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White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White
Daniel Hill will never forget the day he heard these "Daniel, you may be white, but don't let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes in contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea for you to learn about your culture." Confused and unsettled by this encounter, Hill began a journey of understanding his own white identity. Today he is an active participant in addressing and confronting racial and systemic injustices. And in this compelling and timely book, he shows you the seven stages to expect on your own path to cultural awakening. It's crucial to understand both personal and social realities in the areas of race, culture, and identity. This book will give you a new perspective on being white and also empower you to be an agent of reconciliation in our increasingly diverse and divided world.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
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February 8, 2018
"I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klan, but the white moderate... who constantly says: 'I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct actions'; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advices the Negro to wait for a 'more convenient season...'. Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection... I had hoped that the white moderate would see this need. Perhaps I was too optimistic; perhaps I expected too much. I suppose I should have realized that few members of the oppressor race can understand the deep groans and passionate yearnings of the oppressed race, and still fewer have the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action." -MLK Jr., "Letters from a Birmingham Jail"
Never will I denounce my Christian faith. But if I can be honest, I am tired and gravely disappointed with many of my white Christian brothers and sisters who would rather aim for "diversity" than lament. Who would rather admit how "woke" they are than to sit, listen, and submit themselves under the leadership of those of color because it's uncomfortable or because only their style of worship or interpretation of scripture is correct. I'm tired of my white brothers and sisters who hold the power to bring change in the Church or parachurch environments, as they set the timetable of when and where people of color can move, be elevated, sit at the table, and influence rules and policies...instead of recognizing their own sociological imagination and using their privilege/power to platform others to lead and make cooperate decisions.
I pray for the day that each white Christian "friend" I have would become the man/woman Daniel Hill is trusting God and actively pursuing to be. I pray for the day that POC and those who are marginalized would feel just as listened to AND actively supported by white Christians as we do by many of our white non-christian liberal friends.
Never will I denounce my Christian faith. But if I can be honest, I am tired and gravely disappointed with many of my white Christian brothers and sisters who would rather aim for "diversity" than lament. Who would rather admit how "woke" they are than to sit, listen, and submit themselves under the leadership of those of color because it's uncomfortable or because only their style of worship or interpretation of scripture is correct. I'm tired of my white brothers and sisters who hold the power to bring change in the Church or parachurch environments, as they set the timetable of when and where people of color can move, be elevated, sit at the table, and influence rules and policies...instead of recognizing their own sociological imagination and using their privilege/power to platform others to lead and make cooperate decisions.
I pray for the day that each white Christian "friend" I have would become the man/woman Daniel Hill is trusting God and actively pursuing to be. I pray for the day that POC and those who are marginalized would feel just as listened to AND actively supported by white Christians as we do by many of our white non-christian liberal friends.
September 24, 2020
Short Review: If possible I would make this a 4.5 star book, but I am rounding up for importance.
Part of what I have come to understand over the past several years is how much as a White man, I can point to other people as having culture and simply say of myself and others like me, that, 'this is the way it is'. Other people have a culture, implicitly Whites often say we just have reality. Whiteness has become normative.
Part of the importance of this book is that the exploration of what it means to be White is largely left unexplored. This become more important as the demographic and cultural power of White people in the US declines. What was assumed is starting to be challenged and there is a backlash. That backlash is largely not explored or explained away in other means because many are unwilling or unable to explore what race means for Whites.
This is not a perfect book. Especially at the beginning I was a bit irritated at the 'dumb white guy' stories. But I do think the exploration of ignorance around culture and other racial or ethic groups is real, it is just that that type of ignorance makes me uncomfortable because it often comes at someone else's expense. (I hate watching talent shows because I don't ever want to watch anyone bomb.)
But past that initial discomfort I found this book very helpful. I say that as someone that has done a lot of reading on race and history and culture. This was a very helpful book and I am planning on reading it with a group soon.
There was a quote in the documentary I am not Your Negro by James Baldwin that basically said, racism is not a Black problem, racism is a White problem. It is Whites that created the problem and Whites that will have to solve the problem.
Being White is not only about racism. But the concept of being White is relatively recent and was only put into legal code in the US as part of legal matters around slavery and citizenship. So any discussion of Whiteness has to talk about history.
There are two additional books that I think pair together well. The first is The Myth of Equality. It is about why racial inequality exists in the United States. Both White Awake and the Myth of Equality are from Intervarsity Press are explicitly Christian and are new (2017) books. Both are well worth reading.
The third is The End of White Christian America by Robert Jones. Jones is the head of a polling company that focuses on religious polling. This was released in 2016 and is largely a book about polling and demographics. It is not a book of theology or history as much as demographics. He is not making a moral or theological claim with his title. He is making a demographics one. Historically most of the US population has been White (Protestant) Christian. Today White (non-Hispanic) Christians (Catholic or Protestant) are only 43% of the country. Down from 70% in the 1970s. Culturally White Christians are still dominant in many important ways. But that cultural power is declining because of the declining demographic power.
