The battle between the Booker T Washington types (liberal doers ) and the W.E.B. Du Bois types (progressive talkers) is still raging on.

@@BoSS-dw1on Washington conveyed complex ideas in simple language. Dubois, simple ideas in complex language.

@@sangredelic - That is a great way to describe it. Thanks for sharing.

I think people can take care of themselves. I’d be mad if people tried to make me into a victim to make themselves feel good

Your Black friends know what to say to keep your white fragility at bay...

So how do YOU go about Anti Racism?

Exactly

@@Ayo.Ajisafe by not being racist, anti racism doesn't exist it's just another way to say anti white.

Interesting idea. I completely disagree and think that the modern world is fundamentally racist. Anti black. Anti brown. Anti Semitic. You talk like not being racist is something you can just do but racism is not usually in your conscious actions but in our unconscious thoughs and behaviour. In fact its not just racism. Mosy of our behaviour is from our unconscious. I wouldn't believe anyone that told me they aren't racist. I'd trust the person that acknowledges that society has instilled certain biases in them which they try to deconstruct and keep in check. Anything else is just pure bs. The I'm not racist types are the MOST DANGEROUS.

The ones talking about anti whiteness are almost as dangerous but not quite because we tend to see through the dog whistle quite easily.

*I don’t understand how interpreting these interactions though the lens of intersectionality is helpful for anyone. You build resentment towards your coworkers and the world for what you perceive as treating you differently based on your immutable characteristics. In my experience, it’s better to focus on controlling your own feelings, thoughts, and actions than trying to change anyone else’s.

For sure, but it also points out how minimized you were, that you all, as lower on the corporate ladder and female, didn't matter enough to be differentiated from each other. Invisible and interchangeable. And kudos for not taking umbrage and playing it off as an "honest mistake" but know that if you were in a position of power either in the work environment or as a potential love interest to a suitor - you would never have been mistaken for another. I am often mistaken for other Asians in the community I travel in. Honest mistake.

@@cheyennerlfinneran3914 your a white supremacist. Change

She is white so according to Robin, she is a white supremacist. In fact, all whites are, especially the ones that forget their black coworkers names.

@@ThePoptimist sorry for the late reply, but how would one distinguish what is a "honest mistake"? I don't understand the distinction you are making between people within your community and people in your workplace who mistake you for another person. Isn't a workplace a type of community?

May I know why?

Lived experience is a type of data. That's exactly what qualitative data is.

Exactly, this is the whole problem with the woke, intersectional paradigm.

Yep which is why I have such a problem with All Of this woke ideology. I find people around me are much more racist now than they were say 15 years ago.

I'm white, and I hate that race is made as a big deal like this too.

Im sorry people asked you how you felt.

Same in the United States where the Irish were initially demonized, seen as simian and low - but they were soon adopted under the "white" umbrella and parrot the same stereotypes that diminishes others. It's the same idea that fuels the "model minority" myth that seeks to minimize blacks. You see it in politics where everyone needs someone to vilify, to be beneath them to keep from looking at changing the systems themselves.

I hope it's not a one and done read but really sets folks up to progressively more challenging reads from BIPOC authors - and from there motivate people to action beyond the page.

1950s overt racist “Colored Person” 2020s covert racist “Person of Color” One of the sick ironies behind white leftists self-interested preoccupation with anti-racism is actually one of the reasons people fucking resent you. But hey you can always just scream racist anytime someone criticizes you. Part of the trap

I think we're the same person.

It's that notion that American without the hyphen is the default, white = American, while everyone else needs a qualification. Ah a podcast - the bar to entry is low, but the ones I love expend an incredible amount of time to produce a single episode - I have a hard enough time with just this little channel's content! But thanks!

@@ThePoptimist You are trying to hard lol. Siham used two examples, Italian-American, Irish-American, both of which are white with a hyphen. So your notion of a "default white" is clearly in error. German-American, Canadian-American and on and on with hyphenated white-Americans. But I know "notions" are hard to change.

