[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ background_color=”#fcfcfc”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#e02b20″ title_font_size=”31px” meta_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/revolutionofman.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/White-Fragility-scaled.jpg” title_text=”White-Fragility” _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false”]<\/p>\n
\u201cWhite Fragility – Why It\u2019s So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism\u201d (2018) is the title of the best-selling nonfiction book by academic, author, workshop leader and speaker Robin DiAngelo. There are many book reviews and critiques from various perspectives circulating online. I intend to contribute to the conversation by offering my perspective.<\/p>\n
Before I begin, I’d like to point out that Robin DiAngelo is an image-bearer of God. I respect her as she has intrinsic value and dignity. You will find no\u00a0ad hominem attacks or intentional misrepresentations of her ideas in my response and analysis. However, I will critique, challenge and counter her ideas, praxis and solutions.<\/p>\n
In Part One<\/strong>, I present a Critical Response<\/strong> intended to confront and deconstruct a series of flawed and\/or weak claims, presuppositions and arguments in DiAngelo\u2019s book. My degree is in anthropology, where I focused on cultural anthropology with a heavy dose of sociology (gender studies, race, class, culture, power etc.). I am familiar the academic process in the social sciences as well as DiAngelo\u2019s language and methods. My goal is to critique without being overly discursive or academic. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0In Part Two<\/strong>, I present a Worldview Analysis<\/strong> of the book, it\u2019s author and Critical Theory worldview in light of the Christian worldview. I have been studying worldview and Christian apologetics since 2006. I was commissioned as a Colson Fellow in 2020. \u00a0My focus areas are worldview, cultural analysis, theology and applied apologetics.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||13px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n My primary objective is to inform Christians<\/strong> who want to learn more but are confused by the presumed moral authority, perspectives and prescriptions offered in \u201cWhite Fragility.” In addition, I will investigate aspects of a competing worldview called \u2018Critical Theory.\u2019 As my colleague John Stonestreet said, \u201cIdeas have consequences, bad ideas have victims.\u201d In this cultural moment, we are seeing pollution downstream. As Christians, we must travel upstream in the culture, find the source of the toxin and address it. In conclusion, I explain why Christians should not adopt concepts from DiAngelo’s book<\/strong> and I will present why the Christian worldview offers the best solution.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_letter_spacing=”1px” header_2_text_color=”#e02b20″ header_2_letter_spacing=”5px”]<\/p>\n In sections I-II, I will layout DiAngelo’s main thesis in her book ‘White Fragility’ and describe the form (style) of her writing \/ argument, how she supports her thesis and how she puts her theory into practice (praxis). In sections III-V, I will discuss strengths and weaknesses, followed by countering DiAngelo’s premises and arguments. My objective in PART ONE (Critical Response) is to stay within the bounds of the social sciences and logic. PART TWO<\/a> is dedicated to the worldview aspects of the book.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||12px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#e02b20″ custom_margin=”||29px||false|false” custom_padding=”||1px||false|false”]<\/p>\n DiAngelo\u2019s posits that white Americans are fundamentally and implicitly (subconsciously) racist and demonstrate a condition called \u2018white fragility\u2019 when faced with discussions and confrontations in regard to race and\/or racism.<\/p>\n [DiAngelo\u2019s definition]: \u201cWhite Fragility<\/strong> is a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium<\/a>.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 30) \u00a0\u2018White fragility\u2019 is demonstrated when a white person is confronted with the notion they are complicit in racism and white supremacy.<\/p>\n I will address and challenge these notions throughout this paper.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Robin DiAngelo, 2018, p. 25″ portrait_url=”https:\/\/revolutionofman.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-06-at-3.11.31-PM.png” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”21px” author_text_align=”left” author_font_size=”16px” company_font_size=”1px” company_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”32px|||||” body_line_height_tablet=”” body_line_height_phone=”1.3em” body_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n \u201cThis book is unapologetically rooted in Identity Politics<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||14px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#e02b20″ custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||6px|||”]<\/p>\n As you read the book you will notice, DiAngelo employs rhetorical repetition of her main thesis throughout as a persuasive tool and to drive home her point. She relies on qualitative, anecdotal and subjective observations gathered from her antiracism trainings and workshops in various contexts to support her main thesis. DiAngelo\u2019s praxis works to expose, confront and dismantle \u2018systemic racism\u2019 and \u2018white supremacy\u2019 in America. The reader is encouraged to become an \u201cantiracist\u201d practitioner by engaging in social activism – \u201ca lifelong process\u201d. <\/p>\n In the following sections, I will begin challenging DiAngelo\u2019s ideas and exposing flaws. I\u2019ll leave it to you to determine whether or not DiAngelo\u2019s ideas are worth following – particularly for Christians.