Racism, Not Race: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The science on race is clear: common categories like "Black," "white," and "Asian" do not represent genetic differences among groups. However, race is significant in the day-to-day lives of racialized people, leading to inequalities in health, wealth, and other life outcomes. This book by Joseph L. Graves Jr. and Alan H. Goodman tackles common misconceptions about race, human biology, and racism, using an accessible question-and-answer format to explain the differences between social and biological notions of race and dismantle the myth of gene-based racial difference. It demonstrates that the ideology of racism created races and shows why the inequalities ascribed to race are in fact caused by racism. The book provides persuasive and timely answers to key questions about race and racism for a moment when people of all backgrounds are striving for social justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The science on race is unequivocal: common categories like "Black," "white," and "Asian" do not accurately reflect genetic differences among groups. However, despite its apparent lack of basis in natural science, race holds a profound significance in the daily lives of individuals who are racialized across the globe. The consequences of racial inequities in health, wealth, and various other life outcomes are undeniable, and it is impossible to understand their origins without referencing the concept of "race." While racism may be a pernicious fiction, its impact on individuals and communities is undeniable.

In order to combat racism and unlock the full potential of humanity, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the pseudoscience of race. In this book, two distinguished scientists, Joseph L. Graves Jr. and Alan H. Goodman, address prevalent misconceptions about race, human biology, and racism. Through an accessible question-and-answer format, they clarify the distinctions between social and biological notions of race, debunking the myth of gene-based racial difference.

Drawing on evidence from both natural and social science, Graves and Goodman meticulously dismantle the harmful ideology of racism, revealing its role in creating races and perpetuating inequalities. They provide compelling and timely answers to critical questions about race and racism, offering insights that are relevant and valuable to people from all backgrounds as they strive for social justice.

Racism, Not Race is a powerful testament to the fact that antiracist principles are not only just but also firmly grounded in sound scientific evidence. By shedding light on the falsehoods perpetuated by the ideology of racism, this book empowers readers to recognize the harmful effects of racial discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200677