In her book “Conditional Citizens,” Laila Lalami discusses the concept of being marginalized in America based on race, ethnicity, gender, or origin. She argues that systematic actions differentiate between white citizens and others, with the aim of maintaining the control of white men in society. Lalami’s personal experiences as a Moroccan American shape her analysis of citizenship, oppression, and disenfranchisement in the US.
The book remains timely amidst current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic’s disparate impact, racial injustices like the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Lalami delves into themes of disempowerment, exploitation, and injustice in American society, using her skills as a linguist and storyteller to provide insights on the modern American caste system.
Lalami investigates citizenship, race, ethnicity, and identity in America, shedding light on the hidden white supremacist agenda that challenges the country’s diversity and pluralism. She explores various discriminatory tactics used in US history to marginalize people of color, immigrants, and women, including biased policies, stereotypes, surveillance, and electoral disenfranchisement.
The book reveals the extensive efforts throughout history to oppress various groups, emphasizing the enduring impact of discriminatory practices on communities like Native Americans, Black and Hispanic people, and immigrants. Lalami questions who holds the power of judgment in society, highlighting the exclusionary roots of American citizenship privileges reserved for propertied white men.
By addressing the silence around whiteness, the book uncovers the hidden benefits accrued by the white majority from historical atrocities while underscoring the ongoing surveillance and judgment faced by marginalized groups. Lalami stresses the importance of individual actions, empathy, and dialogue in bringing about positive change in society, despite the deep-seated injustices embedded in America’s history.
