Backlash: What Happens When We Talk Honestly about Racism in America

When George Yancy penned a New York Times article entitled “Dear White America,” he knew he was courting controversy. Here, Yancy chronicles the ensuing blowback as he seeks to understand what it was that created so much rage among so many white readers. He challenges white Americans to develop a new empathy for the African American experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

When George Yancy penned a New York Times op-ed entitled "Dear White America," asking white Americans to confront the ways that they benefit from racism, he knew his article would be controversial. But he was unprepared for the flood of vitriol in response.

The resulting blowback played out in the national media, with critics attacking Yancy in every form possible, including death threats, and supporters rallying to his side. Despite the rhetoric of a "post-race" America, Yancy quickly discovered that racism is still alive, crude, and vicious in its expression. In Backlash, Yancy expands upon the original article and chronicles the ensuing controversy as he seeks to understand what it was about the op-ed that created so much rage among so many white readers. He challenges white Americans to rise above the vitriol and to develop a new empathy for the African American experience.

Yancy's op-ed was a powerful call to action, challenging white Americans to recognize the ways that they perpetuate racism in their daily lives. He argued that white privilege is a system of advantage that allows white people to benefit from discrimination and prejudice without facing the consequences of their actions.

He also pointed out the ways that white Americans often fail to recognize the impact of their actions on African Americans, such as the disproportionate representation of black people in prison and the lack of access to education and healthcare for black communities.

Despite the backlash, Yancy remained steadfast in his belief that white Americans need to confront their privilege and work towards creating a more just and equitable society. He continued to speak out about racism and to advocate for change, even in the face of threats and criticism.

In Backlash, Yancy delves deeper into the controversy surrounding his op-ed, exploring the reactions of white readers and the broader cultural implications of the issue. He offers insights into the psychology of racism and the challenges that white Americans face in overcoming their biases and prejudices.

Overall, Backlash is a thought-provoking and important book that provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing struggle against racism in America. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of this issue and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 149 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538104057