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White Fear: How the Browning of America is Making White Folks Lose Their Minds
White fear has shaped our democracy and society from the beginning—and today, it’s more intense and visible than ever. To neutralize it, we must first understand it.
White fear is not new. It enabled the rise of Donald Trump. It’s behind the recent flood of restrictive voting laws disproportionately impacting people of color. It’s why reactions to movements like Black Lives Matter and a football player taking a knee have been so negative and so strong.
For two centuries, the deep-seated fear that many white people feel—of losing power, of losing economic standing, of losing a particular “way of life”—has been the driving force behind American politics and culture. And as we approach a future where white people will become a racial the minority in the US, something estimated to occur as early as 2043, that fear is only intensifying, festering, and becoming more visible. Are we destined for a violent clash? What can we do to step into our country’s inevitable future, without tearing ourselves apart in the process?
Nationally renowned journalist and award-winning author Roland Martin has been sounding this alarm for more than a decade. In White Fear, he provides a primer on how white fear has shaped, and continues to shape, our democracy and our culture. He connects the separate puzzle pieces, from the Tea Party Movement and QAnon to the decline of white American optimism to the diminishing blue-collar workforce, to illuminate the larger picture of what will unfold in America over the next decade-plus, and offers a better way forward.
If we want to create the kind of country that we’re all welcome in and proud to live in, we can no longer ignore white fear. To neutralize it—in our country and, for white readers, ourselves—we must first understand it. Only then can we recognize and dismantle it.
And as the last few years have shown, we don’t have any time to lose.
White fear is not new. It enabled the rise of Donald Trump. It’s behind the recent flood of restrictive voting laws disproportionately impacting people of color. It’s why reactions to movements like Black Lives Matter and a football player taking a knee have been so negative and so strong.
For two centuries, the deep-seated fear that many white people feel—of losing power, of losing economic standing, of losing a particular “way of life”—has been the driving force behind American politics and culture. And as we approach a future where white people will become a racial the minority in the US, something estimated to occur as early as 2043, that fear is only intensifying, festering, and becoming more visible. Are we destined for a violent clash? What can we do to step into our country’s inevitable future, without tearing ourselves apart in the process?
Nationally renowned journalist and award-winning author Roland Martin has been sounding this alarm for more than a decade. In White Fear, he provides a primer on how white fear has shaped, and continues to shape, our democracy and our culture. He connects the separate puzzle pieces, from the Tea Party Movement and QAnon to the decline of white American optimism to the diminishing blue-collar workforce, to illuminate the larger picture of what will unfold in America over the next decade-plus, and offers a better way forward.
If we want to create the kind of country that we’re all welcome in and proud to live in, we can no longer ignore white fear. To neutralize it—in our country and, for white readers, ourselves—we must first understand it. Only then can we recognize and dismantle it.
And as the last few years have shown, we don’t have any time to lose.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
186 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Roland S. Martin
6 books40 followersRoland S. Martin is a nationally award-winning and multifaceted journalist.
A nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, Mr. Martin is the author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, and Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America, and his newest book, “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.”
Mr. Martin is a commentator for TV One Cable Network and host of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” a one-hour Sunday morning news show. He is also a CNN Analyst, appearing on a variety of the network’s shows. In October 2008, he joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior analyst.
Named by Ebony Magazine in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States, he is the 2009 winner of the NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for “In Conversation: The Michelle Obama Interview.” He is the 2008 winner of the NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for “In Conversation: The Sen. Barack Obama Interview.”
In 2009, CNN was awarded the Peabody Award for its outstanding 2008 election coverage, of which Martin was a member of the Best Political Team on Television.
Martin, named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom, was also awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms. In 2008, he was also inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor.
An insightful and provocative analyst, Mr. Martin has appeared numerous times on a variety of American networks, as well as media outlets in Canada, Columbia, Italy, Australia and South Africa.
From October 2005 to October 2008, he served as a radio talk show for WVON-AM in Chicago, first as mid-day host and later as morning drive host.
He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper. He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New York-based Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
He previously served as owner/publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian monthly newspaper. He also has worked as managing editor of the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, which he led to a number of local, state and national journalism awards. Mr. Martin has worked as morning drive reporter for KRLD/1080 AM; news director and morning anchor at KKDA-AM in Dallas; city hall reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; and county government and neighbors reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He has also written pieces for Ebony and Essence magazines.
He has won more than 30 professional awards for journalistic excellence, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television News Directors; top reporting honors from the National Association of Black Journalists; the National Association of Minorities in Cable. and the National Associated Press-Managing Editors Conference.
