As the current environment makes clear, there is a need for everyone to join the anti-racism effort and to become more aware of their own contribution, both positive and negative. This book discussion will provide a venue for individuals to consider the historical impacts of systemic racism and white privilege; and how to move the needle from an issue for Black people to solve to asking what role white people must play for change to occur. About the Book White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to bad people” (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear and guilt as well as behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.
Organizational LearningApproach Racial Discussions with Humility and Courage
Organizational Learning
October 1, 2020
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Online
Sponsored by: Organizational Learning
Contact Information: orglearningemail@umich.edu
As the current environment makes clear, there is a need for everyone to join the anti-racism effort and to become more aware of their own contribution, both positive and negative. This book discussion will provide a venue for individuals to consider the historical impacts of systemic racism and white privilege; and how to move the needle from an issue for Black people to solve to asking what role white people must play for change to occur. About the Book White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality. In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to bad people” (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear and guilt as well as behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.