The mix of these three books is very helpful to see why we are at the place we are at right now. From there, you can go in a million directions to explore further.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/white-awake/
Part of what I have come to understand over the past several years is how much as a White man, I can point to other people as having culture and simply say of myself and others like me, that, 'this is the way it is'. Other people have a culture, implicitly Whites often say we just have reality. Whiteness has become normative.
Part of the importance of this book is that the exploration of what it means to be White is largely left unexplored. This become more important as the demographic and cultural power of White people in the US declines. What was assumed is starting to be challenged and there is a backlash. That backlash is largely not explored or explained away in other means because many are unwilling or unable to explore what race means for Whites.
This is not a perfect book. Especially at the beginning I was a bit irritated at the 'dumb white guy' stories. But I do think the exploration of ignorance around culture and other racial or ethic groups is real, it is just that that type of ignorance makes me uncomfortable because it often comes at someone else's expense. (I hate watching talent shows because I don't ever want to watch anyone bomb.)
But past that initial discomfort I found this book very helpful. I say that as someone that has done a lot of reading on race and history and culture. This was a very helpful book and I am planning on reading it with a group soon.
There was a quote in the documentary I am not Your Negro by James Baldwin that basically said, racism is not a Black problem, racism is a White problem. It is Whites that created the problem and Whites that will have to solve the problem.
Being White is not only about racism. But the concept of being White is relatively recent and was only put into legal code in the US as part of legal matters around slavery and citizenship. So any discussion of Whiteness has to talk about history.
There are two additional books that I think pair together well. The first is The Myth of Equality. It is about why racial inequality exists in the United States. Both White Awake and the Myth of Equality are from Intervarsity Press are explicitly Christian and are new (2017) books. Both are well worth reading.
The third is The End of White Christian America by Robert Jones. Jones is the head of a polling company that focuses on religious polling. This was released in 2016 and is largely a book about polling and demographics. It is not a book of theology or history as much as demographics. He is not making a moral or theological claim with his title. He is making a demographics one. Historically most of the US population has been White (Protestant) Christian. Today White (non-Hispanic) Christians (Catholic or Protestant) are only 43% of the country. Down from 70% in the 1970s. Culturally White Christians are still dominant in many important ways. But that cultural power is declining because of the declining demographic power.
The mix of these three books is very helpful to see why we are at the place we are at right now. From there, you can go in a million directions to explore further.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/white-awake/
December 19, 2019
I feel weird about this book. I read it in hopes of continuing a dialogue on race with my conservative family members. And I think the point stands: conservative, white Christians aren’t going to listen to anyone but a white dude.
But so much of this narrative is centered around the writer’s experience that it feels icky. I don’t know. It feels like a good starter book on the topic, but it’s also a white dude profiting off of a conversation that should be centering marginalized voices instead.
But so much of this narrative is centered around the writer’s experience that it feels icky. I don’t know. It feels like a good starter book on the topic, but it’s also a white dude profiting off of a conversation that should be centering marginalized voices instead.
September 20, 2018
Things to know about this book:
This book isn’t just from a Christian perspective, but from a Protestant, more Evangelical perspective (this is not a good or bad thing, just helpful to know if, like me, you did not grow up Christian, or, like my friend, you grew up Catholic).
This book was written by a white man and there is no indication in the book of where the money from book sales went. It is problematic for white people to be paid to talk about anti-racism, because it means that white people are literally profiting off of racism.
If you’re interested in this kind of book I very much encourage you to buy one of the numerous books by black women (support them with your money if you can, or access free copies if you can’t), such as, So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, or When They Call You a Terrorist by Asha Bandele and Patrisse Cullors. There’s also one called I’m Still Here by Austen Channing Brown which has a religious perspective (Protestant, Evangelical).
I definitely value white people taking on this work and sharing their unique perspective with other white folks so we can learn together. I just have an issue with white folks getting paid for it. I learned this critique from local Black organizers. Now for my actual review of the book:
(FYI, I am a white person who came to this book having been educated for a couple years about racism so someone totally new to conversations about race may experience this book differently than I did.)
Strengths of this book:
~There’s a lot of truthful and insightful analysis.
~It gives a solid history of racism (it’s very quick—you will want to seek other resources for detailed explanations and unpacking. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander is one great resource).
~It teaches that racism is a system and counteracts the idea that racism is only individual acts of hate.
~It utilizes many sources, often well, especially Robin DiAngelo’s work on white fragility.