Mr. Martin is a 20-year member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..
He is a 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, and a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism. In May 2008, Martin received a master’s degree in Christian Communications from Louisiana Baptist University.
He has been awarded honorary degrees from Florida Memorial University and the University of Maryland-University College.
He is married to the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, author of Fulfilled! The Art and Joy of Balanced Living, and vice president of Kennedy-King College in Chicago. They reside in Chicago.
A nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, Mr. Martin is the author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, and Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America, and his newest book, “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.”
Mr. Martin is a commentator for TV One Cable Network and host of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” a one-hour Sunday morning news show. He is also a CNN Analyst, appearing on a variety of the network’s shows. In October 2008, he joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior analyst.
Named by Ebony Magazine in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States, he is the 2009 winner of the NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for “In Conversation: The Michelle Obama Interview.” He is the 2008 winner of the NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for “In Conversation: The Sen. Barack Obama Interview.”
In 2009, CNN was awarded the Peabody Award for its outstanding 2008 election coverage, of which Martin was a member of the Best Political Team on Television.
Martin, named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom, was also awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms. In 2008, he was also inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor.
An insightful and provocative analyst, Mr. Martin has appeared numerous times on a variety of American networks, as well as media outlets in Canada, Columbia, Italy, Australia and South Africa.
From October 2005 to October 2008, he served as a radio talk show for WVON-AM in Chicago, first as mid-day host and later as morning drive host.
He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper. He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New York-based Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
He previously served as owner/publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian monthly newspaper. He also has worked as managing editor of the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, which he led to a number of local, state and national journalism awards. Mr. Martin has worked as morning drive reporter for KRLD/1080 AM; news director and morning anchor at KKDA-AM in Dallas; city hall reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; and county government and neighbors reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He has also written pieces for Ebony and Essence magazines.
He has won more than 30 professional awards for journalistic excellence, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television News Directors; top reporting honors from the National Association of Black Journalists; the National Association of Minorities in Cable. and the National Associated Press-Managing Editors Conference.
Mr. Martin is a 20-year member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..
He is a 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, and a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism. In May 2008, Martin received a master’s degree in Christian Communications from Louisiana Baptist University.
He has been awarded honorary degrees from Florida Memorial University and the University of Maryland-University College.
He is married to the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, author of Fulfilled! The Art and Joy of Balanced Living, and vice president of Kennedy-King College in Chicago. They reside in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
might-get
March 20, 2023We are all the same really. We all want the same things. Race makes no difference. Geography doesn't either. Culture might.
I've been asked to order this book for a customer so I thought I might get one for myself. The blurb says, "For two centuries, the deep-seated fear that many white people feel—of losing power, of losing economic standing, of losing a particular “way of life”. Since I live in a Black society that has neither ghetto nor street people I want to assure any white people who have this white fear that a Western Black society is no different from White society in all the important areas. That is education, religion, wanting to have a fulfilling job, have your children do well, fall in love, have a family, own you own home, have a nice car, go out to the movies or theatre, enjoy a meal in good restaurant, go to the beach..... And our politicians are as corrupt as yours. It is not race that will make a difference to our shared cultures, but religion.
I lived up the Amazon with Caboclo Indians for three months when I was younger. They have a very different society, living in houses on stilts or houseboats. The Amazon rises and falls 40' a year from the meltwater of the Andes so you can't put down foundations and build in any place actually on the river. But although their way of life is different, their aims are not even if they sound it.
Rather than a car, since there are no roads, they want engines for their canoes, they want clothes of their choice - the river boat captain who goes up and down to Manaus once a week trading fruit brings them, they want education for their children, they want better health care than the minimally trained teacher/pharmacist can offer. I actually met and got friendly with the medicine man who was far more use.
Not a shaman, but one who preached hygiene, knew about herbs and barks like quinine for malaria etc. He gave me a prescription for weight loss to take with vinegar every morning, but I was never able to get the herbs or whatever it was translated from Xingu into anything anyone could identify. Might have worked.
The one thing that seems universal is the desire to hook up on a Saturday night! The river boat captain would make two passes around the lake where the 40 or so houses were, which took about three hours to sail around. On the first pass he picked up all the kids who were dressed up in whatever they had and played music - Beatles, Stones, Gilberto Gil, Beach Boys and people would dance and disappear below. On the second pass everyone got dropped off home again.
So White folks, fear not. It is not the difference in our colour or race that will change society in any major way, it is religion. There are some religions and sects of mainstream religions that would change everything, if only they could.
