White Fragility by Robin Diangelo - Book

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo - Book Description

Read the book that spawned both a catchphrase and a fiery political discussion, White Fragility by Robin Diangelo! In this controversial non fiction book, social commentator and academic Robin Diangelo utilises her personal experiences and sociological background to examine the mercurial discourse surrounding race relations in the United States and beyond.

Diangelo's thesis is that a history of colonialism throughout the world has insulated white people from the worst realities of structural racism that permeates society. The result? A discomfort and defensiveness that can morph into outright hostility when issues around racial justice are discussed: the titular ‘white fragility'. Even self-avowed, anti-racist white progressives, Dinagelo argues, have an unconscious racial bias that affects their relationships with and reaction to people of colour that they must overcome.

Befitting such a provocative statement, this non fiction book focuses on a wide range of socio-political topics. From an analysis of the lingering effects of slavery and the Jim Crow era on the current political and economic fortunes of African Americans, to examinations of the American Dream and the concept of ‘colour blindness', Diangelo casts her net wide. This non fiction book leaves no stone unturned and no scared cow untouched.

It's not all criticism though. In addition to her critique, Diangelo uses her skills developed through over 20 years of conducting corporate anti-bias training to offer practical suggestions to white people for how to eliminate their ingrained racial bias and have more sensitive, nuanced and effective conversations on racial issues.

Remaining on the best-seller lists for over ninety weeks since its publication in 2018, the contents of this non fiction work show no signs of becoming less relevant. Book critics, political activists and academics have lauded and condemned this book in equal measure. The only way to sort through the controversy is to add this book to your basket and read it yourself!

Specification:

• Dimensions: W12.9 x L1.1 x H19.8cm
• Page count: 192
• Binding: Paperback
• ISBN-10 : 0141990562
• ISBN-13 : 978-0141990569
• Publisher: Penguin
• Publishing date: 7 February 2019 (UK edition)

The International Bestseller Anger. Fear. Guilt. Denial. Silence. These are the ways in which ordinary white people react when it is pointed out to them that they have done or said something that has - unintentionally - caused racial offence or hurt. But these reactions only serve to silence people of colour, who cannot give honest feedback to 'liberal' white people lest they provoke a dangerous emotional reaction. Robin DiAngelo coined the term 'White Fragility' in 2011 to describe this process and is here to show us how it serves to uphold the system of white supremacy. Using knowledge and insight gained over decades of running racial awareness workshops and working on this idea as a Professor of Whiteness Studies, she shows us how we can start having more honest conversations, listen to each other better and react to feedback with grace and humility. It is not enough to simply hold abstract progressive views and condemn the obvious racists on social media - change starts with us all at a practical, granular level, and it is time for all white people to take responsibility for relinquishing their own racial supremacy. 'With clarity and compassion, DiAngelo allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to "bad people." In doing so, she moves our national discussions forward. This is a necessary book for all people invested in societal change' Claudia Rankine 'An important book' Nikesh Shukla 'By turns mordant and then inspirational, an argument that powerful forces and tragic histories stack the deck fully against racial justice alongside one that we need only to be clearer, try harder, and do better' David Roediger, Los Angeles Review of Books 'The value in White Fragility lies in its methodical, irrefutable exposure of racism in thought and action, and its call for humility and vigilance' Katy Waldman, New Yorker 'A vital, necessary, and beautiful book' Michael Eric Dyson