Right! If this book does nothing else but expose this reflexive defensiveness and allow us to move past into conversation I think that's huge. The fantastic thing is there are other great reads out there exploring anti-racism worth checking out too.

I don’t know why somebody even waste their money to buy this garbage!

Desmond Cole (The Skin We're In), Dr Afua Cooper (The Hanging of Angelique -- this is a history of slavery in Canada), Dr Sarah-Jane Mathier (North of the Colour Line), Dionne Brand, Robyn Maynard (Policing Black Lives), and Dr Rindaldo Walcott (Queer Returns, which is about the intersections of sexuality, race, class, colonialism in Canada). Sorry to jump in!

Thank you! I've got The Skin We're In on the list to read but you've added some great titles to the list. I really need to do the work and find these exploring Indigenous issues in Canada and their long fraught history with the RCMP as well.

A friend of mine gave me Alicia Elliott's A Mind Spread Out on The Ground, which is by an Indigenous woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River. I have yet to read it. So many Canadian institutions are intertwined with disrupting and destroying Indigenous autonomy, but inculcated in non-Indigenous Canadians (esp white ppl) as a necessary part of our safety and national image. The RCMP was definitely sold to me in my childhood as quaint and harmless because they were on horses.

There is the danger that all she's doing is arming folks with the right words to express their not-racist ideals - but I think if it does nothing else but get people to be less defensive on being called out for their problematic statements and actions I'll chalk that up as a win. I think whites need to be better at talking about race - it's a start.

Bookish .....wokeishness is bullshit!.....Also, it is prejudiced to attribute some thing to an entire race! Think for yourself, and don't accept bullshit agenda dogma!

You have time to leave these stupid KZfaq comments but you don't have time to listen to my prayers?

white fragility IS REAL KEEP CRYING

Thanks!

Thanks! Appreciate the kind feedback.

Worse? Yikes - though that does make me think I should look a little closer to home for my anti-racist reads which means Desmond Cole's The Skin We're In for his Canadian perspective.

@@ThePoptimist Yes, because the British view racism as an American problem. At least Americans admit racism exists, albeit white people pointing fingers at white supremacy groups instead of at themselves. You definitely cannot ignore racism in America with Trump in office.

@@bluebluesky3170 lol.

Right! There are only racists - people who allow racist ideas to proliferate without opposition - and antiracists, those who expose and eradicate such ideas wherever they encounter them. Lot of people aren't ready for that discussion yet and will expend waaaay too much time trying to explain they're not racist - that's where DiAngelo's book works to set a framework to have that conversation.

@@ThePoptimist you have a nice comments section going on, amazing given the topic. I have not read the book but it speaks to many of my own conclusions drawn independently. now that the book blew up and the ideas are under scrutiny, it is bewildering how defensive it is making ppl, even though it shouldn't surprising. looking forward to watching your video in a sec, just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the space here. it gives me confidence that what I am about to watch will be thoughtful and helpful.

Our newest addition to the family! We lost our cat a year ago and our daughter finally said enough! And adopted this rescue.

@@ThePoptimist Awww, thank you for adopting that kitty! 🥰🐾♥️ Sometimes it does take a while, before we can get to the emotional point of adopting, after one has passed away, but I'm so happy you chose a rescued cat! ♥️ Much love from our (cat-friendly) dogs! I'd love to be able to adopt a cat, but one of my family members is allergic to cats.

Whats funny is they label it “progressivism”

Perspective

Thanks for the tip, found the recorded livestream and looking forward to check it out later.

@@ThePoptimist if this book is geared towards targeting white progressives and it supposedly makes them uncomfortable and why do they embrace this book so much. It's so they can play this game that they're doing the hard work and being uncomfortable tackling their biases and racism as a sort of virtue signaling. Nobody I met who embraces Robin D'Angelo's work seems to be very uncomfortable. They all seem very proud of themselves.