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||43px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#e02b20″]<\/p>\n Robin DiAngelo\u2019s book is provocative, impassioned, well-timed and plays well within progressive sectors of culture and politics. The book is strong in the areas of emotion, edginess and robust activism. That being said, White Fragility is weak in several areas. In the following section, I will cover those weaknesses and deconstruct DiAngelo\u2019s thesis.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> I have created a definitions and links page in order\u00a0to provide the accurate meaning while being understood within the context of Robin DiAngelo\u2019s \u201cWhite Fragility.\u201d Click here to view the Defnitions and Links page…<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n First, DiAngelo claims to be a sociologist<\/strong>. Robin DiAngelo received her Ph.D in multicultural education focusing in the fields of critical discourse analysis and whiteness studies (2<\/a>). However, in her book, she claims to be a sociologist<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a sociologist, I am quite comfortable generalizing.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 45)<\/p>\n I find this problematic. \u00a0It undermines DiAngelo\u2019s thesis, arguments and oversold deterministic conclusions because she doesn’t know how sociology works or she does know but does not care. Claiming to be a sociologist (an authority in the field), DiAngelo employs broad sweeping generalizations regarding large sectors of human society. Devoid of scientific methodology, empirical evidence and statistics to support her generalizations, the book does not qualify as sociology. A sociologist, Robin DiAngelo is not.<\/strong><\/p>\n The University of Minnesota\u2019s Sociology Department provides the following statement regarding the field; \u201cSociology as a Social Science.\u201d It provides clarity to our understanding of what sociology is and what it is not.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we say that sociology is a social science, we mean that it uses the scientific method to try to understand the many aspects of society that sociologists study. An important goal is to yield generalizations\u2014general statements regarding trends among various dimensions of social life<\/em> (e.g. men are more likely than women to commit suicide, young people were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain in 2008, and so forth). A generalization is just that: a statement of a tendency, rather than a hard-and-fast law. For example, the statement that men are more likely than women to commit suicide does not mean that every man commits suicide and no woman commits suicide.<\/em> It means only that men have a higher suicide rate, even though most men, of course, do not commit suicide\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many people will not fit the pattern of such a generalization, because people are shaped but not totally determined by their social environment. That is both the fascination and the frustration of sociology. Sociology is fascinating because no matter how much sociologists are able to predict people\u2019s behavior, attitudes, and life chances, many people will not fit the predictions. But sociology is frustrating for the same reason. Because people can never be totally explained by their social environment, sociologists can never completely understand the sources of their behavior, attitudes, and life chances\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although sociology as a discipline is very different from physics, it is not as different as one might think from this and the other \u201chard\u201d sciences. Like these disciplines, sociology as a social science relies heavily on systematic research that follows the standard rules of the scientific method.\u201d(2<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n DiAngelo is \u201cquite comfortable generalizing.\u201d This is fine in an opinion piece in a newspaper. However, it\u2019s unacceptable in sociology where DiAngelo misunderstands or misapplies generalization as a tool. \u201cA generalization is just that: a statement of a tendency, rather than a hard-and-fast law.\u201d For argument\u2019s sake, I will use the University of Minnesota example of suicide – reframing it in racial terms: “The statement that whites are more likely than blacks to exhibit racial prejudice does not mean that every white is racist and no black is a racist.”<\/em> In DiAngelo\u2019s version of sociology her generalizations are \u201chard-and-fast law\u201d and people are totally \u201cdetermined by their social environment<\/em>.