So what are they actually frightened of? Sharing white privilege sharing white privilege which whether we choose to acknowledge it or not runs through almost everything we do? But acknowledging white privilege and sharing it makes us all stronger there are more people to push us forward into a better future.
I've been asked to order this book for a customer so I thought I might get one for myself. The blurb says, "For two centuries, the deep-seated fear that many white people feel—of losing power, of losing economic standing, of losing a particular “way of life”. Since I live in a Black society that has neither ghetto nor street people I want to assure any white people who have this white fear that a Western Black society is no different from White society in all the important areas. That is education, religion, wanting to have a fulfilling job, have your children do well, fall in love, have a family, own you own home, have a nice car, go out to the movies or theatre, enjoy a meal in good restaurant, go to the beach..... And our politicians are as corrupt as yours. It is not race that will make a difference to our shared cultures, but religion.
I lived up the Amazon with Caboclo Indians for three months when I was younger. They have a very different society, living in houses on stilts or houseboats. The Amazon rises and falls 40' a year from the meltwater of the Andes so you can't put down foundations and build in any place actually on the river. But although their way of life is different, their aims are not even if they sound it.
Rather than a car, since there are no roads, they want engines for their canoes, they want clothes of their choice - the river boat captain who goes up and down to Manaus once a week trading fruit brings them, they want education for their children, they want better health care than the minimally trained teacher/pharmacist can offer. I actually met and got friendly with the medicine man who was far more use.
Not a shaman, but one who preached hygiene, knew about herbs and barks like quinine for malaria etc. He gave me a prescription for weight loss to take with vinegar every morning, but I was never able to get the herbs or whatever it was translated from Xingu into anything anyone could identify. Might have worked.
The one thing that seems universal is the desire to hook up on a Saturday night! The river boat captain would make two passes around the lake where the 40 or so houses were, which took about three hours to sail around. On the first pass he picked up all the kids who were dressed up in whatever they had and played music - Beatles, Stones, Gilberto Gil, Beach Boys and people would dance and disappear below. On the second pass everyone got dropped off home again.
So White folks, fear not. It is not the difference in our colour or race that will change society in any major way, it is religion. There are some religions and sects of mainstream religions that would change everything, if only they could.
So what are they actually frightened of? Sharing white privilege sharing white privilege which whether we choose to acknowledge it or not runs through almost everything we do? But acknowledging white privilege and sharing it makes us all stronger there are more people to push us forward into a better future.
January 18, 2023
Quick read. Slim volume. Nothing really new here. I really don’t like the term “majority-minority”which Roland Martin uses numerous times in this book. For a journalist of his renown, it strikes me as lazy. I know that term has recently become in vogue, but it really locks Black people and other people of color into being “minority” even as they become the majority. What’s wrong with saying white folks will no longer be the majority? As of 2043, white folks will be the minority. So, how can the current minority move into the majority position, yet still be referred to as minorities? Things that make you go hmmm.
That fact aside, Roland Martin does an adequate job of exposing white fear and how it has been manipulated throughout the years to prompt actions that have been detrimental to Black folks. This fear and/or backlash has been written about in other places more forcefully and with more depth. But, this book is a good starting point to begin the white fear conversation, and Roland Martin gives you enough here to properly prepare one to intelligently engage in that conversation. 3.5 ⭐️.
That fact aside, Roland Martin does an adequate job of exposing white fear and how it has been manipulated throughout the years to prompt actions that have been detrimental to Black folks. This fear and/or backlash has been written about in other places more forcefully and with more depth. But, this book is a good starting point to begin the white fear conversation, and Roland Martin gives you enough here to properly prepare one to intelligently engage in that conversation. 3.5 ⭐️.
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April 22, 2025Unfathomably bad
October 17, 2022
In "White Fear," journalist and political commentator Roland S. Martin draws upon his understanding of sociopolitical currents to unveil the roots of Trumpism and hysteria about the certainty of America’s changing racial and ethnic makeup. Martin, a CNN host during the Obama administration, recounts widespread platitudes about a “post-racial” country, which were immediately followed by a backlash against Black people, immigrants, and others scapegoated by White conservatives. In examining how the media talks about the White working class, Martin exposes racist and classist tropes used in mainstream discourse to alienate and divide.
"White Fear" echoes similar sentiments shared by other scholars and authors about the attitudes and actions of White Americans intended to ward off the inevitability of the US becoming a majority-minority country. Martin’s approach is straightforward with a palpable sense of urgency and clear-eyed cynicism about race relations in this country. Throughout history, White Americans have either actively supported racist policies or stood by as spectators to injustice. Martin’s point of view as a member of the media offers him a perch from which to exclaim the biases of colleagues in the field. The author’s call-to-action is for Black and White Americans alike to recognize their own agency in taking a stand against racial hatred.