​@@onewildandcrazyguy9213 Key word "seems". Meaning this is all from your perspective. And if the book didnt make them feel uncomfortable or give them a different perspective, they either didnt read it right or the book was never really meant for them. A book only has as much knowledge as a person is able to learn and as much meaning as the reader can comprehend. Also you said something that Robin D'Angelo basically said herself. "It's so they can play this game that they're doing the hard work and being uncomfortable tackling their own biases and racism as a sort of virtue signaling" You've described those people as disingenuous, rightfully so, but why does this take away from D'Angelo's actual book and her goals? People using this book as a "hey Im not racist, Im a good person, Im progressive and Ive done enough " is exactly what she warns against. Even if you dont think your racist you should be conscious about race and how goverment systems affect you and the people around you. The disingenuous people will always be there but the main message for me is... You don't need to be racist to keep racism alive.

So you also didn't read the book?

@@omowhanre I couldn’t read it. I tried, but I started feeling gaslit like in the relationship I just got out of. I don’t relate to Robyn DiAngelou’s racism. It’s all projection and double binds and there are all these psychopathic designs in it. On the other hand, to people who are actually racist, it might make sense to them.

Why do you even have to associate with a colour?

That's exactly what DiAngelo addresses in the book - this misguided notion that racism means something an individual does, consciously and with malicious intent directed at another person based on their race. That super narrow definition leads to defensiveness - "how can I be racist?!" She touches on it but Ibram X Kendi really nails it down. Calling yourself not-racist isn't enough, wrestling with notions of intent, "but I meant no harm" etc. is ultimately empty fragility. Antiracists, those who expose and eradicate racist ideas wherever they encounter them is the goal. Honestly I think DiAngelo does a great job walking one through this in a way that makes sense and might begin to eliminate the knee-jerk defensiveness that often happens around conversations about racism. I think she might have some answers for your questions if your willing to make the effort!

@@ThePoptimist Well. I can't as a decent human being support the idea of policing speech because it may or may not be perceived as racist. And that seems like what the goal is indirectly. Because anything can be made offensive when given context. I know the intention is good, but it's kind of shooting yourself in the foot. I think sometimes the most offensive questions need to be asked in order to have a discussion about it and actually make progress. I think even the worst opinions are worth hearing. Even if I don't like the opinion.

OK I get it - this book isn't for you. Just know this idea "policing speech" is such a reductionist way of framing the conversation that she gently tries to get folks out of. That's not the argument worth having and only serves to maintain racial hierarchy.

@@drcidd8153 Basically what you're saying is you can't be bothered to put in any effort into combating racism.

@@Solidude4 No, that's just you putting words in my mouth, the same way far-left people always do.

Right?! I really enjoyed Ibram's book too but I'm glad I read this one first to set some of the mental groundwork. Ibram is an advocate to action. That reading alone, while powerful cannot be all that happens.

In soothing gentle tones - OK, take it easy. I get you're upset - this is always difficult to talk about and apologies if I didn't do a great job making a compelling case. It's near impossible in the face of the same cliched objections and stubborn refusals that seek to just lob arguments back and forth. Clearly you're too smart for me and my arguments so I leave it to you to do the reading and address racism in the way that works for you and fashion an argument that works in the face of these common objections.

@@ThePoptimist It wasn't that your case wasn't compelling; it's that you didn't try to make a case at all. You just repeated one of the bullying lines people use: "It's not my job to educate you; educate yourself." If you didn't realize that that's what you were doing, then you're not processing this catechism very critically at all. Someone has just given you the "right words" to talk about these things (as you mentioned thinking in your video), and you're using those words. Maybe you should consider the objections that people voice against this way of thinking more seriously. You seem to have swallowed the program whole, based on the words written on the box: "anti-racism." But it matters, what's inside the box? "Decentering whiteness." Are you SURE you know what that involves? (But the concept of "white fragility" prevents you from asking any hard questions, see?) "Decolonizing our history." Hmmm. And if that turns out NOT to be the gentle amelioration of society you imagine, what will you do then? (Maybe "dismantling institutions" really means dismantling them.) But if you are willing to swallow such abstractions whole, to prove you're a good ally, then you'll probably swallow anything. You'll be supporting canceling Canada Day next year. And canceling Canada the year after that. All for a good cause.