~One of the main points of this book is to counteract white arrogance (which manifests as a desire to immediately take action before having sufficient understanding), and I think it is successful and very informative in how it does so, from the first page to the last. The argument is, Instead of immediately asking “What do I do,” first ask, “How well do I understand?” That was my main takeaway from the book and I am grateful for it.
My critiques:
~Hill relies heavily and constantly on an ableist metaphor of blindness/sight, which he easily could have avoided by using understanding/lack of understanding or awareness/unawareness once the biblical metaphor of healing blindness was clear.
~Hill underutilizes the analysis of women of color. There should me more of it.
~There is no mention of queerness or trans people in this book, and little if any acknowledgment of sexism (see above critique).
~I didn’t find a lot the biblical analysis very convincing (however, there are a few examples I thought were very strong).
~The concept of “white trauma” REALLY needs to have more disclaimers, as it’s a perfect excuse for white people to center themselves. A reminder to avoid just that would be good, and also a suggestion that if white people want to talk about their trauma relating to racism, they should only do so with other white people and not burden people of color who are CURRENTLY living the trauma of racism. I also don't buy that white trauma is the sole reason for our denial; I think there are many reasons.
This book isn’t just from a Christian perspective, but from a Protestant, more Evangelical perspective (this is not a good or bad thing, just helpful to know if, like me, you did not grow up Christian, or, like my friend, you grew up Catholic).
This book was written by a white man and there is no indication in the book of where the money from book sales went. It is problematic for white people to be paid to talk about anti-racism, because it means that white people are literally profiting off of racism.
If you’re interested in this kind of book I very much encourage you to buy one of the numerous books by black women (support them with your money if you can, or access free copies if you can’t), such as, So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, or When They Call You a Terrorist by Asha Bandele and Patrisse Cullors. There’s also one called I’m Still Here by Austen Channing Brown which has a religious perspective (Protestant, Evangelical).
I definitely value white people taking on this work and sharing their unique perspective with other white folks so we can learn together. I just have an issue with white folks getting paid for it. I learned this critique from local Black organizers. Now for my actual review of the book:
(FYI, I am a white person who came to this book having been educated for a couple years about racism so someone totally new to conversations about race may experience this book differently than I did.)
Strengths of this book:
~There’s a lot of truthful and insightful analysis.
~It gives a solid history of racism (it’s very quick—you will want to seek other resources for detailed explanations and unpacking. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander is one great resource).
~It teaches that racism is a system and counteracts the idea that racism is only individual acts of hate.
~It utilizes many sources, often well, especially Robin DiAngelo’s work on white fragility.
~One of the main points of this book is to counteract white arrogance (which manifests as a desire to immediately take action before having sufficient understanding), and I think it is successful and very informative in how it does so, from the first page to the last. The argument is, Instead of immediately asking “What do I do,” first ask, “How well do I understand?” That was my main takeaway from the book and I am grateful for it.
My critiques:
~Hill relies heavily and constantly on an ableist metaphor of blindness/sight, which he easily could have avoided by using understanding/lack of understanding or awareness/unawareness once the biblical metaphor of healing blindness was clear.
~Hill underutilizes the analysis of women of color. There should me more of it.
~There is no mention of queerness or trans people in this book, and little if any acknowledgment of sexism (see above critique).
~I didn’t find a lot the biblical analysis very convincing (however, there are a few examples I thought were very strong).
~The concept of “white trauma” REALLY needs to have more disclaimers, as it’s a perfect excuse for white people to center themselves. A reminder to avoid just that would be good, and also a suggestion that if white people want to talk about their trauma relating to racism, they should only do so with other white people and not burden people of color who are CURRENTLY living the trauma of racism. I also don't buy that white trauma is the sole reason for our denial; I think there are many reasons.
March 22, 2018
Stunning. This incisive and evocative book struck at an issue that I've been trying to ocme to grips with and explain but failing miserably. Pastor Hill walks through six stages of a White Christian understanding racial privilege and the role of reconciliation in the church. With personal stories, careful Scripture interpretation, and a rich selection of research from sociologists, theologians, and current events, this book feels deeply grounded. Hill is determined to spark a focused reflection i nthe reader and does not shy away from exposing his own struggles in the area. I love how he breaks down the cycle of struggling with racial differences and systems and repeatedly reminds the reader that there is no finish line: this is a life long journey.
Some key points:
He makes the argument that the question of "What should I do?" is an immature response to the revelation of racial injustice because it continues to center the White person in power and action. (Let me just roll up my sleeves and fix this issue because no one like ME has tried.) Instead he drives home the point that first you must clearly SEE as Jesus does. This delayed response could seem chafing but it reflects his investment in sustainable change and heart reformation that then leads into healthy and helpful actions.
