The Racist Fantasy: Unconscious Roots of Hatred

Racism persists due to a shared social structure called the racist fantasy, which blocks the enjoyment of the racist. This fantasy is perpetuated by capitalism and requires the struggle against it to dislodge the fantasy structure and change capitalist relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Racism is a complex and enduring issue that defies efforts to legislate or educate it away. In his book, "The Racist Fantasy," Todd McGowan explores the underlying reasons for its persistence. According to McGowan, the racist fantasy is a shared social structure that stems from an unconscious investment in the idea that the racial other is a figure who hinders the enjoyment of the racist. This fantasy is not the invention of any one individual, but rather a product of collective social beliefs and experiences. While no one person is solely responsible for the perpetuation of the racist fantasy, individuals have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle it.

The Racist Fantasy delves into how this fantasy provides the psychic basis for racism that manifests in various aspects of contemporary society. It influences everything from lynchings and police shootings to Hollywood blockbusters and musical preferences. The fantasy arises under capitalism as a way of explaining the frustrations and failures that result from the relationship to the commodity. The struggle against racism involves dislodging the fantasy structure and transforming the capitalist relations that perpetuate it.

McGowan argues that the persistence of racism is not solely due to individual attitudes or behaviors but also to the broader social and economic structures that support it. He calls for a collective effort to challenge and dismantle the racist fantasy and to create a more just and equitable society. This involves recognizing the power of unconscious biases and working towards a more inclusive and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

In conclusion, racism is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While individual attitudes and behaviors play a role, the broader social and economic structures that support racism must also be addressed. By challenging and dismantling the racist fantasy and working towards a more just and equitable society, we can strive to create a world where diversity is celebrated and racism is eradicated.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501392818