\u201d \u00a0This is problematic for sociologists and those who willingly accept DiAngelo’s ideas.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”]Second, the book falls short in the areas of research, quantitative data and methodology which are hallmarks of good social science (sociology)<\/strong>. While observations are valuable in the social science field, they must be combined with empirical data, methodology and testing. DiAngelo\u2019s use of presuppositions, anecdotal observations and rhetorical repetition are no match for empirical data and methodology. She leaves no opportunity for others to test her thesis and\/or theories or falsify them. In the final analysis, DiAngelo closes the door for testing or challenging her hypothesis through circular and unfalsifiable arguments based on her presuppositions (I\u2019ll cover those later). This is very unscientific for a self-proclaimed social scientist. Third, DiAngelo points to implicit bias as the root cause of \u201cracism\u201d<\/strong> (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 143). This is an indeterminate and questionable claim. In fact, implicit bias is the peg on which DiAngelo hangs her entire premise of \u2018White Fragility\u2019 and systemic racism. She claims that implicit bias or unconscious racism works to keep white supremacy in place (DiAngelo, 2018 p. 56). Again, DiAgelo is playing fast and loose with science to support her theory that all white people are racist whether they are conscious of it or not. While measures of implicit bias are interesting and useful, it\u2019s not solid enough science to build a theoretical framework much less an argument or praxis. [See Jonathan Church – The Epistemological Problem of White Fragility Theory, 2018<\/a>]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Forth, DiAngelo\u2019s thesis is ideologically driven.<\/strong> She holds to presuppositions instead of empirical data and methodology (both are open to testing). Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions (3<\/a>). Considered a \u2018social science\u2019, sociology is a process of systematic research and the application of scientific method<\/strong>. On the other hand, ideology is a set of beliefs or principles, especially ones on which a political system, party, or organization are based (4<\/a>). While sociology as a science opens itself up to challenges, ideology closes itself off through indoctrination which leads to conformity of thought. DiAngelo believes her thesis hangs on the peg of implicit bias, I counter by arguing her thesis hangs on the peg of ideology (identity politics in particular).<\/p>\n In a peer reviewed 2013 article entitled, \u201cBeyond the Face of Race: Emo-Cognitive Explorations of White Neurosis and Racial Cray-Cray,\u201d DiAngelo reveals one of her core presuppositions is her adherence to Critical Race Theory stating, \u201cinterdisciplinary approaches of Critical Whiteness Studies and Critical Race Theory to entertain how common White responses to racial material<\/em>.\u201d (5<\/a>). I will discuss Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality and Cultural Marxism in PART 2 (Worldview Analysis)<\/a>. Suffice to say, DiAngelo\u2019s presupposition boils down to every white person is racist, White Fragility protects white supremacy and institutional racial structures against black people because whites must retain power within those structures (propping up white privilege). The question is, where is the empirical evidence, research and statistical data proving her hypothesis? Are the ideas she\u2019s putting forth true, verifiable and worth accepting?<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Fifth, DiAngelo employs circular and unfalsifiable argument to support her thesis<\/strong>. She contends that white people are fundamentally and implicitly (subconsciously) racist and demonstrate a condition called \u2018white fragility\u2019 when faced with discussions and confrontations in regard to race and\/or racism. Here is an example from the book, \u201cW<\/em><\/span>hite progressives cause the most daily damage to people of color. I define a white progressive as any white person who thinks he or she is not racist\u201d. \u00a0<\/em>She uses an argument tactic that says, \u201cany attempt to argue, deny or defend yourself is seen as proof of guilt.\u201d(6<\/a>) This type of argument is a logical fallacy referred to as \u201cKlafka-trapping – a sophistical and unfalsifiable form of argument that attempts to overcome an opponent by inducing a sense of guilt and using the opponent’s denial of guilt as further evidence of guilt.\u201d(ibid).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#e02b20″]<\/p>\n DiAngelo\u2019s book, \u2018White Fragility\u2019 is far from being an academic work. It is an overtly ideologically driven discursive diatribe designed to shame white people and deny individual agency of black people in order support her presupposition of power dynamics. DiAngelo works from the following premises <\/strong>(there are more in the book but these stand out):<\/strong><\/p>\n From DiAngelo\u2019s standpoint, there is no quarter for skepticism or argument. There is no room for counter-perspective, even from ethnic minorities. In publishing this popular book, she has established herself as the ultimate authority with the only prescription. As I have pointed out, there are major problems with her ideas and the presuppositions from which those ideas emerge.