The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a … understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’ (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.
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As a sociologist who taught issues of race, gender and privilege, the theories and history behind white fragility were familiar, yet I so admire the way that Diangelo succinctly synthesizes them. I also appreciate – although its uncomfortable, embarrassing, and painful – the opportunity to consider the ways I’ve engaged in behaviors and psychological responses that reinforce racism. Her work as a diversity facilitator make for a host of real world examples that make this a book that every white person, who cares about racial inequality, needs to read.
An eye-opener. Read it with no expectations and an open mind.
A white person, speaking to white people on how to see their own privilege, how to drill down into the unaware bias they hold and how to be advocates for the black and brown people in their lives. While there are some parts are a bit slow and dry, I think anyone, especially those who think of themselves as liberal, or who navigate life by saying, “I don’t see color,” would especially benefit from the frank talk in this book. There is the hood wearing KKK member kind of racism. This is the subtle, institutionalized racism most white people are not aware of. Be aware.
Maybe there should be a non fiction category for ‘mind-blowing’ or ‘changing how I view myself and society.’
I’ve always thought of myself as a fundamentally decent human being, so imagine how I felt when I learnt that I’m a fundamentally decent human being who’s also a racist. Well, I’ll tell you – I exhibited every one of the symptoms of white fragility described in this tour de force book. I tried very hard to justify and explain why this book didn’t relate to me – it’s based on American society and I’m British, so it doesn’t count. Bullsh1t. It counts.
When I’d got over my anger and the urge to stop reading, I found uncomfortable truth after uncomfortable truth presented to me. It became harder and harder to dismiss the idea that racism is a fundamental part of our society and that we’re all guilty of it.
I originally picked up this book hoping to gain insight into how I can use my white privilege in a positive way, and while it doesn’t necessarily address this particular issue, it’s done far more in opening my eyes to the reality of the world we live in. I’ve not got answers to questions I didn’t even know I should be asking, and more questions than I know what to do with – but fortunately the excellent ‘further resources’ section at the back has given me a starting point for where to look next.
This is not an easy read, and it isn’t meant to be. If you’re white, don’t expect to be coddled. You will be generalised – “white people are guilty of…” – and your instinct will be to shout “not all white people!” and throw the book across the room. Don’t. Sit and think about it. Think about the times in your life you’ve said “black people are…” or “Asian people are…” – it’s the same thing. If you can generalise about them, expect to be generalised about yourself.
Don’t pick up this book if you’re not prepared to do the work. Do pick up this book if you believe you’re not racist. Read it, and then read it again.
I walk away from this book with two deep truths:
1. It is impossible to read this book without feeling uncomfortable, IF you are a white American.
2. The ingrained nature of racism in American society is so profound, that it can only be addressed WHEN white people begin to acknowledge all the ways they have benefited from white privilege.
Robin DiAngelo aptly builds her case, describing all the pernicious ways racism lives inside ALL us white people (YES, ALL!) — without anger or personal blame. It is simply a function of growing up in this country. She is calm and methodical in describing how our country has systematically and persistently barraged us with messages reenforcing white superiority. You will find her anecdotes all ring true, since we have all witnessed or, more likely, acted out similar behaviors. Even those who see themselves as liberal or progressive.
No doubt this is why, even recognizing and believing everything DiAngelo describes, I still found I had to take breaks while reading this book. I continually felt overwhelmed as I struggled to even BEGIN to understand how big a problem racism truly is. And how reluctant white people are to see it. Because the truth is, seeing it requires us all to recognize how OUR lives will have to change if the United States is ever to build a more racially just society.
This is a heavy book to read, though only 150 pages long. Honestly, it leaves me feeling crushed by the weight of the work that is ahead. For all of us white people. But, at the same time, I feel eager to get started and make a difference.
No one in this country should graduate high school without reading this book. It shows our society and its attitudes toward race in a blunt but honest way. And offers a more compelling, and potentially successful, way forward than I’ve found in any other book on race.
Revealing the history and definition of racism in America.
This book is a must read for white people who think they aren’t racist but care to better understand the view of people of color toward white privilege, and for those who are aware but want to better understand. Ms. D’Angelo clearly illustrates the way white people, even those who try to NOT be racist and who would consider themselves open and unbigoted, benefit from the racism endemic in the society. While the book doesn’t go ‘deep’ into psychology and so forth, it doesn’t have to. This is a down-to-earth, easy to read book that can bring about clarity and awareness. It is an eye-opener to those who aren’t aware of their own privilege, and an affirmation to those who are and want to know more about how that works in the world.
Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” is a game changer in the anti racism movement. As a white woman, I wish I’d been introduced to this book 20 years ago, as it would have helped me so much to better understand the socialization component of systemic racism and all of the ways that I can sensitively, responsibly, and proudly fight it. DiAngelo’s approach is at once disarming and challenging, as it targets white readers and holds a pace that allows for reflection, realization, and realignment with a new and important perspective. This book is a must read for any white person. Please don’t disqualify yourself if you already consider yourself a white ally, liberal, or civil rights fighter. The only requirement is being white and having an open heart and mind.
What white people can learn about “white bias” toward persons of color, and micro-aggressions and privileges enjoyed that whites don’t understand do not apply to persons of color. In 20 years, whites will be the minority, and we have always been the aggressors – against Native Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, the list could go on. This book helps you walk in the shoes where white privilege is not enjoyed.