Social Justice: Book Review

The SVLC Social Justice Committee members will periodically share with you reviews of books you may be interested in reading on topics such as immigration, refugees, racial injustice, hunger, and food insecurity.  Our June selection--

White Fragility.  Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism  by Robin Diangelo

Why IS it so hard for white people to talk about racism?  We are embarrassed and possibly a little outraged to feel that we are being put into the same category with those who demean and/or wish or cause harm to others on the basis of their race.  Can’t we just ignore race since we are among the “good” nonracist people?  This book, written by a white woman who has been a consultant and trainer on social justice issues was an eye-opener to me.  Have you been hearing about micro-aggressions lately?  Would you be surprised, as I was, to learn that you were at times guilty of them?  We want to say we never meant any harm, never meant to be disrespectful, but does the intent of the perpetrator negate the effect on the victim?  Every white person who truly desires to know what they can do to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem should read this book.  It is fairly short and, to me, the most relevant book on the issue I have read this year.

Reviewed by Nancy Harrelson