Fortunately, Was That Racist? reveals the tremendous impact of cultivating a growth mindset around racial bias for readers who are interested in finding ways to spot their own biases (or help others spot theirs) and learn how to do the work of anti-racism.
One of the most powerful aspects of this book is that Carter brings in her own personal experiences alongside the research. As a social psychologist whose work focuses on racial bias, and as a Black woman whose lived experiences have shaped that work, sharing specific examples from her life is a brave and effective move. Ultimately, Carter’s willingness to be vulnerable with readers models the kind of honesty she’s asking of them and makes this an incredibly relatable book with the potential to appeal to a broad range of readers.
On top of that, Carter’s language is lively — this is not a dry, jargon-filled book written in academese. Nope! Carter deftly incorporates the latest research in an accessible and dynamic manner. As a result, her claims are grounded in the latest findings from social psychology and are presented in an engaging way.
This is especially important since the content of the book is absolutely crucial in the present moment. Let’s face it: we’re living through a time where open hostility toward the very notion of “diversity”—however nebulously defined—is the default mode in our society and is reinforced by messages from people in positions of considerable power. Yet, arguably, most people do not want to be racist. Carter’s book is an excellent resource that can help readers understand the psychology of subtle racism in today’s world so they can do their part to combat it.
Was That Racist? is tremendously useful for readers of all racial backgrounds. For people who identify as white, this book can help them understand and identify racism today. It offers useful points about allyship and finding ways to do better. Similarly, for BIPOC readers, the book offers helpful insights into the psychology behind white defensiveness and denial — common responses that can be confusing and frustrating for people of color. As a mixed-race woman of color, I found it unexpectedly validating to read about studies that reflected my own experiences on the receiving end of racial bias, and to learn how the social psychology of racial bias operates.
I also have to mention that the book’s organization is fantastic. Carter doesn’t make assumptions about readers’ prior knowledge, so each chapter builds on the ideas introduced in previous chapters. By the end of the book, readers have come a long way…but in a manageable and easy-to-follow manner. For instance, Carter is thoughtful about defining key terms when she introduces them so that readers know exactly what she means and can keep up with her as they read. This allows her to move from the foundational premise that having a growth mindset around racial bias is essential into more nuanced discussions on topics like the subtle and slippery nature of racial bias, how white privilege works and why it’s important to decenter whiteness, and how to call out bias and help others, including children, learn the skills needed to do the work of anti-racism.
What I’m trying to say is that Was That Racist? is the kind of book that is handy to have on your shelves. Whether you’re looking for a resource to help you learn how to improve your ability to recognize racial bias, wanting to deepen your understanding of racial bias, or seeking a reference to offer the people in your life who are struggling to be the best they can be in this area, this book has something for everyone.