He also argues that what communities of color need from White Christians is not their emotion and shame. Instead invest in stamina. Persons of color do not have the option to walk away from the pressure, exhaustion and fear of our racial climate. White folk do and often take advantage of that privilege because engaging with it is draining and personally painful in a way that we are not used to experiencing. He encourages proximity to suffering- a beautiful example of the way that Christ calls us to serve one another but in an intensely practical way. Move your house. Get up close and personal with the pain and grief of a neighborhood that doesn't look the way you want it to or feel safe. Invest in spaces that you could easily drive by and ignore.
I found this book enlightening, encouraging, and pointed. It made me dig deeper into my mindset and challenge myself not to become complacent in my own growth. The kindness in his writing reflects someone who has truly walked this walk in all of it's discomfort and exhaustion and still can honestly say "It's worth it." I'm so grateful for this book and the author!
Some key points:
He makes the argument that the question of "What should I do?" is an immature response to the revelation of racial injustice because it continues to center the White person in power and action. (Let me just roll up my sleeves and fix this issue because no one like ME has tried.) Instead he drives home the point that first you must clearly SEE as Jesus does. This delayed response could seem chafing but it reflects his investment in sustainable change and heart reformation that then leads into healthy and helpful actions.
He also argues that what communities of color need from White Christians is not their emotion and shame. Instead invest in stamina. Persons of color do not have the option to walk away from the pressure, exhaustion and fear of our racial climate. White folk do and often take advantage of that privilege because engaging with it is draining and personally painful in a way that we are not used to experiencing. He encourages proximity to suffering- a beautiful example of the way that Christ calls us to serve one another but in an intensely practical way. Move your house. Get up close and personal with the pain and grief of a neighborhood that doesn't look the way you want it to or feel safe. Invest in spaces that you could easily drive by and ignore.
I found this book enlightening, encouraging, and pointed. It made me dig deeper into my mindset and challenge myself not to become complacent in my own growth. The kindness in his writing reflects someone who has truly walked this walk in all of it's discomfort and exhaustion and still can honestly say "It's worth it." I'm so grateful for this book and the author!
Read
December 2, 2022Daniel Hill moved from the megachurch Willow Creek in Chicago's suburbs to a multi-racial church plant downtown--and that's when his education about race began. By his own admission, he's still learning...
November 20, 2020
What this book endeavours to do is read Robin Di Angelo's conclusions on race and "white fragility" into the bible.
Being "born again" in John 3 is repeatedly referenced as a description of becoming awake to your White Privilege.
Looking at the bronze serpent in the desert (John 3:15) is to do with looking hard at the unpleasant history of racism in America.
It is implied that all references to reconciliation in the epistles should be understood in terms of overcoming the racial divide in America.
The author also talks about how he regularly repents for the white supremacy of others.
Overall this book presents an alternate form of christianity:
- Original sin is replaced with "Whiteness"
- Salvation is replaced with "recognising your privilege"
- The devil is replaced with Americans of the past
- Repenting for your own sin is replaced with repenting for the sin of other whites (not your own)
The bible has a lot to say about race, racism is a dark and evil sin - and there is much to be done in response to it. However the world as a whole is not defined by American history. And "recognising privilege" is not the definition of being a christian.
This book is a disaster.
Being "born again" in John 3 is repeatedly referenced as a description of becoming awake to your White Privilege.
Looking at the bronze serpent in the desert (John 3:15) is to do with looking hard at the unpleasant history of racism in America.
It is implied that all references to reconciliation in the epistles should be understood in terms of overcoming the racial divide in America.
The author also talks about how he regularly repents for the white supremacy of others.
Overall this book presents an alternate form of christianity:
- Original sin is replaced with "Whiteness"
- Salvation is replaced with "recognising your privilege"
- The devil is replaced with Americans of the past
- Repenting for your own sin is replaced with repenting for the sin of other whites (not your own)
The bible has a lot to say about race, racism is a dark and evil sin - and there is much to be done in response to it. However the world as a whole is not defined by American history. And "recognising privilege" is not the definition of being a christian.
This book is a disaster.
July 30, 2018
Oh, where to begin with this one. I wrestled my way through this book only to find myself more confused than I was going in. Little to no Scriptural support or how Scripture and the Gospel speaks to the topic. Also appeared that Daniel assumed his point often and relied more on anecdotal evidence/stories to further his point. And, in so many ways, it begged more questions than it answered. What evidence for white privilege is there? What about black privilege? Or hispanic privilege? And, he never really defined what it meant to be white. There were things we agreed on in regards to oneness in Christ but, overall, this read as if white people are major problem but I never really saw a reasoning for why that was. I'm sure there's some folks (regardless of skin color) who are ignorant of a variety of issues. But the broad brush strokes that painted the pages of this book just didn't seem helpful. I much preferred "A Biblical Answer for Racial Unity" that Kress Biblical Resources put out earlier this year.
