Woke Racism

In Woke Racism, bestselling author and distinguished linguist John McWhorter explores how the modern conversation on race has taken a disturbing turn. This provocative and insightful book argues that an illiberal form of neoracism, cloaked in the guise of antiracism, is not only damaging to black communities but also threatens the cohesiveness of society at large. McWhorter takes a deep dive into this new ideology, exposing how it operates and highlighting its many contradictions.

McWhorter delves into various aspects of this new form of antiracism. We are often encouraged to read books and enjoy music produced by people of colour, yet told that wearing certain cultural clothes is considered 'appropriation.' The assertion that being white comes with automatic privilege while being black labels one as an automatic victim complicates the dialogue further. Many who wish to challenge these assertions worry about being perceived as unwoke or, worse, labelled racists.

According to McWhorter, this issue stems from the fact that what purports to be a well-meaning and progressive movement has morphed into a rigid and dogmatic belief system—essentially a new religion. This religion of antiracism promotes ideas that are often illogical and unreachable, ultimately creating more division. The author illustrates how this belief system has foundational tenets, like the concept of 'white privilege' as an original sin, and employs tactics such as cancel culture to silence dissenters and enforce conformity. The fervour exhibited by the 'woke mob' mirrors that of evangelical zeal.

McWhorter goes further to show how these practices are actively harmful. For example, by infantilizing black individuals and setting black students up for failure, this new ideology inadvertently perpetuates the same problems it seeks to solve. Policies derived from this framework often have adverse effects on black communities, making the so-called antiracist initiatives counterproductive. These antiracist efforts inadvertently echo the racial essentialism of bygone racist ideologies.

Despite the grim analysis, McWhorter offers hope. He argues that it is not too late to resist and correct the course of woke racism. The book provides practical scripts and encouragement for those who wish to help friends and family members escape this ideological grip. Most importantly, McWhorter lays out a roadmap to justice that genuinely aims to uplift, rather than harm, black Americans.

Woke Racism is not merely a critique but a call to action, underpinned by the belief that genuine progress on racial issues is still possible. This highly significant work challenges readers to rethink their understanding of race and social justice, making it an essential read for anyone invested in the future of race relations.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER