In 'White Fragility,' Dr. Robin DiAngelo examines the defensive reactions many white people exhibit when their racial biases are challenged. This thought-provoking exploration reveals how these reactions maintain racial inequality and perpetuate systemic racism. DiAngelo draws from her experience as an anti-racist educator to encourage honest conversations about race. By understanding and confronting white fragility, readers are invited to engage more deeply and authentically with the concept of race in America. Prepare to confront your own biases and discover how to contribute to a more equitable society.
By Dr. Robin DiAngelo
Published: 2018
"Racism is a powerful system that functions independently from the intentions of individuals."
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 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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“Racism is a powerful system that functions independently from the intentions of individuals.”
White Fragility
By Dr. Robin DiAngelo
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Dr. Robin DiAngelo is a prominent author, lecturer, and educator known for her expertise in racial and social justice. She is the author of the bestselling book 'White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism,' which explores the defensive reactions white people often have when challenged racially, and has sparked widespread dialogues on race and privilege. Her writing style is accessible yet thought-provoking, blending scholarly analysis with personal anecdotes to engage a broad audience. Dr. DiAngelo has also penned 'Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm,' furthering her commitment to addressing systemic inequities. With a background in critical multicultural education, Dr. DiAngelo’s work emphasizes the importance of understanding and confronting systemic racism.
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