March 20, 2020
Get this off your endlessly growing TBR shelf and buy a copy ASAP.
November 27, 2019
This book was so helpful & eye opening to me as a white Christian seeking to navigate race & racism. I was humbled & challenged & encouraged by this book. I recommend this book to all white believers! I gave it 4 stars because I disagree with the chapter discussing shame & honor as an inferior worldview. I truly believe shame & honor is a biblically rooted worldview that has been twisted by sin but can be redeemed. However the rest of Hill’s theology was biblically rich & helpful.
March 4, 2021
This book is all about opening your eyes, moving from blindness to sight, specifically about the the ideas of race and privilege that do exist all around us. One of the standout points was to stop trying to fix things, stop trying to ‘do something’, and instead to observe what is around you, what is in you, to lament the truth of our world, and to then use your privilege to speak up, and to come alongside people of other races who are already doing the work you just now learned about.
March 5, 2022
I just skimmed some of the reviews on here and feel compelled to say two things:
1. Someone commented that they wanted to know what happened to the proceeds from this book. I'm pretty sure Daniel wrote this book because he was getting so many questions on this topic. In evangelical circles at the time he wrote this book (2017), he was considered an expert on the topic, and probably wrote it because he was compelled, and figured he could answer more questions this way. And he's a pastor at an inner city church, so ... why would anyone begrudge him side income?
2. For both comments on listening to Black voices in this space and for my own thoughts on the matter, I think it's relevant to note that this book was published in 2017 when there wasn't a ton published on this topic -- or at least not that white people were aware of. I've since come to agree that I don't want to read a lot of white voices on this topic, but ... I had my copy of this book already, and I know Daniel (from old Willow days as he mentions in it) and wanted to read it. In addition, I think there really are (as noted by many commenters) a lot of white people who will only listen to another white person on this topic. As Brenda Salter McNeil writes in the Foreword, "One of the primary issues we must face, especially in this socio-political climate, is the need for white people to do the hard work of wrestling with what it really means to be white." I do think Daniel does a very good job of starting that conversation, and from the point of view of people who haven't paid attention to this yet, this really would be a good book to give them.
For this group of people (white, Protestant, raised in the church, think they aren't racist), this book is needed. It starts right off with "just how white my world was" and I think anyone with a brain reading that section couldn't help but see themselves in his description. As I type this, I realize I think of my uncle when I read things like this. He's a really nice man. He's also (sadly) a Trump supporter, gun rights activist, thinks the election was rigged, thinks discussions of reparation make no sense, doesn't understand that posting a Bible verse one day and a meme about Michelle Obama another day is offensive, etc., etc. He's the kind of person who would actually be (I pray) moved by this book in 2022.
Daniel explains the "normalization of white culture" well, in his own words, and citing British sociologist Alistair Bonnet. You really have to understand that before you can start wrapping your brain around privilege, supremacy, a common memory, disorientation, and more.
One of the things I found so interesting is a time I remember seeing Daniel on the news. He recounts that story -- he and I think 12 other pastors were invited to pray at an event. Post that event, he was asked to come on CNN. Seeking counsel from mentors and the organizers of the event, he told them "of my uneasiness with being invited as the only white pastor who had prayed. Each person I spoke to agreed that it was an obvious display of white privilege that confirmed a recurring pattern of white people ignoring the voices of people of color." So anyone trying to be an ally is like, WHAT DID YOU DO? He goes on, "Despite that observation, they also strongly believed I should seize the opportunity, agreeing that it was a good way to discuss the issue on a larger platform. They said privilege shouldn't keep me from being faithful to discuss repentance with a national audience. One of my pastor friends gave me the bottom line: 'Every black pastor in America says this exact thing from the pulpit every Sunday, but we all know white America isn't going to listen to them. But they just might listen to you.'"
I marked several more pages but I think that above is why books like this are valuable and shows very clearly that there are still white people in this country (and others) who won't read anything else.
Last, I've never heard anyone talk about Nehemiah in the context or race, and I found it fascinating. Daniel's research throughout is really thorough and clearly based in Scripture. This too will speak to people like my uncle.
The one negative and why I'd rather give this a 3.5 is that it's really dry, which is partially why it took me so long to pick it back up after I'd started it in 2020. I'm not saying don't read it; just have some coffee and be willing to give it the space of time and energy it deserves :-)
1. Someone commented that they wanted to know what happened to the proceeds from this book. I'm pretty sure Daniel wrote this book because he was getting so many questions on this topic. In evangelical circles at the time he wrote this book (2017), he was considered an expert on the topic, and probably wrote it because he was compelled, and figured he could answer more questions this way. And he's a pastor at an inner city church, so ... why would anyone begrudge him side income?
