Rights Information

Rights available in all regions except:

Brazil (Portugese)

Reviews

"What is especially helpful in this brief guide to understanding racism’s systemic and individual impacts, as well as describing how to change our individual behaviors and actions going forward, in the ongoing fight for social justice, are the exercises that readers can use to apply the theories we read. Whether these readers are undergraduate students in a Psychology or diversity course, or individuals interested in furthering our own anti-racism, these quizzes, reflections, and thought experiments help readers to become more observant of how color and race operate in society’s multiple, intersectional systems and spaces, as well as to begin to use this awareness to do self-reflection that will ultimately result in creating positive change on our anti-racist journeys.

In chapter 1, Dr. Helms talks about the twin myths of racism and white supremacy: 'that people behave in desirable ways and deserve privileges if they are White, and people behave in undesirable ways and must earn privileges if they are not White' (2). It is crucial to focus on the unearned aspect of white privilege, and how this breeds an attitude of entitlement that pervades our assumptions, biases, judgments, and, ultimately, impacts our actions. By critically reflecting upon our own past, as part of the larger narrative of U.S. history; improving our own awareness, through the exercises in each chapter; and developing our ability to engage in difficult conversations and to sit with complex emotions, we will be able to make small, concrete changes in our actions, as well as improvements in our own work and school environments."
Jenna Rossi, St. John Fisher University

"This book changed my life. I first encountered it as a graduate student, where it initiated my own journey towards racial awareness. After reading this book, I started thinking differently about race and racism. The structure of the book provided me with an accessible guide to thinking about and discussing my own Whiteness. By incorporating opportunities for reflection about race with informative content, Dr. Helms created a rich text that challenges the reader to know more and do more. This is a book that deeply engages the reader in reflection and analysis about race and racism in daily life. It jarred me, shook my Whiteness and helped me reconceptualize my sense of self. Dr. Helms brings clarity to a complex and urgent topic. I highly recommend this book, and always encourage other educators to read it. I am indebted to Dr. Helms for writing it."
Dr. Jenn Moore, Global Education Consultant, Adjunct Instructor, DePaul University College of Education

Author Biography

Janet E. Helms is the Augustus Long Professor in the Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology and the director of the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture at Boston College. A licensed psychologist, Dr. Helms is past president of the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of the APA). She received the 2019 APA Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in Psychology in the Public Interest and has served on the editorial boards of the journals of Assessment, Counseling Psychology, Cultural Diversity, and Ethnic Minority Psychology. Dr. Helms has written many articles and books, and conducts workshops on racial identity, counseling practice, and mental health.