How Racism Harms White Americans

In this lecture by John H. Bracey Jr., widely published author and a professor in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the terrible effects of slavery and racism on African Americans is hardly ignored, but Bracey's main point is that racism harms white Americans as well. Bracey is not suggesting, of course, that whites have suffered from a similar amount of physical and psychological abuse, but rather that racism has undermined democracy and the achievement of social equality by pitting working-class whites against blacks, ultimately blinding whites to the political and economic interests they share in common with African Americans. Bracey delivers his remarks in a folksy yet combative style that makes his overview of American history compelling, even if one might debate some simplifications and rhetorical flourishes. Some viewers will also certainly flinch at his unabashed lambasting and characterization of the antipathy many whites feel toward President Obama as being just another example of the poisonous effect of racism. But even if his presentation isn't totally convincing, it's certainly thought-provoking. Supplemented by well-chosen artwork and photographs serving as visual aids, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)