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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Neil Gonsalves’ I'm Not Your Token: Unapologetic Clarity in Divided Times is a collection of his original essays that examine modern political, social, and economic polarization. Among the essays are My Profound Fortnight in Moscow, where Gonsalves shares a 1994 trip to Russia, describing post-Soviet conditions and intercultural connections that influenced his immigration to Canada. The Forest and The Trees analyzes tribalism and identity politics fueling polarization, warning about threats to democracy and urging citizen engagement. Napalm the Destroyer: The Burning of Tokyo sees Gonsalves speaking on the U.S. bombing campaign against Japan during World War II, leaning into the human toll and ethics around military tactics. In Should We Cancel All Dead White Men?, Gonsalves discusses debates on revising curricula, pointing out how to balance inclusion of marginalized voices and traditional thinkers to enrich education and critical thinking.
Neil Gonsalves’ I’m Not Your Token is an impressive collection of well-written essays, and there is no doubt that Gonsalves is an intelligent and articulate writer. He makes some excellent arguments that ask readers to consider alternative perspectives, but not every essay falls into boilerplate territory; notably, his heartfelt toast to a late friend stands out as a genuine and thoughtful piece. While I do not agree with everything presented, the book’s purpose is clearly to provoke thought rather than impose consensus, a goal it achieves effectively. Among the essays my favorites are Straight “A” Students: Progress or Red Herring?, a hard look at grade inflation’s impact on education and skill development, and Learning About Systemic Racism Isn’t a Black-and-White Issue for my Brown-and White Son, which explores racial identity through a candid father-son dialogue. Both highlight Gonsalves’ ability to tackle difficult topics with clarity and care, making this collection a stimulating read for all readers interested in thoughtful discourse.
