Protecting Whiteness: Whitelash and the Rejection of Racial Equality

The growth of white supremacy and overt racism in the US is illustrated by the standoff at Cliven Bundys ranch, the rise of white identity activists on college campuses, and the viral growth of white nationalist videos on YouTube. This book examines contemporary shifts in white attitudes about racial justice in the US, investigating the entrenchment of white privilege in institutions, new twists in anti-equality ideologies, and "whitelash" in the actions of social movements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: University of Washington Press

The recent events in the United States, such as the standoff at Cliven Bundy's ranch, the rise of white identity activists on college campuses, and the viral growth of white nationalist videos on YouTube, have brought to light the resurgence of white supremacy and overt racism in the country. This resistance to racial equality can manifest in subtle ways, such as art museums that enforce their exclusivity as elite white spaces, "right on crime" policies that impose new forms of surveillance and punishment on people of color, and environmental groups that perpetuate settler colonial norms.

In this comprehensive volume, twenty-four renowned sociologists examine contemporary changes in white attitudes toward racial justice in the US. Through case studies, they delve into the deep-rooted entrenchment of white privilege in institutions, the evolution of anti-equality ideologies, and the phenomenon of "whitelash" in the actions of social movements. Their analyses of emerging manifestations of racist aggression provide valuable insights into the broader forces that perpetuate enduring racial inequalities and how they adapt and evolve to suit each new generation.

The standoff at Cliven Bundy's ranch, which erupted into a tense confrontation between law enforcement and armed protesters, highlighted the growing sentiment among some white Americans that their rights and privileges are under threat. The rise of white identity activists on college campuses, who promote white supremacy and anti-immigration policies, has also raised concerns about the spread of hateful rhetoric and the potential for violence. The viral growth of white nationalist videos on YouTube, which often feature racist and inflammatory content, has further contributed to the perception of a growing threat from white supremacists.

These events serve as a stark reminder that racism and discrimination continue to be significant challenges in the US. While progress has been made in recent decades in terms of racial equality, there is still a long way to go. It is essential to address the underlying causes of these issues, such as systemic racism, economic inequality, and political polarization, to create a more inclusive and just society for all.

One of the key findings of the book is that white resistance to racial equality can take many forms, beyond overt acts of violence and discrimination. It can be subtle and insidious, manifesting in policies and practices that perpetuate white privilege and disadvantage. For example, art museums that enforce their boundaries as elite white spaces, "right on crime" policies that impose new modes of surveillance and punishment on people of color, and environmental groups that reinforce settler colonial norms are all examples of how white resistance to racial equality can manifest in everyday life.

Another important aspect of the book is the examination of new manifestations of racist aggression. The authors explore how racist attitudes and behaviors are evolving in response to changing social and political landscapes. They discuss how white supremacists are using social media platforms to spread their message and recruit followers, how hate groups are organizing and mobilizing, and how white nationalists are gaining political power and influence.

The authors also offer insights into the broader forces that underpin enduring racial inequalities. They explore how historical legacies of racism, segregation, and discrimination continue to shape contemporary society, how economic inequality perpetuates racial disparities, and how political polarization contributes to the persistence of racial tensions. They argue that addressing these underlying forces is crucial to creating a more equitable and just society.

In conclusion, the book "White Attitudes about Racial Justice in the US" provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about race and inequality in the US. It offers a comprehensive analysis of contemporary shifts in white attitudes toward racial justice and explores the various forms of white resistance to racial equality. By examining new manifestations of racist aggression and the broader forces that underpin enduring racial inequalities, the authors provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the country in the fight for racial justice.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295747996