"White Fear" echoes similar sentiments shared by other scholars and authors about the attitudes and actions of White Americans intended to ward off the inevitability of the US becoming a majority-minority country. Martin’s approach is straightforward with a palpable sense of urgency and clear-eyed cynicism about race relations in this country. Throughout history, White Americans have either actively supported racist policies or stood by as spectators to injustice. Martin’s point of view as a member of the media offers him a perch from which to exclaim the biases of colleagues in the field. The author’s call-to-action is for Black and White Americans alike to recognize their own agency in taking a stand against racial hatred.
September 30, 2022
If you want to understand how someone as toxic as Donald Trump could land in the White House, you must read this book. Martin breaks down the boogeyman of White Fear & how it is corrupting America. Time and time again, the concept of white fear is used to corrupt the American way of life. Martin doesn't just focus on Trump's rise to power, he also gives a full historical view of white fear dating back to the Civil War. If we are to combat White Fear once & for all, this book serves as a roadmap.
November 21, 2022
Love Uncle Ro Ro, been a listener since 11 and is the journalist that I trust the most even now in 2022. I wish I could give a 4.5 because everything is on point and factual. I just wish there was a bibliography for non-Googlers who ever want to bring smoke. That's my English and library self though.
January 9, 2023
This is a short, powerful history lesson as well as a path forward, particularly for white Americans committed to change. It’s our turn to do the heavy lifting. Highly recommend.
February 20, 2025
No bibliography or references. Furthermore, the author fell for the Schrödinger's Minority fallacy when he speaks of Asians.
January 3, 2024
I appreciate Martin's unfiltered language. He calls it what it is.
This was a gift from one of my best friends at the gym and I will be attending Martin's talk to be given in Indianapolis on MLK Day (January 15) 2024! Anxious to hear him! Having read this book and White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, I will also be reading Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America which I have owned for quite awhile.
As a white-skinned human, I feel it is my duty to familiarize myself as much as possible with the inherent foundational racism of U.S. society. How freakin' long will it take us (in the US) to finally break free of white male dominance? I venture to say it will become a moot point by 2043!! Cannot happen too soon, IMO! This country has never demonstrated the full effects of equality for each and every individual as it has proclaimed itself to do! I believe eliminating the white-skinned folks as a "majority" of the U.S. population is a wonderful start!!
This was a gift from one of my best friends at the gym and I will be attending Martin's talk to be given in Indianapolis on MLK Day (January 15) 2024! Anxious to hear him! Having read this book and White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, I will also be reading Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America which I have owned for quite awhile.
As a white-skinned human, I feel it is my duty to familiarize myself as much as possible with the inherent foundational racism of U.S. society. How freakin' long will it take us (in the US) to finally break free of white male dominance? I venture to say it will become a moot point by 2043!! Cannot happen too soon, IMO! This country has never demonstrated the full effects of equality for each and every individual as it has proclaimed itself to do! I believe eliminating the white-skinned folks as a "majority" of the U.S. population is a wonderful start!!
September 19, 2022
This was just a 150 page book, so it went fast. Here are a few things I liked and wanted to share.
White Fear has shaped our democracy and society from the beginning -and today, it’s more intense and visible that ever. To neutralize it, we must first understand it.
By 2043, no ethnic group sukkah be the majority in America.
The author Roland Martin, in response to his reaction to Jan 6th, he said I smiled. When asked why, he said Because America finally got to see what we as African-Americans have always seen and predicted.
I’m watching TV and I’m seeing LeBron James, Oprah. I’m seeing Tiger, and I’m seeing these rappers, and I look at all these Black people having these great lives, and they want to conclude that their own unhappiness is their fault, these Black people.
The 2020 election gave us the playbook to see what is possible when we come together to defeat White Fear. And even though 75 million American voted to keep White Fear in place, we now know what kind of America we can create when possibility trumps White Fear.
America has always said, We are the shining light on a hill, but America never wanted to shine that light on itself. But 2043 changes all of that.
White Fear has shaped our democracy and society from the beginning -and today, it’s more intense and visible that ever. To neutralize it, we must first understand it.
By 2043, no ethnic group sukkah be the majority in America.
The author Roland Martin, in response to his reaction to Jan 6th, he said I smiled. When asked why, he said Because America finally got to see what we as African-Americans have always seen and predicted.
I’m watching TV and I’m seeing LeBron James, Oprah. I’m seeing Tiger, and I’m seeing these rappers, and I look at all these Black people having these great lives, and they want to conclude that their own unhappiness is their fault, these Black people.
