Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D — Nice Racism & White Fragility

Racial Justice Educator and Consultant Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D and Boston Public Library President David Leonard will have a conversation about Nice Racism and White Fragility. Following the discussion, there will be time for an audience Q&A. For in-person attendees, the event will conclude with an author signing facilitated by local independent bookstore partner Trident Booksellers & Cafe. The virtual audience, whose attendance will be made possible in part by the GBH Forum Network, may order copies online at the forthcoming link.

About Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm

Based on her second NYT Bestselling book, Dr. DiAngelo identifies many common white racial patterns and breaks down how well-intentioned white people unawarely perpetuate racial harm. These patterns include rushing to prove that we are “not racist,” downplaying white advantage, romanticizing Black, Indigenous and other peoples of color (BIPOC), pretending white segregation “just happens,” expecting BIPOC people to teach us about racism, carefulness, guilt and shame. She offers a series of reflection questions, an assessment tool, and a list of the skills and perspectives that can counter “nice” racism.

About White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism

White people in the U.S. live in a racially insular social environment. This insulation builds our expectations for racial comfort while at the same time lowering our stamina for enduring racial stress. I term this lack of racial stamina “White Fragility.” White Fragility is a state in which even a minimal challenge to the white position becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves including: argumentation, invalidation, silence, withdrawal and claims of being attacked and misunderstood.