Christian Lander

Is white, likes stuff

By JENNIFER CACICIO

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Blogger-turned-author Christian Lander has compiled a list of 150 items preferred by that strange culture known as white people. Stuff White People Like is on shelves now, and you should procure a copy ASAP. Why? That's easy. The next time you and your white people are sitting around, clad in Glasses (#140) and Plaid (#119), listening to Indie Music (#41) and using various Apple Products (#4) to find an obscure place to eat Brunch (#36), you'll be better prepared. In his book, Mr. Lander explains that Books (#138) are essential in the life of a white person, not only to read on Public Transportation That Is Not a Bus (#147), but also before going to an '80s Night (#29). Owning this will show that you're into Irony (#50) as well as Self-Deprecating Humor (#103). Mr. Lander was kind enough to share more of his wisdom, probably while drinking Coffee (#1).

So the phrase "unique taste of millions" kind of says it all. Isn't it sort of creepy that so many people like the same stuff?

I think it's just culture in general, although in this case it's funny since it's a culture obsessed with individuality and living against a perceived "mainstream." I never thought the site would be this popular, and I was really just writing about me and my friends. It was extra creepy to realize how many people are exactly like us.

Thanks to the quiz, I learned that I'm 59 percent white. How does that rate?

59 percent is pretty low. In Canada's grading system it's a D and you would pass the white course, but I think there is room for improvement.

What's your percentage?

As the author of the book, I would say I'm 101 percent as a sort of gold standard. Though realistically I think I would be closer to 88 percent.

What's the whitest thing you own?

Great question. The answer: a liberal arts degree.

Well, as a grad student of the liberal arts myself, I get a little uncomfortable when faced with such generalities. But once I let go, I was really laughing out loud. What say you to the critics who see this book as racial instead of satirical?

As a Ph.D. dropout, I'm also highly sensitive to all of these things. But it still baffles me when people see it as racial because it's done in such a non-hateful way. This is not meant to incite violence or discrimination against white people and I think that comes across in the writing.

You're still posting new material on the blog—stuffwhitepeoplelike.com—does this mean a sequel is in the works?

I'm not sure, but I'm hoping I'll get the chance to write another book. In a dream world I can just keep on writing comedy. That's all I really want to do.

Why should Bostonians come to your reading?

It will be funny. Also, I have this weird thing where I don't like writing in books. When I was in college I had to use sticky notes. So if you want me to autograph a Post-it and put it in the book, I would be totally down. Plus, it's my first stop on the tour, so I'll be all riled up.

CHRISTIAN LANDER

THURSDAY 7.10.08

HARVARD BOOKSTORE

1256 MASS AVE., HARVARD SQ.

CAMBRIDGE

617.661.1515

7PM/FREE

HARVARD.COM

STUFFWHITEPEOPLELIKE.COM