The 2020 election gave us the playbook to see what is possible when we come together to defeat White Fear. And even though 75 million American voted to keep White Fear in place, we now know what kind of America we can create when possibility trumps White Fear.
America has always said, We are the shining light on a hill, but America never wanted to shine that light on itself. But 2043 changes all of that.
June 29, 2025
Given the current political climate, freedom loving people have a lot of work to do to maintain and make progress on the advances made in the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Roland encourages us to be active and aggressive participants in the political process.Our rights will not be served to us on a silver platter.We must fight like our ancestors did to maintain those rights for future generations.
Here's one of my favorite quotes from Roland's book: " We're doing ourselves and future generations a disservice if we only associate with the same kind of people we've always known and don't venture outside of our comfort zone to eat with other people, worship with other people, or understand where other people are coming from. We are living a lie every day if we don't acknowledge the truth of how we're living in this country. "
Here's one of my favorite quotes from Roland's book: " We're doing ourselves and future generations a disservice if we only associate with the same kind of people we've always known and don't venture outside of our comfort zone to eat with other people, worship with other people, or understand where other people are coming from. We are living a lie every day if we don't acknowledge the truth of how we're living in this country. "
September 18, 2022
I loved that this book is short and to the point. I like that the author went as far back as before the civil war and to what was happening today in regards to Civil Rights.
The author does a deep dive into why voting matters and how white people or those in power have made voting throughout the ages more difficult for people to accomplish who don't think like them.
My only criticism of this book is the author states that this is all because of white fear. However, he gives NO supporting evidence of this. He portrays that just the legislation and the rise of Donald Trump is proof enough of this 'fear'.
Has there been studies done in regards to this 'fear'? Is there a way to measure this 'fear'?
Overall I really enjoyed the book because it held a lot of the history of how white people have remained in power and the rise of Donald Trump.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
The author does a deep dive into why voting matters and how white people or those in power have made voting throughout the ages more difficult for people to accomplish who don't think like them.
My only criticism of this book is the author states that this is all because of white fear. However, he gives NO supporting evidence of this. He portrays that just the legislation and the rise of Donald Trump is proof enough of this 'fear'.
Has there been studies done in regards to this 'fear'? Is there a way to measure this 'fear'?
Overall I really enjoyed the book because it held a lot of the history of how white people have remained in power and the rise of Donald Trump.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
September 28, 2023
Title alone deserves 0 stars
"white fear" 🤣🤡
"white fear" 🤣🤡
March 17, 2024
White fear must be replaced with white folk owning how they have benefited from a skewed history!
I often wondered why all of a sudden critical race theory and the 1619 Project were being portrayed in such a negative light! Isn't it true that Black people were brought here in chains in 1619 and pronounced to now be slaves? Yes, that is a historical fact! Is it true that critical race theory is a dog whistle to spark fear in whites while opponents of crt want to leave out the heinous history of how this country stole, enslaved and then disenfranchised Black people! This factual roadmap of what is driving the overt and blatant acts of racial violence from the average white person to the police, to local and state white elected officials all the way up to and including the supreme court, speaks to what we all just do to counteract the white fear that is causing lawmakers being put in place to preserve whiteness in America and all of its privileges! Every black, white, asian, Latino person living in this nation must read White Fear and then begin the dialogue that will dismantle the lies people like trump are able to use to keep them putting Republicans in elected office even though they do no more for poor whites than any other poor group, they keep poor whites engaged in their agenda by playing up their whiteness! For America to survive and thrive, all ethnic groups especially whites must embrace the truth of the true origins of this country while we all work together (critically thinking for ourselves) to forge an America that will accept, embrace and afford all citizens a fair and just opportunity regardless of pigment! Roland Martin has laid out the problems and solutions quite succinctly and now it is up to all of us to do the work necessary to bring about the country we all desire! Thank you Roland! I can only pray we all read, discuss and then take heed of the blueprint you have provided for all of us!!!!!
