The Promise of Whiteness
Its Past and Its Future
Abstract
During this difficult time in our nation’s history, with the focus on “racial reckoning”, it is crucial that Americans understand when and how our “race-based hierarchy” came to be invented. The Promise of Whiteness: Its Past and Its Future explores the psycho-social impact of the promise of “whiteness” upon the past and present-day race relations in the United States. The “promise of whiteness”—which includes the “place”, “privilege” or advantages of whiteness, the “power” bestowed by whiteness, and the “protection” from punishment for violence toward blacks—is examined. Crucial to the book’s concept is a discussion of the psychological needs met by whiteness and the needs, fears, anxieties, and dissonance produced as well. Finally, the book questions if the “promise of whiteness” is still viable in America as it has evolved into a multiracial society, and recommends that Americans, as a nation, commit to an equal society for all members regardless of race or social class. This book expands on several chapters previously published in A Time for Change: How White Supremacy Ideology Harms All Americans.
Schlagworte
The American Dream Voting Rights Act affirmative action anti-racism Tulsa race riots Fair Housing Act Black Wall Street Civil Rights Act Civil Rights movement social constructs social constructs of race white backlash white supremacy white supremacy ideology lynching systemic racism race issues race relations race-based hierarchy racial discrimination racial healing racial hierarchy racial privlege racial reckoning racial terroism racial violence racially induced dissonance racially induced emotions racism microaggressions the 15th Amendment privilege intersectionality class hierarchy class issues cognitive dissonance consciousness of whiteness critical race theory cultural diversity deaths of despair- 79–82 Conclusion 79–82
- 83–86 Bibliography 83–86
- 87–88 About the Author 87–88