<\/p>\n Does ethnic prejudice exist in American society? Yes.<\/strong><\/p>\n Should all Americans work together to resolve these issues? Yes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Does the book, \u201cWhite Fragility\u201d actually help build bridges among ethnicities? Absolutely not<\/strong>.<\/p>\n DiAngelo states, \u201cThis book is unapologetically rooted in identity politics<\/em>.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 25). When her thesis is rooted in power dynamics and a zero-sum game, building bridges is antithetical to the thesis. That is why the entire book prescribes an unending cycle of deconstruction, self-flagellation and shame for whites while denying agency and dignity for blacks. There is no resolution only perpetual revolution within the power dynamics dialectic (of materialism).<\/p>\n The author presupposes that the entirety of American society is racist. DiAngelo\u2019s argument follows the circular reasoning that \u201cAmerican society is racist because America is racist.\u201d As a black person, you must somehow apprehend your \u201cpower\u201d from white people. You are unable to create, work or strive for resources for yourself. As a white person, you will never actually arrive – you will always be a racist. All you can do is accept your guilt. Judge Robin DiAngelo hereby sentences all white people to a lifetime of working to expose, confront and dismantle \u2018systemic racism\u2019 and \u2018white supremacy\u2019 in America – by joining her \u201cantiracist\u201d movement as a practitioner by engaging in social activism. This book is for white people written by a white woman who claims to speak for black people because she knows their racial experiences better than they do. There are plenty of black academics who have written on these topics for decades. Where is their perspective?<\/p>\n To DiAngelo\u2019s credit, creating a perpetual unresolvable problem where she is the lone solution is marketing genius. One can buy DiAngelo\u2019s books in order to enlist others in her movement. In addition, your company can pay her $12,000+ to lead \u2018antiracism\u2019 workshop. The \u2018antiracism-training\u2019 \/ diversity training industry is hot right now (worth billions of dollars per year<\/a>). At the end of the day, the author\u2019s successful divisive tactics yield her a tidy profit at the expense of human relationships. It’s interesting how anti-capitalist principals are brushed aside by antiracist leaders who are supposed to be the voice for the oppressed, when a capitalist endeavor like writing books and hosting diversity trainings yield substantial personal profit.<\/p>\n Privilege of some type must be at work, right?<\/p>\n Read PART TWO: Worldview Analysis here<\/em><\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”||15px||false|false”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial author=”Booker T. Washington” portrait_url=”https:\/\/revolutionofman.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/OIP.pxSx03fqRgF5_0F_hVG4XQHaKd.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” author_text_align=”left” company_font_size=”1px” company_line_height=”1em” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false”]\u201cThe circumstances that surround a man\u2019s life are not important. How that man responds to those circumstances is important. His response is the ultimate determining factor between success and failure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDecide to be your best. In the long run the world is going to want and have the best and that might as well be you.\u201d <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.7.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My primary objective is to inform Christians who want to learn more but are confused by the presumed moral authority, perspectives and prescriptions offered in \u201cWhite Fragility.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" \u201cWhite Fragility - Why It\u2019s So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism\u201d (2018) is the title of the best-selling nonfiction book by academic, author, workshop leader and speaker Robin DiAngelo. There are many book reviews and critiques from various perspectives circulating online. I intend to contribute to the conversation by offering my perspective for what it\u2019s worth.<\/p> In Part One, I present a Critical Response intended to confront and deconstruct a series of flawed and\/or weak claims, presuppositions and arguments of DiAngelo\u2019s book. My degree is in anthropology, where I focused on cultural anthropology with a heavy does of sociology (gender studies, race, class, power etc.). I am familiar the academic process in the social sciences as well as DiAngelo\u2019s language and method. Therefore, I bring a bit of deconstruction and critique without being overly academic.<\/p> In Part Two, I present a Worldview Analysis of the book, it\u2019s author and Critical Theory worldview in light of the Christian worldview. I have been studying worldview and Christian apologetics since 2006. I was commissioned as a Colson Fellow in 2020.