@@ThePoptimist can you prove that everybody that's the way is a sensitive Little Snowflake when it comes to talking about race. Is that even falsifiable. Oh wait I'm sorry I'm not supposed to ask questions I'm supposed to just nod my head and say amen I guess I'm being fragile sorry about that.

@fiery but mostly peaceful Same thing I thought. This book has appealed to racist people. I could not connect with it at all. I literally didn’t understand it and got confused, had to pull out an old book Psychopath Free by Jackson MacKenzie to verify check, check, check, check…It is designed psychological cult abuse to a person who’s not inherently racist. But a racist person may think it’s cool. Idk, we have different lived experiences ☮️

@@ThePoptimistsee but in your post you are displaying your own fragility .. is that Asian fragility I assume? You see how this entire worldview breaks down pretty quickly right? It blows my mind that some seem to buy into it so heavily

Dude this channel is cancer. You seem like a normal person. 💪

No one did that though.

Loved Such a Fun Age - its skewering of woke white liberals across class is *chef's kiss

Not according to DiAngelo.

No. You are not special and escaped the 24/7 anti Black sentiment in your homes, churches, schools, family and friends, tv, movies, etc. You are not special and yes you are racist and hold bias against Black people. You can't help but be. Now what are YOU going to do about it? Educate and examine yourself. Something white people seem afraid to do. If you're really daring, ask Black people who are around you to point out your racist tendencies that you don't even realize that you exhibit. Remember, white people don't fool Black people for one second and know instantly. We've been here since 1619 and have wipiology down to a science. We just navigate around or through it. How else would you explain that we're still here. Only the strong survived the boat ride and centuries of mistreatment. Stop asking crazy questions and educate yourself.

@@ms.harris807 I guess you are just assuming that the person who asked the question is white?

There can't be any non racist Americans- white or not. That's kinda the point. It's not just white people. Our society has been built on a foundation of anti-blaclness that we have to dismantle if we want to live in an equal society.

Why would you want to touch a black person hair

Explain why? I know its been a year but please reply.

@@zinzincoetzee1934 well the problem with 'racism' is that although everyone thinks they understand it can apply from a huge range of things from gassing Jews to complimenting people on their hair these days. This a big problem in itself. However, 'white fragility' is just a term used to negate the opinions of white people. It singles out one group of people and pathologises their honest perspective. It's what the left do they invent new terminology and deem it to be pathological or a 'sin' if you like. They have usurped the place of the Bible in western society and replaced it with their own set of sins and virtues and then indoctrinated it through the education system. The old switcheroo if you like. It's clever but very bad and a deception.

some of these comments are, I tell you whut

@@ThePoptimist ayooo

Thank you! It's a start and hopefully a gateway to action.

I think it sets some understandable ground rules that remove some entrenched barriers. I think it helps get folks who've never examined their own privilege to a place of listening instead of getting overwhelmed and defensive. I mean we're on booktube, we're all working at being better allies but as an old - many of my peers aren't quite there yet. This is the perfect primer I think.

@amy havent watched the video yet or read the book, but I appreciate your comment. will do. so far my experience with my fellow white folk is that they reject the book and you right along with it. much work to do, but not for ppl who react like that. not anymore.

As a person of color this book is Pseudo Science garbage.

Yes and then we can see the defensiveness they exhibit and I’ll call them on it and see how they respond 😆

@@brianmeen2158 I know, its called psychological warfare