I often wondered why all of a sudden critical race theory and the 1619 Project were being portrayed in such a negative light! Isn't it true that Black people were brought here in chains in 1619 and pronounced to now be slaves? Yes, that is a historical fact! Is it true that critical race theory is a dog whistle to spark fear in whites while opponents of crt want to leave out the heinous history of how this country stole, enslaved and then disenfranchised Black people! This factual roadmap of what is driving the overt and blatant acts of racial violence from the average white person to the police, to local and state white elected officials all the way up to and including the supreme court, speaks to what we all just do to counteract the white fear that is causing lawmakers being put in place to preserve whiteness in America and all of its privileges! Every black, white, asian, Latino person living in this nation must read White Fear and then begin the dialogue that will dismantle the lies people like trump are able to use to keep them putting Republicans in elected office even though they do no more for poor whites than any other poor group, they keep poor whites engaged in their agenda by playing up their whiteness! For America to survive and thrive, all ethnic groups especially whites must embrace the truth of the true origins of this country while we all work together (critically thinking for ourselves) to forge an America that will accept, embrace and afford all citizens a fair and just opportunity regardless of pigment! Roland Martin has laid out the problems and solutions quite succinctly and now it is up to all of us to do the work necessary to bring about the country we all desire! Thank you Roland! I can only pray we all read, discuss and then take heed of the blueprint you have provided for all of us!!!!!
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September 12, 2025I listened to this book during a road trip. Not knowing when I'd have a chance to write up my review, I dictated my impressions into a Keep note. At the moment I'm typing this, it's been nearly 2 months after I finished reading. So rather than try to edit this into something polished, I have decided to copy-paste and simply read it for typos. I hope it's still worth considering.
I think I have to give this book three out of five stars, even though I am worried about the optics of a WASP man giving a black journalist a three-star review. The last half-hour of this book just kept going and going, and I thought, "If this is what Martin did on his YouTube show, speaking extemporaneously in that format, it might be all right. But as a book that he had someone help him write and organize, this thing is too much of a mess."
I guess I'm kind of disappointed. I liked his central focus on 2043 being when America would no longer be a white majority country, and I'm also on board with the title of the book about white people losing their minds because of developments of the last, you know, 15 to 40 years. They are even times in this book where, in terms of factual data or analytical commentary, I generally felt I had something to learn from Martin. But, as a whole book, I don't know that I would make this someone's first introduction to these issues.
But I also have to realize, even though I'm an ally to African-Americans and in my heart a supporter of the flourishing of black churches all across the country, I might not be plugged into a rhetorical style that African-Americans would be attuned to, and it might even be a style of presentation that they find powerful. Yeah, I guess I'm just kind of disappointed in the book.
I think I have to give this book three out of five stars, even though I am worried about the optics of a WASP man giving a black journalist a three-star review. The last half-hour of this book just kept going and going, and I thought, "If this is what Martin did on his YouTube show, speaking extemporaneously in that format, it might be all right. But as a book that he had someone help him write and organize, this thing is too much of a mess."
I guess I'm kind of disappointed. I liked his central focus on 2043 being when America would no longer be a white majority country, and I'm also on board with the title of the book about white people losing their minds because of developments of the last, you know, 15 to 40 years. They are even times in this book where, in terms of factual data or analytical commentary, I generally felt I had something to learn from Martin. But, as a whole book, I don't know that I would make this someone's first introduction to these issues.
But I also have to realize, even though I'm an ally to African-Americans and in my heart a supporter of the flourishing of black churches all across the country, I might not be plugged into a rhetorical style that African-Americans would be attuned to, and it might even be a style of presentation that they find powerful. Yeah, I guess I'm just kind of disappointed in the book.
January 7, 2025
When one is trying to deprogram their misogyny, it is essential to be informed by the experience and beliefs of women, even when they speak in anger. When one is trying to deprogram their White supremacy, It is essential to be informed by the experience and beliefs of Black folks, even when they speak in anger. This piece should not be disregarded. I believe it should be consumed in accompaniment with other texts.
This text is accessible and it’s also meaningful. It’s no ingenious, groundbreaking content if you’re even a little bit familiar with and accepting of America’s racism. It will not change the minds of comfortable White supremacists; but what will?
Historical facts are presented to inform the consumer and support the authors beliefs, but Mr. Martin’s path from those historical facts > opinions seems less informed by peer reviewed research and more informed by the anger that undoubtedly comes with being a Black American; which is to say that what the author is presenting reasonably can and will be disputed by people who want to disagree.
Historical event > empirical evidence>conclusion ≠
Historical event > personal experience > belief.
Maybe it’s because I consumed this as an audio book, so I was absorbed by the vocal tone of the narration. The narrator, who is also the author, uses speech inflection which is that of an angry male political talk show radio host; only Black instead of White. Very clearly impassioned by frustration. As for the text itself, I found that both tonally and content wise, the book reads as an opinion piece. If it is an opinion piece, then I agree with all of Roland Martin’s opinions.
This text is accessible and it’s also meaningful. It’s no ingenious, groundbreaking content if you’re even a little bit familiar with and accepting of America’s racism. It will not change the minds of comfortable White supremacists; but what will?
