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A Time for Change: How White Supremacy Ideology Harms All Americans
How did America become a nation obsessed with race? A Time for Change: How White Supremacy Ideology Harms All Americans explores America's beginnings as a "class-based" society, the creation of America's racial consciousness through the invention of the social construction of "whiteness", and the ways in which white supremacist ideology has been infused, reinforced, and perpetuated in the collective American mind and culture through the utilization of stereotypical images of blacks. The purpose of this book is to explore how the ideology of white supremacy has done immeasurable damage to all Americans, whites as well as blacks and other persons of color. In this context, the relationship between racism and classism is explored. This book provides an opportunity by which those Americans who identify and are perceived as "white" can engage in a process of self-reflection to transcend one's attachment to the social construction of "whiteness" and white supremacy ideology that have been forced upon them. It is the premise of this book that racial healing in this nation can only occur through a true examination of America's history, as well as individual and collective responsibility and efforts to undo over 300 years of racist cultural conditioning.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 25, 2022
Well researched, well written, and a guide to charing our own veiews and helping others change this. Dr Bireda compares racism to COVID and it is an apt analogy -- both infect, spread, and cause permanent, lifelong damage. She has lots of questions to prompt our thinking and she has suggestions. A good history and discussion of a bad subject we like to look away from.
January 21, 2023
A must read book for us all!
Florida author Martha R Bireda, PhD serves as director of Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture and provides advice concerning race, class, gender, culture and power to law enforcement agencies, school districts and corporations. She is a significant voice in advocating equity, opening this much needed book with Before “Whiteness” - ‘Was there ever a time in this land known as America when those designated and perceived as white and black lived and worked together in harmony? Was there a time when the color of one’s skin did not determine one’s status in life? Yes, before the virus of white supremacy ideology came to these shores, America was different. Europeans and Africans related, connected, and allied on the basis of their common humanity and life conditions.’
Poignant and pungent in impact, Dr. Bireda presents a plea for equity by examining American history, describing the events that initiated that ‘virus’ of white supremacy (an excellent choice of comparison as we confront the trials of the pandemic!), and the propagation of the ideology: ‘Protect your whiteness, remember you are white and white is superior, remember blacks are the other - inferior, and because blacks are inferior they are to remain in their “place” - a subservient position of second-class citizenship.’ While it is difficult to read those concepts, it is even more harrowing to realize that white supremacists believe that way! This book is offered in language we all can understand, raising awareness of how detrimental such beliefs are to democracy and this country, especially at this moment in time when racism is rampant. This book underscores the importance that NOW is a time for change. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Florida author Martha R Bireda, PhD serves as director of Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture and provides advice concerning race, class, gender, culture and power to law enforcement agencies, school districts and corporations. She is a significant voice in advocating equity, opening this much needed book with Before “Whiteness” - ‘Was there ever a time in this land known as America when those designated and perceived as white and black lived and worked together in harmony? Was there a time when the color of one’s skin did not determine one’s status in life? Yes, before the virus of white supremacy ideology came to these shores, America was different. Europeans and Africans related, connected, and allied on the basis of their common humanity and life conditions.’
Poignant and pungent in impact, Dr. Bireda presents a plea for equity by examining American history, describing the events that initiated that ‘virus’ of white supremacy (an excellent choice of comparison as we confront the trials of the pandemic!), and the propagation of the ideology: ‘Protect your whiteness, remember you are white and white is superior, remember blacks are the other - inferior, and because blacks are inferior they are to remain in their “place” - a subservient position of second-class citizenship.’ While it is difficult to read those concepts, it is even more harrowing to realize that white supremacists believe that way! This book is offered in language we all can understand, raising awareness of how detrimental such beliefs are to democracy and this country, especially at this moment in time when racism is rampant. This book underscores the importance that NOW is a time for change. Very highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
October 16, 2022
A truly fabulous and well researched book that conveys complex history and structures in a compelling style. Really makes you think about your own underlying assumptions.
November 16, 2025
"A Time for Change" by Martha R. Bireda is a thought-provoking and timely examination of the damaging effects of white supremacy ideology on American society. The author expertly explores how this toxic ideology has permeated many aspects of American life and has caused harm to individuals and communities of colour.
Through a combination of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and current events, Bireda argues for the importance of recognizing and challenging white supremacy in order to create a more equitable and just society for all. This book is a powerful call to action for all Americans to take responsibility for dismantling systemic racism and promoting racial justice. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and address the ongoing legacy of white supremacy in the United States.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Through a combination of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and current events, Bireda argues for the importance of recognizing and challenging white supremacy in order to create a more equitable and just society for all. This book is a powerful call to action for all Americans to take responsibility for dismantling systemic racism and promoting racial justice. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and address the ongoing legacy of white supremacy in the United States.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews