Can We Unlearn Racism?: What South Africa Teaches Us About Whiteness

In contemporary South Africa, white South Africans have become a demographic minority, politically subordinate to the black South African population. Jacob Boersema argues that this adaptation requires unlearning racism, confronting the shame of a racist past, acknowledging privilege, and rethinking notions of nationalism. He reveals that the process of unlearning racism entails dismantling psychological and institutional structures, all of which are inflected by emotion and shaped by ideas of culture and power. This book offers valuable insights into the broader sociological process of unlearning, relevant to communities all around the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In contemporary South Africa, the power dynamics have undergone a significant shift, as race no longer serves as a straightforward proxy for authority. While white South Africans still hold considerable influence at the highest echelons of industry, they have become a demographic minority, politically subordinate to the black South African population. Being white in this context necessitates a fundamental adjustment to a new racial paradigm.

In his book, Jacob Boersema makes a compelling argument that this adaptation demands a complete unlearning of racism. It involves confronting the painful legacy of racism, acknowledging one's privilege, and, to varying degrees, reevaluating notions of nationalism. Drawing on over 150 in-depth interviews with a diverse group of white South Africans, spanning different ages, classes, and genders, Boersema provides a rich and nuanced portrayal of how they perceive their whiteness and explore the boundaries and potential for individual and collective transformation.

What emerges from this insightful analysis is that the process of unlearning racism involves dismantling not only psychological but also institutional structures that are deeply intertwined with emotions and shaped by cultural and power dynamics. Boersema reveals that this unlearning journey requires a holistic approach, addressing the emotional toll of racism, challenging ingrained beliefs, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Can We Unlearn Racism? is a thought-provoking and empathetic book that delves into a question that should be at the forefront of every society's collective consciousness. With its theoretical depth and ethnographic empathy, this work offers valuable insights into the broader sociological process of unlearning, which remains relevant to communities worldwide. By exploring the complexities of race, power, and identity, this book provides a roadmap for individuals and societies to navigate the challenging terrain of racial reconciliation and progress toward a more inclusive and just future.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503627789