Historical facts are presented to inform the consumer and support the authors beliefs, but Mr. Martin’s path from those historical facts > opinions seems less informed by peer reviewed research and more informed by the anger that undoubtedly comes with being a Black American; which is to say that what the author is presenting reasonably can and will be disputed by people who want to disagree.
Historical event > empirical evidence>conclusion ≠
Historical event > personal experience > belief.
Maybe it’s because I consumed this as an audio book, so I was absorbed by the vocal tone of the narration. The narrator, who is also the author, uses speech inflection which is that of an angry male political talk show radio host; only Black instead of White. Very clearly impassioned by frustration. As for the text itself, I found that both tonally and content wise, the book reads as an opinion piece. If it is an opinion piece, then I agree with all of Roland Martin’s opinions.
March 23, 2025
A Book Review of White Fear by Roland S Martin
Roland Martin presents an easy and comprehensive look into the driving factors of systemic racism that continues to operate through the prism of white fear i.e. the paralyzing notion of losing the power and control that they have wielded until now. I would have liked to see a little more discussion regarding the origin, mission and rollout of the Dixiecrat political party and its effect on the Democratic & Republican parties. By and large, White Fear is an excellent read and I recommend it for anyone desiring to grasp a sound understanding of why the Right has been fighting so aggressively against people of color. It must be understood that this nation's population as well as around the globe is darkening, different cultures are pushing to be better represented; the days of pure white supremacy via majority will be coming to a close over the next couple decades, and Apartheid in America's future, will not be an option.
Roland Martin presents an easy and comprehensive look into the driving factors of systemic racism that continues to operate through the prism of white fear i.e. the paralyzing notion of losing the power and control that they have wielded until now. I would have liked to see a little more discussion regarding the origin, mission and rollout of the Dixiecrat political party and its effect on the Democratic & Republican parties. By and large, White Fear is an excellent read and I recommend it for anyone desiring to grasp a sound understanding of why the Right has been fighting so aggressively against people of color. It must be understood that this nation's population as well as around the globe is darkening, different cultures are pushing to be better represented; the days of pure white supremacy via majority will be coming to a close over the next couple decades, and Apartheid in America's future, will not be an option.
November 23, 2025
Really outstanding book about what White Fear means and how it has run rampant across the country for centuries.
“ While the economic or societal implications of more diverse America may not pose an immediate threat to the average white liberal, the force of white fear will certainly rear his head when the liberal agenda feels challenged.”
And BOY have we felt that sieve this books publishing. This is a great resource for White people trying to do anti-racism work. To understand what’s happening in our government and how it’s negatively impacted Black, Brown and Indigenous people.
“Am I going to revel in my whiteness and remain silent or ambivalent or am I going to truly try to make a change?”
It’s time for the White people to do some heavy lifting to eradicate systemic racism and policies.
“ While the economic or societal implications of more diverse America may not pose an immediate threat to the average white liberal, the force of white fear will certainly rear his head when the liberal agenda feels challenged.”
And BOY have we felt that sieve this books publishing. This is a great resource for White people trying to do anti-racism work. To understand what’s happening in our government and how it’s negatively impacted Black, Brown and Indigenous people.
“Am I going to revel in my whiteness and remain silent or ambivalent or am I going to truly try to make a change?”
It’s time for the White people to do some heavy lifting to eradicate systemic racism and policies.
December 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book, which is a short volume and more of an overview than an in-depth recounting of past and present political and social actions which lead to most, if not all, based on some groups view of race. I agree with the author's position that to change individuals and groups need to know each other on a one to one or small group basis. However, whatever the future holds, it is inevatable that the United States will become a majority of minorities and anything we can do to help future generations acknowledge and work toward a sustainable future for all citizens is needed now.
July 4, 2023
Excellent Book!
Excellent book on white fear and why we are seeing voter suppression laws, attacks on public education, continued police brutality against people of color, anti-affirmative action and a lot of other things. I particularly enjoyed the message to young white liberals that they need to step up. Black people have been doing the heavy lifting on race for centuries. If this issue is finally addressed it will take white people to step up and call out racists. There needs to be a penalty for racism to get rid of it.
Excellent book on white fear and why we are seeing voter suppression laws, attacks on public education, continued police brutality against people of color, anti-affirmative action and a lot of other things. I particularly enjoyed the message to young white liberals that they need to step up. Black people have been doing the heavy lifting on race for centuries. If this issue is finally addressed it will take white people to step up and call out racists. There needs to be a penalty for racism to get rid of it.
July 6, 2023
This is a great starter to the history of insurrection in this nation, which has plagued us from 1619 to the present.
