Can white people talk about book, race productively? It’s worth a try

Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates has a new book out, “Between the World and Me,” about race in America that has been greeted rapturously. Even critics of Coates have acknowledged the book’s power, though some — such as conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks — have seemed befuddled by how to respond: “Am I displaying my privilege if I disagree?” Brooks wrote. “Does a white person have standing to respond?” Brooks was roundly mocked and criticized for his response.