2. For both comments on listening to Black voices in this space and for my own thoughts on the matter, I think it's relevant to note that this book was published in 2017 when there wasn't a ton published on this topic -- or at least not that white people were aware of. I've since come to agree that I don't want to read a lot of white voices on this topic, but ... I had my copy of this book already, and I know Daniel (from old Willow days as he mentions in it) and wanted to read it. In addition, I think there really are (as noted by many commenters) a lot of white people who will only listen to another white person on this topic. As Brenda Salter McNeil writes in the Foreword, "One of the primary issues we must face, especially in this socio-political climate, is the need for white people to do the hard work of wrestling with what it really means to be white." I do think Daniel does a very good job of starting that conversation, and from the point of view of people who haven't paid attention to this yet, this really would be a good book to give them.
For this group of people (white, Protestant, raised in the church, think they aren't racist), this book is needed. It starts right off with "just how white my world was" and I think anyone with a brain reading that section couldn't help but see themselves in his description. As I type this, I realize I think of my uncle when I read things like this. He's a really nice man. He's also (sadly) a Trump supporter, gun rights activist, thinks the election was rigged, thinks discussions of reparation make no sense, doesn't understand that posting a Bible verse one day and a meme about Michelle Obama another day is offensive, etc., etc. He's the kind of person who would actually be (I pray) moved by this book in 2022.
Daniel explains the "normalization of white culture" well, in his own words, and citing British sociologist Alistair Bonnet. You really have to understand that before you can start wrapping your brain around privilege, supremacy, a common memory, disorientation, and more.
One of the things I found so interesting is a time I remember seeing Daniel on the news. He recounts that story -- he and I think 12 other pastors were invited to pray at an event. Post that event, he was asked to come on CNN. Seeking counsel from mentors and the organizers of the event, he told them "of my uneasiness with being invited as the only white pastor who had prayed. Each person I spoke to agreed that it was an obvious display of white privilege that confirmed a recurring pattern of white people ignoring the voices of people of color." So anyone trying to be an ally is like, WHAT DID YOU DO? He goes on, "Despite that observation, they also strongly believed I should seize the opportunity, agreeing that it was a good way to discuss the issue on a larger platform. They said privilege shouldn't keep me from being faithful to discuss repentance with a national audience. One of my pastor friends gave me the bottom line: 'Every black pastor in America says this exact thing from the pulpit every Sunday, but we all know white America isn't going to listen to them. But they just might listen to you.'"
I marked several more pages but I think that above is why books like this are valuable and shows very clearly that there are still white people in this country (and others) who won't read anything else.
Last, I've never heard anyone talk about Nehemiah in the context or race, and I found it fascinating. Daniel's research throughout is really thorough and clearly based in Scripture. This too will speak to people like my uncle.
The one negative and why I'd rather give this a 3.5 is that it's really dry, which is partially why it took me so long to pick it back up after I'd started it in 2020. I'm not saying don't read it; just have some coffee and be willing to give it the space of time and energy it deserves :-)
November 29, 2019
Maybe the most important book I’ve read this year. I think every white Christian should walk through this book. I think the book has a lot of good personal stories that were incredibly relatable, but also included a lot of important theology related to the topic of racism and reconciliation. I appreciated the focus on Christ’s ability to take us from blind to sight was particularly helpful over the temptation to jump to what we should do. The book does, however, have practical steps at the end to take, but these should not be rushed before going through the process he describes in the majority of the book, especially understanding the kingdom of God and repentance. Some personal favorite parts of the book were the challenge to be resilient when it gets tough, and the challenge to remain proximate to suffering. White privilege means we can walk away when it gets hard, but I believe beautiful change can happen within and outside of us when we stay.
January 11, 2023
A very helpful, early introduction book for Christians looking to understand more about racial reconciliation. I mention Christian because it's very much written from a Christian lens, though it could also be instructive for those outside the church interested in some of the inner tensions and challenges around race within the faith.
The book is soft in it's approach, which I appreciated, as I think it makes it much easier to kick things off with a demographic typically resistant to conversations on race. In this regard, some will find it lacking - there's no mention of anti-racism, the lens is very white, and the Church's historical complicity in racism is soft-pitched - but as Benjamin Franklin put it in his autobiography, and I'm paraphrasing here, "the easiest way to ascend a flight of stairs is to begin with the first step." I see this very much as a good jumping off point, and I think Hill sees his book that way too.
I would have liked the ending to direct folks to other books and authors, especially Black Christian authors, to help folks get to step 2, 3, and beyond. As Hill acknowledges, most white Christians rarely have the opportunity learn from Christians who who grew up in the same America and church as them, and yet experienced a very different America and church from them. There are so many great authors that can help continue the journey, whether it's current writers like Austin Channing Brown, Jemar Tisby and LaTasha Morrison, or historical authors like King, Baldwin, Du Bois, etc. White Christians LOVE quoting Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech (well, just that one part), so directing folks to actually read his books and sermons (or even just that whole speech) would have been helpful.