“White childbirth is the lowest it's ever been; the annual White death rate now exceeds the annual White birth rate.” This explains why Republican are pro-rape. And, why Whiteness default response is mostly always to go to war.
White Europeans Americans must determine how they are going to exist with them no longer at the center of everything.
Notes:
2016: 53% White women voted for Drumpf
2020: 55% White women voted for Drumpf
“White childbirth is the lowest it's ever been; the annual White death rate now exceeds the annual White birth rate.” This explains why Republican are pro-rape. And, why Whiteness default response is mostly always to go to war.
White Europeans Americans must determine how they are going to exist with them no longer at the center of everything.
Notes:
2016: 53% White women voted for Drumpf
2020: 55% White women voted for Drumpf
September 20, 2022
A hardheaded assessment of an unsettling reality!
This an excellent book, which forces the reader to acknowledge the realities that result from "White. Fear." I had to wait until the end to hear the author's recommendations to resolving the challenges he so effectively identified. Nonetheless, I recommend this book to all who want to see z country move forward in a positive direction.
This an excellent book, which forces the reader to acknowledge the realities that result from "White. Fear." I had to wait until the end to hear the author's recommendations to resolving the challenges he so effectively identified. Nonetheless, I recommend this book to all who want to see z country move forward in a positive direction.
October 17, 2022
"Truth be told...Most white Americans in 2008 or half year with the prospect of Sarah Palin becoming president than Barack Obama. So how are you going to hold up progress when you weren't a part of it? How are you going to brag about the progress we've made and then put on a hat that says, "Make America Great Again," which means you don't think we needed to make all that progress because you agreed with how America was 70 years ago?"
This book was a quick dose of fire. Thank you Uncle Ro
This book was a quick dose of fire. Thank you Uncle Ro
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December 9, 2022Very enlightening
The book is very well written and informative. Roland's vision of what is occurring in our country is spot on, as we have a serious divide that is motivated by the ugliness of hate and the fear of others based surface oriented reasons. My Prayer and hope is that our better Angels will eventually prevail and that we will overcome the ugliness of hatred and bigotry in our country.
The book is very well written and informative. Roland's vision of what is occurring in our country is spot on, as we have a serious divide that is motivated by the ugliness of hate and the fear of others based surface oriented reasons. My Prayer and hope is that our better Angels will eventually prevail and that we will overcome the ugliness of hatred and bigotry in our country.
December 27, 2022
Author states what I have feared from the beginning of Trump's run for president. This country needs to awaken before the GOP throws democracy out the window with the bath water! The Democratic party needs to rally reasonable GOP people to see where Trump is heading the Republican party or if the DOJ doesn't charge Trump with conspiracy and jail or exile we are moving towards an autocratic society.
July 18, 2025
Love the rhetoric and completely agreed ideologically. It was thinner than I anticipated, though, and I probably wouldn't have bought if I realized it was only 140 pages. I did learn important stuff about HBCU funding and some of the affirmative action lawsuits that I didn't know already, but mostly I have read more in-depth about most of the topics (and thesis) in other, more dense books. Probably 3.5 stars, except that Goodreads' design and functionality sucks.
November 19, 2022
Great Read
I learned so much reading this book including how I need to better teach my black sons about history to tie it to current times and help make a better future for them. I already planned to take my 15 yo with me the next time I vote, before reading this book. Now I know I need to do that and even more. Great read!
I learned so much reading this book including how I need to better teach my black sons about history to tie it to current times and help make a better future for them. I already planned to take my 15 yo with me the next time I vote, before reading this book. Now I know I need to do that and even more. Great read!
October 31, 2023
Truth will set you free
This a book for all races to read and especially every minority and compare the facts for your self. January 6 was no accident and the results that still pouring over from it. The truth must prevail cause our nation is so,so broken by untruths and lies from his-tory that in
denial. Roland is on point.
This a book for all races to read and especially every minority and compare the facts for your self. January 6 was no accident and the results that still pouring over from it. The truth must prevail cause our nation is so,so broken by untruths and lies from his-tory that in
denial. Roland is on point.
September 22, 2025
A Good Read for ALL
Roland really shines a light on what is going on and what needs to happen. It is really disappointing and disheartening in this day and time. I think Rodney King said it best… “Can’t we all just get along?” At the end of the day, the reality is, we are all human and need to treat each other as such.
Roland really shines a light on what is going on and what needs to happen. It is really disappointing and disheartening in this day and time. I think Rodney King said it best… “Can’t we all just get along?” At the end of the day, the reality is, we are all human and need to treat each other as such.
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