This is an academic (yet readable) text written on racism researcher who happens to be white. Robin DiAngelo writes from a unique perspective as she is researching and looking into historical data, current thought leaders, and current events that all culminate in understanding why it is so hard for White people to talk about their Whiteness.
In White Fragility, the way that we think about race as binary or two dimensional is blown up. The topic of Race for many increases their anxiety in hopes not to get their words misinterpreted, to say something that is not PC (politically correct), or that people are just people (ex: there is no concept of race). All of these arguments are destroyed not in direct content, but because these are entirely wrong ways to think about race, thus perpetuating white fragility.
While Race is triggering or anxiety-provoking thought, White Fragility paints the picture that while racism and anxiety merely trigger conversations for White people, there is a broader reality of racism being present and reinforced by white fragility. In other words, because it is triggering, the topic is never addressed and therefore minimized, rejected, and/or perpetuated.
Other topics discussed and explained include the reality of White shame, which is rooted in the desire to be seen as not racist. Again, in White Fragility, the constructs of society being binary (either good/bad; racist/woke; open/closed) the completely wrong way of engaging these realities. The best question to ask is: to what degree am I acting in racism or openness? Am I engaged in the topic, or defending my position out of fears of being misrepresented or racist?
"A racism-free upbringing is not possible, because racism is a social system embedded in the culture and its institutions. We are born into this system and have no say in whether we will be affected by it" (White Fragility, DiAngelo, p.83).
Application questions:
What do I think about race? Racism?
When was the last time I talked about being (your race; ex: Mexican, African American, Chinese, Russian, etc.)? What was that like for ME?
How would I explain racism in terms of someone being White to someone who is White and does not think that racism is real?
What narratives have I been taught (or heard) about Black people? White people? Hispanic/Latinx?
Here is the link to get White Fragility on Amazon.
©Grayson Wallen 2021. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.
About the links in this post: The links in this post may be affiliate links, which means that Grayson may receive a commission based on you using the link that Grayson gives you. As an Amazon Associate Grayson can earn from qualifying purchases and costs you nothing.
One Last Note: The content of this post is Grayson's work unless otherwise noted/cited. The content of this blog post is not representative of the opinions of Grayson’s past or present places of employment, partners, board members, employees, contractors, or Grayson's Supervisor(s).
