Whitewashing Race: The Myth of a Color-Blind Society

by Michael K. Brown, Martin Carnoy, Elliott Currie

White Americans, abetted by neo-conservative writers of all hues, generally believe that racial discrimination is a thing of the past and that any racial inequalities that undeniably persist―in wages, family income, access to housing or health care―can be attributed to African Americans' cultural and individual failures. If the experience of most black Americans says otherwise, an explanation has been sorely lacking―or obscured by the passions the issue provokes. At long last offering a cool, clear, and informed perspective on the subject, this book brings together a team of highly respected sociologists, political scientists, economists, criminologists, and legal scholars to scrutinize the logic and evidence behind the widely held belief in a color-blind society―and to provide an alternative explanation for continued racial inequality in the United States.

While not denying the economic advances of black Americans since the 1960s, Whitewashing Race draws on new and compelling research to demonstrate the persistence of racism and the effects of organized racial advantage across many institutions in American society―including the labor market, the welfare state, the criminal justice system, and schools and universities. Looking beyond the stalled debate over current antidiscrimination policies, the authors also put forth a fresh vision for achieving genuine racial equality of opportunity in a post-affirmative action world.

Genres: Race, Nonfiction, Sociology, Politics, Social Science, Anti Racist, Social Justice

349 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Snaxx · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book for me was interesting because most of the authors were white. I found this problematic because this would cause them to analyze the communities of color, it's issues, and the potential solutions from the outside-looking-in perspective that we get all too many times. When you invest so much work and effort into a topic that you yourself have not been a DIRECT part of, I tend to question credibility.

However ,I read this book in a class where some of my fellow classmates commented on the interdisciplinary stance that these authors take. Although most were white individuals, they were highly trained in their field of study and added empirical evidence that is significant to know about communities of color.

All in all, it was not emotional enough for me and sort of dry within the middle of each chapter. However, being someone who TRIES their best to be open to multiple interpretations of my beloved community, I am happy I read it. The numbers and stats are awesome!

I suggest not reading this book straight through. This, for me, was a reference book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my favorite assigned collegiate textbook... Phenomenal debate on the role of race in modern American society.

[Brian Elswick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good interaction with many of the "Conservative" talking points while never being dismissive or argumentative. Perhaps a little more technical than an introductory book but for someone steeped in Conservative perspectives on race looking to understand the issues from another perspective, worth the time.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

i wanted to love this book, but found it wasn't cohesively organized between authors and even within chapters. it lacked the mind-opening breakthroughs it promised and didn't keep me engaged from page to page. i was disappointed.

[Julius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book uses empirical evidence in order to challenge racial realists / political conservatives that are actively working to do away with affirmitive action and other race based legislation in order to increase individual responsibility.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out in my introduction to sociology course, and now I recommend it almost everyone I meet.

[Janille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must read for anyone debating racism in America. Very provacative read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent critique of the myth of American colorblindness in the legal system, education, health industry and other aspects of U.S. society. Go Blue!!

[Amanda]

just got it out of the library

[Oesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone else wants to discuss this one, I'd love to!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't actually finish it...