One particular aspect of the book that bothered me that I have to mention is his use of the term "awakening" and similar phrases. I find this idea that others are "asleep," irritating, which I acknowledge is a pet peeve. It's a term also used by the QAnon and "red pill" crowds, which might be why I find it irritating. To me, it denies the agency of others, and lumps those who are perhaps merely unaware or uneducated in with those who are willfully ignorant or malicious. Again, it's a pet peeve, so it may not bother others.
The book is soft in it's approach, which I appreciated, as I think it makes it much easier to kick things off with a demographic typically resistant to conversations on race. In this regard, some will find it lacking - there's no mention of anti-racism, the lens is very white, and the Church's historical complicity in racism is soft-pitched - but as Benjamin Franklin put it in his autobiography, and I'm paraphrasing here, "the easiest way to ascend a flight of stairs is to begin with the first step." I see this very much as a good jumping off point, and I think Hill sees his book that way too.
I would have liked the ending to direct folks to other books and authors, especially Black Christian authors, to help folks get to step 2, 3, and beyond. As Hill acknowledges, most white Christians rarely have the opportunity learn from Christians who who grew up in the same America and church as them, and yet experienced a very different America and church from them. There are so many great authors that can help continue the journey, whether it's current writers like Austin Channing Brown, Jemar Tisby and LaTasha Morrison, or historical authors like King, Baldwin, Du Bois, etc. White Christians LOVE quoting Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech (well, just that one part), so directing folks to actually read his books and sermons (or even just that whole speech) would have been helpful.
One particular aspect of the book that bothered me that I have to mention is his use of the term "awakening" and similar phrases. I find this idea that others are "asleep," irritating, which I acknowledge is a pet peeve. It's a term also used by the QAnon and "red pill" crowds, which might be why I find it irritating. To me, it denies the agency of others, and lumps those who are perhaps merely unaware or uneducated in with those who are willfully ignorant or malicious. Again, it's a pet peeve, so it may not bother others.
April 5, 2019
After a few years of becoming more aware of racial issues, this is the first book I have read on the topic. I would say it is a great first read and introduction. Written by a white pastor, it is about his journey to becoming awake to the issue as well as practical wisdom for moving forward. He talked about the idea of white privilege, which in his definition means "the ability to walk away." White people can walk away from the topic of race if it gets too uncomfortable. People of color can not. They live it every day.
He also pointed out that so often white people think in terms of good and bad. If I personally am not a racist, then I am good and not part of the problem. Instead, he points out how that kind of thinking is indeed contributing to the problem of racism. White people still tend to view white culture as "normal." "With white culture serving as the baseline, we then evaluate everyone else's culture based on the norms we associate with white culture."
The author delves into white trauma, the lack of a common memory in America, and the disorientation that often occurs when white people first start to walk down this path. He talks about the importance of lament and then how to move forward. He recommends repeatedly to avoid the question, "What am I supposed to do?" and instead keep asking, "How do I learn to see?"
Overall, this book was very thought-provoking and very convicting. But I appreciated how it felt as if the author was really walking me through all the emotions and thought processes....because he himself knew what it was like to walk through it as well.
He also pointed out that so often white people think in terms of good and bad. If I personally am not a racist, then I am good and not part of the problem. Instead, he points out how that kind of thinking is indeed contributing to the problem of racism. White people still tend to view white culture as "normal." "With white culture serving as the baseline, we then evaluate everyone else's culture based on the norms we associate with white culture."
The author delves into white trauma, the lack of a common memory in America, and the disorientation that often occurs when white people first start to walk down this path. He talks about the importance of lament and then how to move forward. He recommends repeatedly to avoid the question, "What am I supposed to do?" and instead keep asking, "How do I learn to see?"
Overall, this book was very thought-provoking and very convicting. But I appreciated how it felt as if the author was really walking me through all the emotions and thought processes....because he himself knew what it was like to walk through it as well.
May 28, 2018
Great read for white people getting into thinking about race relations for the first time. Straightforward, not overly theoretical, but captures important data and perspectives in a way that hopefully reduces white defensiveness. It was great for me because it calls out my white liberal desire to not be racist and so always refuse to see the ways I am. I appreciated the chapter on lament—we want to “fix” things quickly, just figure out what I can do so I don’t have to worry about this anymore or bear any other burden. Just sitting with lament for awhile (this idea is rooted in the Christian theology of the author) is needed and sometimes most helpful. It also called me out on my desire for diversity rather than doing business with white supremacy. It’s like I would be happy if black Americans came to my work or school, but I don’t want to think about how white supremacy corrodes the community I want them to be part of...
