SOCIAL SCIENCES

Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just World

St. Martin’s. Jul. 2024. 288p. ISBN 9781250286703. $29. SOC SCI
COPY ISBN
Harvey (VP, academic affairs, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; Raising White Kids) argues that systemic racism infused throughout American institutions needs to be dismantled by white people, not just by calling it out and protesting but also through transformational changes in their everyday lives. Her thesis shows the importance of recognizing the role race plays for people of color their entire lives and how they’re impacted by white socialization. She relays her own experiences as a white woman, including mistakes she made and the lessons she learned, which led her to assemble a guide to being an ally. It took years, she conveys, to decenter herself and shed what she describes as the armor of racial entitlement. Her book’s holistic approach to antiracism includes refocusing volunteer, shopping, and donor habits to Black organizations and businesses and supporting Black political candidates who advocate for their communities. Harvey doesn’t just prescribe actions; she also urges readers to take inventory of their own feelings about race and ancestry and to reflect on the history of racism in the United States.
VERDICT A worthy addition to the canon of antiracism literature. This titles comes with a necessary focus on the importance of self-reflection, self-assessment, and action.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?