The Promise of Whiteness

During this difficult time in our nations history, with the focus on racial reckoning, it is crucial that Americans understand when and how our race-based hierarchy came to be invented. The Promise of Whiteness: Its Past and Its Future explores the psycho-social impact of the promise of whiteness upon the past and present-day race relations in the United States. The promise of whitenesswhich includes the place, privilege or advantages of whiteness, the power bestowed by whiteness, and the protection from punishment for violence toward blacksis examined. Crucial to the books concept is a discussion of the psychological needs met by whiteness and the needs, fears, anxieties, and dissonance produced as well. Finally, the book questions if the promise of whiteness is still viable in America as it has evolved into a multiracial society, and recommends that Americans, as a nation, commit to an equal society for all members regardless of race or social class. This book expands on several chapters previously published in A Time for Change: How White Supremacy Ideology Harms All Americans.