a book
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Dr. Robin DiAngelo · 2018 · 192 pages
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.
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.
recommended by 12 people
sourced from public statements
Courtney Milan
“But here’s her book, too.”↗
Jennifer Lopez
“Books to read📖: "WHY I'M NO LONGER TALKING TO WHITE PEOPLE ABOUT RACE" BY RENI EDDO-LODGE, "THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD" BY ZORA NEALE HURSTON. "THE HATE U GIVE" BY ANGIE THOMAS, "I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS" BY MAYA ANGELOU, "WHITE FRAGILITY" BY ROBIN DIANGELO, PHD”↗
Kelly Wickham Hurst
“A reminder for white people new to this work. You may not be ready for her book White Fragility so if you're looking for identity work, start with this one: What Does It Mean to Be White? Y'all gotta understand yourselves.”↗
Elizabeth C. McLaughlin
“I've recommended the book White Fragility on here many times, and this interview is a great place to start. If you're a white person who believes you're not racist, please read this article. And then go read the book.”↗
Quinn Cummings
“I can’t remember the last book I highlighted. I am highlighting at least two sections on every page of @RobinDiAngelo book.”↗
books like White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
other books recommended by the same people who recommend this one
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight
2 shared recommenders
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
Isabel Wilkerson
2 shared recommenders
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Greg McKeown
2 shared recommenders
Principles: Life and Work
Ray Dalio
2 shared recommenders
Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity
Kim Scott
2 shared recommenders