<\/p> My primary objective is to inform Christians who want to learn more but are confused by the perspectives and prescriptions offered by in \u201cWhite Fragility\u201d and the competing worldview called \u2018Critical Theory.\u2019 As my colleague John Stonestreet said, \u201cIdeas have consequences, bad ideas have victims.\u201d In this cultural moment, we are seeing pollution downstream. As Christians, we must travel upstream in the culture, find the source of the toxin and address it. The Christian worldview offers the only real solution.<\/p> DiAngelo\u2019s thesis states that white Americans are fundamentally and implicitly (subconsciously) racist and demonstrate a condition called \u2018white fragility\u2019 when faced with discussions and confrontations in regard to race and\/or racism.<\/p> [DiAngelo\u2019s definition]: \u201cWhite Fragility is a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 30)<\/p> \u2018White fragility\u2019 is demonstrated when a white person is confronted with the notion they are complicit in racism and white supremacy.<\/p> \u201cThis book is unapologetically rooted in identity politics.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 25)<\/p> DiAngelo employs rhetorical repetition of her main thesis throughout the book to drive home her point. She relies on qualitative, anecdotal and subjective observations gathered from her antiracism trainings and workshops in various contexts to support her main thesis. DiAngelo\u2019s praxis works to expose, confront and dismantle \u2018systematic racism\u2019 and \u2018white supremacy\u2019 in America. The reader is encouraged to become an \u201cantiracist\u201d practitioner by engaging in social activism - \u201ca lifelong process\u201d.<\/p> Robin DiAngelo\u2019s book is provocative, impassioned, well-timed and plays well within progressive sectors of culture and politics. The book is strong in the areas of emotion, edginess and robust activism. That being said, White Fragility is weak in several areas. In the following section, I will cover those weaknesses and deconstruct DiAngelo\u2019s thesis.<\/p> First, DiAngelo claims to be a sociologist. Robin DiAngelo received her Ph.D in multicultural education focusing in the fields of critical discourse analysis and whiteness studies (2). However, in her book, she claims to be a sociologist.<\/p> \u201cAs a sociologist, I am quite comfortable generalizing.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 45)<\/p> This claim reveals a major flaw of the book \u2018White Fragility\u2019. This flaw undermines DiAngelo\u2019s thesis, arguments and oversold deterministic conclusions. Claiming to be a sociologist (an authority in the field), DiAngelo employs broad sweeping generalizations regarding large sectors of human society. Devoid of scientific methodology, empirical evidence and statistics to support her generalizations, the book does not qualify as sociology. A sociologist, Robin DiAngelo is not.<\/p> The University of Minnesota\u2019s Sociology Department provides the following statement regarding the field; \u201cSociology as a Social Science.\u201d It provides clarity to our understanding of what sociology is and what it is not.<\/p> \u201cWhen we say that sociology is a social science, we mean that it uses the scientific method to try to understand the many aspects of society that sociologists study. An important goal is to yield generalizations\u2014general statements regarding trends among various dimensions of social life (e.g. men are more likely than women to commit suicide, young people were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain in 2008, and so forth). A generalization is just that: a statement of a tendency, rather than a hard-and-fast law. For example, the statement that men are more likely than women to commit suicide does not mean that every man commits suicide and no woman commits suicide. It means only that men have a higher suicide rate, even though most men, of course, do not commit suicide\u2026<\/p> Many people will not fit the pattern of such a generalization, because people are shaped but not totally determined by their social environment. That is both the fascination and the frustration of sociology. Sociology is fascinating because no matter how much sociologists are able to predict people\u2019s behavior, attitudes, and life chances, many people will not fit the predictions. But sociology is frustrating for the same reason. Because people can never be totally explained by their social environment, sociologists can never completely understand the sources of their behavior, attitudes, and life chances\u2026.<\/p> Although sociology as a discipline is very different from physics, it is not as different as one might think from this and the other \u201chard\u201d sciences. Like these disciplines, sociology as a social science relies heavily on systematic research that follows the standard rules of the scientific method.\u201d(3)<\/p> DiAngelo is \u201cquite comfortable generalizing.\u201d Which is fine in an opinion piece. However, it\u2019s unacceptable in sociology where DiAngelo misunderstands or misapplies generalization. \u201cA generalization is just that: a statement of a tendency, rather than a hard-and-fast law.\u201d For argument\u2019s sake, I will rephrase the University of Minnesota example using suicide - reframing it in racial terms: The statement that whites are more likely than blacks to exhibit racial prejudice does not mean that every white is racist and no black is a racist. In DiAngelo\u2019s version of sociology her generalizations are \u201chard-and-fast law\u201d and people are totally \u201cdetermined by their social environment.