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Go to My LibraryCómo ser antirracista
- Language
- Spanish
- Published in
- Publisher
- Rayo Verde Editorial, S.l.
- Pages
- 280
- ISBN
- 9788417925406
Subjects
Original edition details
Other editions (13)
How to Be an Antiracist
2019 • Random House Publishing Group
English
How to Be an Antiracist
2023 • Random House Publishing Group
English
How to Be an Antiracist
2019 • Random House Publishing Group
English
Com ser antiracista
2020 • Rayo Verde Editorial, S.l.
Catalan
Comment devenir anti-raciste
2020 • Leduc.s éditions
French
Other editions

How to Be an Antiracist
2019 • Random House Publishing Group
English

How to Be an Antiracist
2023 • Random House Publishing Group
English

How to Be an Antiracist
2019 • Random House Publishing Group
English

Com ser antiracista
2020 • Rayo Verde Editorial, S.l.
Catalan

Comment devenir anti-raciste
2020 • Leduc.s éditions
French

How to Be an Antiracist
2020 • National Geographic Books
English

How To Be an Antiracist »Das bisher mutigste Buch über Rassismus im westlichen Denken.« The New York Times - Deutsche Ausgabe
2020 • btb
German

Cómo ser antirracista / How to Be an Antiracist
2020 • PRH Grupo Editorial
Spanish

How to Be an Antiracist
2020 • Random House Audio
English

How To Be an Antiracist
2019 • Bodley Head
English

How to Be an Antiracist
2019 • Penguin Random House
English

How To Be an Antiracist THE GLOBAL MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER
2019 • Random House
English

How To Be an Antiracist
2020 • Vintage
English
My own journey through understanding race has been a winding path, fraught with the very racist ideas I now seek to dismantle. I recall delivering a speech as a young man, inadvertently blaming Black people for societal problems, having internalized the very stereotypes that racist ideas propagate. It was a profound awakening to recognize how deeply ingrained these concepts can be, even within those who are themselves targets of racism. This ongoing process of self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination is essential, as becoming antiracist is not a destination but a continuous striving, a daily choice.
The roots of racist ideas are not found in ignorance or hatred alone, but in power and self-interest. Historically, powerful policymakers have created racist policies for their own benefit, and then generated racist ideas to rationalize and defend the resulting racial inequities. These ideas then circulate, taking on a life of their own, consumed by everyday people. Whether conscious or not, individuals can perpetuate racism by supporting these policies or ideas. This understanding shifts our focus from merely judging individuals to scrutinizing the systems and structures that produce and maintain racial disparities.
Racism manifests in myriad forms, each demanding a distinct antiracist response. There is biological racism, which falsely posits inherent differences between races; ethnic racism, which targets specific racialized ethnic groups; bodily racism, perceiving certain bodies as more animalistic or violent; cultural racism, which imposes a dominant cultural standard; and class racism, which racializes economic disparities. These forms often intersect, creating complex layers of oppression. To be truly antiracist means to reject not only the hierarchy of races but also the interwoven hierarchies of race-genders and race-sexualities, recognizing that equity must extend across all identities.
The crucial distinction lies in action. Changing minds, while valuable, is not activism in itself. True activism, the work of an antiracist, lies in producing power and policy change. When we observe racial inequity, we must ask not "What is wrong with those people?" but "What is wrong with the policies?" It is about identifying racist policies in all their manifestations, investigating their causes, and then inventing or finding antiracist policies that can eliminate them. This requires courage, a willingness to speak out, and a commitment to work with sympathetic policymakers to institute change.
This fight demands a persistent, active stance. There is no remaining on the sidelines, for inaction itself supports the status quo of inequity. It means promoting and advocating for policies and leaders that are antiracist, educating others, and being vulnerable about our own biases. It means looking within our workplaces, schools, and communities to dismantle the ingrained structures that perpetuate racial injustice.
The path toward an antiracist society is arduous, demanding constant vigilance against the recurrence of racist ideas and policies. Yet, within this struggle lies profound hope. Once we lose hope, we are guaranteed to lose. But if we ignore the odds and dedicate ourselves to creating a truly antiracist world, one where equity is the norm, then humanity has a chance to live in communion, a chance to be forever free.
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Rating Sources
Readers generally commend the book for its impactful core argument: that simply identifying as "not racist" is insufficient, and individuals must actively choose to be either racist or antiracist. Many appreciate the author's vulnerability in sharing his personal journey and past struggles with racist ideas, which helps make the complex topic more accessible and encourages readers to reflect on their own biases without immediate defensiveness. The book is praised for its intersectional approach, addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, and class within the broader discussion of racism. Reviewers found it effective in demonstrating the pervasive nature of racism in society and its focus on policy change as a crucial step towards dismantling systemic inequities. The writing style is often described as engaging, informative, and inspiring, offering a hopeful yet challenging perspective on working towards a more equitable future.
However, several reviewers express significant reservations, particularly concerning the author's assertion that Black people can be racist against white people, or that jokes about light-skinned people equate to systemic racism. Critics argue this blurs the crucial distinction between prejudice and racism, which inherently involves a power dynamic, and can dilute the focus on white supremacy. Some Black readers feel the book is primarily aimed at a white audience, noting that certain explanations feel oversimplified or unnecessary for a Black readership. Concerns are also raised about the book's depth, with some finding it surface-level for those already familiar with antiracist concepts, or that specific chapters on topics like sexism and homophobia felt rushed or utilized outdated terminology and sources. Reviewers also point out perceived contradictions, an uneven structure, and a tendency towards reductive binaries in the author's analysis.
Overall, the book elicits a mixed but passionate response. It is widely regarded as a valuable introductory text for those new to conversations about race and racism, or for allies seeking to understand their own role in combating racial disparities. Its strength lies in encouraging self-reflection and promoting a shift from passive non-racism to active antiracism. However, many recommend approaching the book with a critical eye, perhaps alongside other works, due to its controversial arguments and specific analytical choices. It is best suited for readers who are open to challenging their preconceived notions about race and are looking for a personal and accessible entry point into the complexities of antiracist thought and action.
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