And this statement makes even more sense when you realize that race isn’t a real, measurable thing, but a social construct to group people with similar physical characteristics into one easily reduced and stereotypical “enemy”. all races are nothing more than social statuses.

(I recognize that in our modern world, after centuries of propagating the social constructs of race, it has sort of become a real thing insofar that we can’t pretend the idea simply never existed. it is impossible to “solve” the issue of race and have a society where benign physical characteristics simply don’t matter in day to day life without addressing the historical oppression and modern inequities of these groupings)

Libraries are safe spaces for minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Books in general spread awareness and raise empathy and can also help struggling young people understand that they are not alone.

That quote isn’t saying people of these communities read or use a public library more than those who aren’t; it’s pointing out that the erasure of public safe spaces and resources affects groups that benefit from their existence more.

All of that doesn’t even mention the content that was likely present in those 500,000 books.

I think they were pointing to the media trying to shift the focus to race. “You’re problem isn’t because you’re poor, it’s because of all those nasty people who are different to you”.

Anything to prevent class consciousness and organization.