July 8, 2020
I hope to post a more lengthy review soon but for now I will simply say that this just might be the worst book I have ever read. Constant abuse and misuse of the Scriptures. I had a blue highlighter for things I thought were good and a red highlighter for the bad. My every highlight is red, red, red. I agree that white people need to stand with our black brothers and sisters, weeping with them, amidst suffering but that does not change the fact that this book is horrifyingly bad.
December 20, 2021
I went into this book thinking it was for white people, realizing it was for white Christians. Still valuable, but I was not expecting so much theology. I'm grateful for what I took from this book, but it wouldn't be one of my first suggestions for white people looking to educate themselves on race. I felt I learned more from Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria and the also Christian take in I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.
January 4, 2024
I had high hopes for this book and I’m blaming my mediocre response to it due to user error. I really thought the concept of a white person talking about how white people need to get involved to dismantle systemic racism. I just wasn’t expecting so much of this to be a focus on religion (user error bc the author is a Christian pastor). So for me it wasn’t quite what I was looking for.
June 22, 2020
If you’re white & Christian in America you will benefit from this phenomenal book. Hill shares his own journey in a very relatable way and connects denial, disorientation, shame, and self-righteousness to the gospel in beautifully redemptive ways.
“Daniel, you may be white, but don’t let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes into contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea for you to learn about your culture.”
“To be awake is to lament that much is wrong with the world, but to be awake also means we are prisoners of hope. We remember that hope was never found in our ideas, solutions, or proposals in the first place; hope always has been and always will be found in Christ alone. We remember that Jesus will eventually make all things right and that our hope is found in this truth. But we remember that he is ushering in the kingdom of God - right here and now. We are to believe in his power and his redemption.“
“Daniel, you may be white, but don’t let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes into contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea for you to learn about your culture.”
“To be awake is to lament that much is wrong with the world, but to be awake also means we are prisoners of hope. We remember that hope was never found in our ideas, solutions, or proposals in the first place; hope always has been and always will be found in Christ alone. We remember that Jesus will eventually make all things right and that our hope is found in this truth. But we remember that he is ushering in the kingdom of God - right here and now. We are to believe in his power and his redemption.“
May 22, 2018
Truly helpful and honest account to understanding white identity. The book really exposes issues in jumping to action steps and focuses on areas such as repentance and lamenting that I had considered very little previously. It presents ideas that can be hard to grapple with at first-but is filled with the hope we have in Jesus in the area of reconciliation. And as Hill says- transformation rarely comes easily.
June 30, 2019
I thought a lot. A lot. This book helped me see my own bias and the bias of our culture. Daniel Hill writes in a patient yet confident way about our need in the white culture, the majoroty culture, to understand the complex way in we enter into or fail to enter into the complex world of minority culture ethnicity. I appreciated how he gave practical steps, examples and insights so that I could understand this complex issue that is so easy to walk away from and engage with at our convenience. I feel that this book will help me navigate leading in white organizations that desire to grow to reflect the Kingdom of God.
April 26, 2020
This is an excellent book for white Christians to read as we explore our cultural identity and the vital role we play in racial reconciliation. As I’ve learned more and more about racial disparity in the U.S., my desperate question has always been: “What can I, a white person, do?” Hill answers this question and so much more in his book. He brings his own white perspective and walks through his cultural awakening journey to describe how WASPs can take suffering seriously, lament, repent and respond with concrete action. Extremely valuable resource!
June 6, 2020
Daniel Hill candidly speaks to white American Christians about their culpability in racism and white supremacy. Incorporating the voices of many BIPOC throughout this text, and maintaining a frank yet humble tone, Hill diagnoses the spiritual blindness of racism and takes his readers through a survey of both the historical and spiritual meaning of whiteness in America, and exposes its ramifications on the thoughts, words, and actions of the white Christian today. A refreshing and helpful read.
August 16, 2020
This book was wildly convicting and, at its heart, hopeful that racial justice is attainable and kingdom-focused. I will for sure be reading again and would recommend this to anyone who follows Jesus. Dare I say a must-read. Really, really, really enjoyed. Read it in community!!!
September 17, 2020
American whiteness and racism 101. This is a great intro to the subject. I appreciated the time the author took to explain that white superiority is not a part of God's plan for the world.
January 3, 2021
This is one of the best books I have read on anti-racism for white people. I would highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2020
Wow. This book is so important.
June 13, 2020
A book meant to lead you through processing and gaining a deeper understanding of white identity, white supremacy, and the importance of going on a "cultural identity journey" to discover our role within racial divide. I love that it shared stories, experiences, and insight to help me gain a deeper understanding of my personal views and seek where the Lord is calling me into a renewed vision.
April 29, 2021
I would dare to call this a must-read for any white Christian. Well written, clear, and necessary for the current state of the White American church.
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