about Vancouver being a lot like San Francisco and other American west coast cities stating:
"The joke is that Vancouver out-whited all of the major cities along the west coast. It out-yoga-ed L.A. It out-outdoorsed Seattle. And no one seems to have a job there. Everyone seems to have a lot of free time to stretch, go skiing and camping, walk up Grouse Mountain, whatever they want."
Christian Lander offers an interesting critique and commentary about North American culture. I would say to enjoy it for what its worth. Not saying I would buy his next book, but I would go for a quick flip through in the bookstore.
-Alex D.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/article/897401--getting-whiter-whites-with-christian-lander