White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo explores the concept that white people in North America live in a social environment that protects and insulates them from race-based stress. This book examines the defensive moves white people make when challenged racially and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. DiAngelo aims to help readers understand and address their own biases to promote racial equity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are interested in exploring the dynamics of race and racism, particularly how white people can understand and address their own biases. It provides insight into the complexities of race relations and offers practical advice for fostering meaningful conversations about race.

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White Fragility

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo explores the emotions and defensive mechanisms that arise in white people when they are challenged on issues of racism. This insightful book delves into the deeply embedded ideas that contribute to systemic racism and the ways white people respond when those ideas are questioned. DiAngelo provides a comprehensive analysis of the term "white fragility" and explains how these defensive behaviours work to maintain racial inequalities.

A compelling and practical guide, White Fragility addresses the common reactions of anger, fear, guilt, denial, and silence that white people exhibit when their racially offensive actions, intentional or not, are pointed out. These reactions serve to silence people of colour, preventing them from providing honest feedback due to the risk of provoking a dangerous emotional response. DiAngelo, an experienced racial and social justice educator, argues that this fragility perpetuates the very system of white supremacy that many claim to oppose.

Through decades of running racial awareness workshops, DiAngelo has gained a wealth of knowledge and insights. She shares actionable advice on how white people can start having more honest and productive conversations about race. By learning to listen more attentively and respond to feedback with grace and humility, readers can begin to dismantle their own contributions to racial inequity. DiAngelo emphasises that abstract progressive views and condemnations of overt racism are insufficient. Real change requires a commitment to self-examination and an understanding of how one's own actions contribute to systemic oppression.

White Fragility is an essential read for anyone looking to foster genuine dialogues about race and take active steps toward creating a more equitable society. DiAngelo's work inspires readers to go beyond superficial engagement and take personal responsibility for becoming better allies and advocates for racial justice. This book serves as both a mirror and a guide, challenging readers to confront their own biases, understand the impact of their behaviours, and work towards meaningful change.

With its powerful message and practical advice, White Fragility invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It is a crucial resource for those committed to understanding and combating racism in all its forms.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo receives praise for offering clarity and compassion in the discussion of racial attitudes, explaining racism as a practice beyond just 'bad people.' It exposes racism with methodical precision, and combines critical analysis with practical advice, inspiring readers to strive for racial justice. The book is seen as essential for facilitating necessary conversations on race, promoting humility, vigilance, and personal growth in tackling racism.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141990569

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 February 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 11.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 147g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Robin DiAngelo is an academic, lecturer, and author working in the fields of critical discourse analysis and whiteness studies. She is a lecturer at the University of Washington and formerly served as a tenured professor of multicultural education at Westfield State University. DiAngelo has been a consultant and trainer for more than twenty years on issues of racial and social justice.

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