White Fragility - Book Review by Gilbert

 

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

by Robin DiAngelo

What is it about:

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.

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, anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what can be done to engage more constructively.

What did  Gilbert think of it:

I think it's important to be aware of your own flaws and shortcomings, so I decided to pick up White Fragility.

And this is an eye-opening book.

It explains really well why white people are prone to act defensive when their privilege and racist thinking and behavior is pointed out to them. It explores how Western society is build on white being the norm and how that benefits those who are white.

This book made me think about how I view the world and challenged me to look inside for my own prejudices and automatic reactions when my worldview is challenged.

All in all I can advice this book  to any white person who is willing to take a good look at how they view themselves, the world, and the people around them. 

Why should you read it:

It's eye-opening and thought provoking.

Buy from amazon