The Fallacies of Racism: Understanding How Common Perceptions Uphold White Supremacy (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781509553471)

Everyone has an opinion on racism. The vast majority of people would vehemently deny that they or those close to them are "racist," yet many of the most common understandings of racism are highly problematic. "If you mean no harm, then it can't be racist." Yes, it can. "There are anti-discrimination laws now, so racism no longer occurs." Incorrect. "Some of my best friends are Black, so I can't be racist." Not true.

In this sharp, open-minded, and witty book, sociologist Jennifer Patrice Sims succinctly addresses these problematic perceptions of racism as fallacies. Building on existing academic theories and drawing on her own cross-national research, two decades of teaching, and analyses of contemporary issues, she delves into the most common and insidious fallacies about racism. In revealing them to be rooted in what scholars call an "epistemology of ignorance," she shows how these perceptions justify and uphold white supremacy (inadvertently or otherwise).

Accessibly written and full of concrete examples, this book will be of great value to anyone who wants to understand the common misunderstandings about racism that frustrate contemporary politics, classrooms, workplaces, and dinner tables.

Author: Jennifer Patrice Sims
ISBN-10: 1509553479
ISBN-13: 9781509553471
Publisher: Polity Press
Language: English
Published: 07/09/2024
Pages: 224
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.80w x 0.90d