The Fallacies of Racism: Understanding How Common Perceptions Uphold White Supremacy

Jennifer Patrice Sims' book "Racism: A Short History" challenges common misconceptions about racism and shows how they uphold white supremacy. It is accessible and full of examples, making it valuable for understanding racism in contemporary politics, classrooms, workplaces, and dinner tables.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Everyone has an opinion on racism, but the vast majority of people would vehemently deny that they or those close to them are “racist.” Yet many of the most common understandings of racism are highly problematic. “If you mean no harm, then it can’t be racist.” Yes, it can. “There are anti-discrimination laws now, so racism no longer occurs.” Incorrect. “Some of my best friends are Black, so I can’t be racist.” Not true. In this sharp, open-minded, and witty book, sociologist Jennifer Patrice Sims succinctly addresses these problematic perceptions of racism as fallacies. Building on existing academic theories and drawing on her own cross-national research, two decades of teaching, and analyses of contemporary issues, she delves into the most common and insidious fallacies about racism. In revealing them to be rooted in what scholars call an “epistemology of ignorance,” she shows how these perceptions justify and uphold white supremacy (inadvertently or otherwise). Accessibly written and full of concrete examples, this book will be of great value to anyone who wants to understand the common misunderstandings about racism that frustrate contemporary politics, classrooms, workplaces, and dinner tables. Also available as an audiobook.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509553488