\u201d<\/p> Second, the book falls short in the areas of research, quantitative data and methodology which are hallmarks of good social science (sociology). While observations are valuable in the social science field, they must be combined with empirical data, methodology and testing. DiAngelo\u2019s use of presuppositions, anecdotal observations and rhetorical repetition are no match for empirical data and methodology. She leaves no opportunity for others to test her thesis and\/or theories or falsify them. In the final analysis, DiAngelo closes the door for testing or challenging her hypothesis through circular and unfalsifiable arguments based on her presuppositions (I\u2019ll cover those later). This is very unscientific for a self-proclaimed social scientist.<\/p> Third, DiAngelo points to implicit bias as the root cause of \u201csystematic racism\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 89). This is an indeterminate and questionable claim. In fact, implicit bias is the peg on which DiAngelo hangs her entire premise of \u2018White Fragility\u2019 and systematic racism. She claims that implicit bias or unconscious racism works to keep systematic white supremacy in place. Again, DiAgelo is playing fast and loose with science to support her theory that all white people are racist whether they are conscious of it or not. While measures of implicit bias are interesting and useful, it\u2019s not solid enough science to build a theoretical framework much less an argument or praxis.<\/p> Forth, DiAngelo\u2019s thesis is ideologically driven. She holds to presuppositions instead of empirical data and methodology (both are open to testing). Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions (4). Considered a \u2018social science\u2019, sociology is a process of systematic research and the application of scientific method. On the other hand, ideology is a set of beliefs or principles, especially ones on which a political system, party, or organization are based (5). While sociology as a science opens itself up to challenges, ideology closes itself off through indoctrination which leads to conformity of thought. DiAngelo believes her thesis hangs on the peg of implicit bias, I counter by arguing her thesis hangs on the peg of ideology (identity politics in particular).<\/p> In a peer reviewed 2013 article entitled, \u201cBeyond the Face of Race: Emo-Cognitive Explorations of White Neurosis and Racial Cray-Cray,\u201d DiAngelo reveals one of her core presuppositions is her adherence to Critical Race Theory stating, \u201cinterdisciplinary approaches of Critical Whiteness Studies and Critical Race Theory to entertain how common White responses to racial material.\u201d (6). I will discuss Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality and Cultural Marxism in a later section. Suffice to say for now, DiAngelo\u2019s presupposition boils down to every white person is racist, White Fragility protects white supremacy and institutional racial structures against black people because whites must retain power within those structures (white privilege). The question is, where is the empirical evidence, research and statistical data proving her hypothesis? Are the ideas she\u2019s putting forth true, verifiable and worth accepting?<\/p> Fifth, DiAngelo employs circular and unfalsifiable argument to support her thesis. She contends that white people are fundamentally and implicitly (subconsciously) racist and demonstrate a condition called \u2018white fragility\u2019 when faced with discussions and confrontations in regard to race and\/or racism. She uses an argument tactic that says, \u201cany attempt to argue, deny or defend yourself is seen as proof of guilt.\u201d(7) This type of argument is a logical fallacy referred to as \u201cKlafka-trapping - a sophistical and unfalsifiable form of argument that attempts to overcome an opponent by inducing a sense of guilt and using the opponent's denial of guilt as further evidence of guilt.\u201d(8).<\/p> In conclusion, DiAngelo\u2019s book, \u2018White Fragility\u2019 is far from being an academic work. It is an overtly ideologically driven discursive diatribe designed to shame white people and deny individual agency of black people in order support her presupposition of power dynamics. DiAngelo works from the following premises:<\/p> 1. White people (in America) have a \u201cdeeply internalized sense of superiority and entitlement\u201d this a result of racial socialization from birth. (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 12) In DiAngelo\u2019s mind, there is no quarter for skepticism or argument. There is no room for counter-perspective, even from ethnic minorities. She has established herself as the ultimate authority with the only prescription. As I have pointed out, there are major problems with her ideas and the presuppositions from which those ideas emerge. Does ethnic prejudice exist in American society? Yes. Should all Americans work together to resolve these issues? Yes. Does the book, \u201cWhite Fragility\u201d actually help build bridges among ethnicities? Absolutely not. DiAngelo states, \u201cThis book is unapologetically rooted in identity politics.