Promise of Whiteness

During this difficult time in our nation's history, with the focus on "e;racial reckoning"e;, it is crucial that Americans understand when and how our "e;race-based hierarchy"e; came to be invented. The Promise of Whiteness: Its Past and Its Future explores the psycho-social impact of the promise of "e;whiteness"e; upon the past and present-day race relations in the United States. The "e;promise of whiteness"e;-which includes the "e;place"e;, "e;privilege"e; or advantages of whiteness, the "e;power"e; bestowed by whiteness, and the "e;protection"e; from punishment for violence toward blacks-is examined. Crucial to the book's 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 "e;promise of whiteness"e; 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.