The Heart of Whiteness

1/1/2009

In "The Heart of Whiteness", Robert Jensen offers an eye-opening exploration of racism in the United States and the ways in which white privilege permeates society. While revealing the depravity underlying whiteness, Jensen draws on personal experience, data, and theory to present a rigorous, unflinching, and necessary critique. He argues that systemic racism not only denies non-white people their full humanity but also deprives white people of the ability to access their own. Jensen's text serves as both a warning to those who believe that they have transcended racism and a hopeful expression of the possibility of genuine transformation. With radical honesty, hard facts, and insights founded in empathy and wisdom, Jensen illuminates the gaps between the American ideals of freedom and justice and their flawed application in contemporary society.

academic writing ꞏ pathological nature ꞏ personal experience ꞏ social justice ꞏ robert jensen ꞏ whiteness ꞏ liberal platitudes ꞏ humanity ꞏ racial justice ꞏ american society ꞏ systemic inequality ꞏ justice ꞏ compassion ꞏ data ꞏ diversity ꞏ political activism ꞏ non-white people ꞏ white privilege ꞏ united states ꞏ radical honesty ꞏ civil rights ꞏ theory ꞏ accessible writing ꞏ racism ꞏ cultural critique ꞏ race ꞏ systemic oppression ꞏ critical race theory ꞏ consciousness-raising