Unintentional Accomplice - A Personal Perspective on White Responsibility

In her mid-sixties, Carolyn L. Baker discovered the murder of Emmett Till, which prompted her to examine her own position as a white woman in the midst of racial trauma. She explores white privilege, white guilt, white identity, and ways to be an ally in her book, An Unintentional Accomplice. She realizes that by not actively opposing discrimination, she acts as an accomplice to a system that continues to inflict racial harm. The book offers a personal narrative and encourages readers to explore the complexities of race in America and take action to build a more humane nation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2020
Publisher: 2Leaf Press

Carolyn L. Baker, raised in Southern California during segregation, experienced the vibrant counter-cultural atmosphere of the 1960s. However, it was in her mid-sixties that she discovered the tragic murder of Emmett Till, igniting an introspective journey into her role as a white woman amidst a world of racial trauma. This journey is documented in An Unintentional Accomplice, where Baker delves into her awakening to the realities of white privilege, confronting white guilt, navigating aspects of white identity, and actively seeking ways to be an ally who recognizes her position while actively supporting those with different circumstances.

As Baker reflects on her role within a system that perpetuates racial harm, she painfully acknowledges that, no matter how unintentional, she plays a part in this system. She realizes that by not actively opposing discrimination as a white person, she becomes an accomplice to the ongoing harm.

An Unintentional Accomplice provides a non-judgmental personal narrative that encourages readers to explore the intricate complexities of race in America and the guilt that can accompany these realities. The book defines institutionalized discrimination, highlights the gap between the American dream and American reality, advocates for a radically inclusive feminism, and offers practical suggestions for changing direction and taking action to build a more humane nation.

Through her honest and introspective storytelling, Baker invites readers to confront their own biases and assumptions and work towards becoming allies in the fight against racial injustice. An Unintentional Accomplice is a powerful testament to the importance of empathy, understanding, and action in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781940939230