\u201d (DiAngelo, 2018, p. 25). When her thesis is rooted in power dynamics and a zero-sum game, building bridges is antithetical to the thesis. That is why the entire book prescribes an unending cycle of deconstruction, self-flagellation and shame for whites while denying agency and dignity for blacks. There is no resolution only perpetual revolution within the power dynamics dialectic (of materialism).<\/p> The author presupposes that the entirety of American society is racist. DiAngelo\u2019s argument follows the circular reasoning that \u201cAmerican society is racist because American society is racist.\u201d As a black person, you must somehow apprehend your \u201cpower\u201d from white people. You are unable to create, work or strive for resources for yourself. As a white person, you will never actually arrive - you will always be a racist. All you can do is accept your guilt. Judge Robin DiAngelo hereby sentences all white people to a lifetime of working to expose, confront and dismantle \u2018systematic racism\u2019 and \u2018white supremacy\u2019 in America - by joining her \u201cantiracist\u201d movement as a practitioner by engaging in social activism. This book is for white people written by a white woman who claims to speak for black people because she knows their racial experiences better than they do.<\/p> To the author\u2019s credit, creating a perpetual unresolvable problem where she is the lone solution is marketing genius. One can buy DiAngelo\u2019s books in order to enlist others in her movement. In addition, your company can pay her $12,000+ to lead \u2018anti-racism\u2019 workshop. At the end of the day, the author\u2019s successful divisive tactics yield her a tidy profit at the expense of human relationships.<\/p> Booker T. Washington said, \u201cThe circumstances that surround a man\u2019s life are not important. How that man responds to those circumstances is important. His response is the ultimate determining factor between success and failure.\u201d He also said, \u201cDecide to be your best. In the long run the world is going to want and have the best and that might as well be you.\u201d<\/p> [full source info will accompany links]PART ONE<\/strong><\/h1>\n
I. The Thesis of White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo<\/h1>\n
II. Form, Thesis Support and Praxis<\/h1>\n
III. Strengths and Weaknesses<\/h1>\n
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\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\nIV. Distilling DiAngelo’s Premises and Arguments<\/h1>\n
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V. Counter and Closing Response<\/h1>\n
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_cta title=”DEFINITIONS AND LINKS – WHITE FRAGILITY (DiAngelo 2018)” button_url=”https:\/\/revolutionofman.org\/definitions-and-links-critical-response-and-worldview-analysis-diangelo-and-critical-theory\/” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#c55f0d” custom_margin=”7px||||false|false”][\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|5px||5px|false|false” custom_padding=”|5px||5px|false|false”]<\/p>\nResources:<\/h1>\n
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Read PART TWO: Worldview Analysis here<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/h2>\n
Introduction:<\/h1>
Part 1: Critical Response<\/h1>
Thesis of White Fragility:<\/h2>
Form, Thesis Support and Praxis:<\/h2>
Strengths and Weaknesses:<\/h2>
2. \u201cInstitutional racism\u201d is the hegemonic structure of American culture and society.
3. \u201cImplicit bias\u201d of white people works to defend and retain \u201cinstitutional racism\u201d and \u201cwhite supremacy\u201d.
4. \u201cWhite Fragility\u201d \u201cfunctions to reinstate white racial equilibrium and \u201cwhite privilege.\u201d
5. Individualism (agency) and objectivity are to be rejected as functions of \u201cwhite supremacy.\u201d
6. Intent is unimportant. The most important aspect in analyzing racial discourse and actions is impact.
7. White people must continuously work to address implicit racial bias and expose, confront and dismantle \u2018systematic racism\u2019 and \u2018white supremacy\u2019 in America through social activism.
8. The epistemological starting point of the entire human experience and society is reduced to \u2018Power Dynamics (oppressors and oppressed)\u2019 and a \u2018zero-sum game\u2019 (power, privilege, resources are gained by a dominant group at the expense of an oppressed group).
9. Human Identity is rooted in racial identity and intersectionality.
10. White people are unaware of their \u2018whiteness, yet they demonstrate \u2018white solidarity\u2019 and \u2018white fragility.\u2019 All whites are guilty of racial thought crimes.<\/p>
1. http:\/\/libjournal.uncg.edu\/ijcp\/article\/view\/249\/0
2. https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Robin_DiAngelo
3. https:\/\/open.lib.umn.edu\/sociology\/chapter\/2-1-sociology-as-a-social-science\/
4. https:\/\/sociology.unc.edu\/undergraduate-program\/sociology-major\/what-is-sociology\/
5. https:\/\/dictionary.cambridge.org\/dictionary\/english\/ideology
6. https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/EJ1065640.pdf
7. http:\/\/dictionary.education\/english\/dictionary\/Kafkatrapping
8. ibid.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n