Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race

Turn Uncomfortable Conversations into Meaningful Dialogue

"Talking about race and especially about racism is one of the most contentious and complex elements of teaching. It′s rawness means that this kind of talk often avoided. Teachers call for time outs, or quickly move the discussion on to another topic. In Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence Derald Wing Sue not only illustrates the subtlety and pervasiveness of racial microaggressions, but he also provides seasoned advice on how to keep race talk going in a way that keeps unwilling students and teachers participating. The book is written accessibly and helpfully and will be invaluable to teachers (like myself) who struggle to make race talk a central part of their work"
Stephen Brookfield, John Ireland Endowed Chair, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis–St. Paul

Written by the nation′s leading multicultural scholar, this book introduces race talk to anyone with a need to understand the complexities of race in diverse settings. Based on original research, Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence, is an eye–opening examination of how our habit of avoiding the topic of race has detrimental consequences for Whites, people of color, and society as a whole.

If you believe that talking about race is impolite, or that "colorblindness" is the preferred approach, you must read this book. Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence debunks the most pervasive myths using evidence, easy–to–understand examples, and practical tools.

This significant work answers all your questions about discussing race by covering:

Characteristics of typical, unproductive conversations on race Tacit and explicit social rules related to talking about racial issues Race–specific difficulties and misconceptions regarding race talk Concrete advice for educators and parents on approaching race in a new way

Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence has the potential to transform the way you address race in your everyday life. By understanding how conversations on race can impact people for the better, you can break the silence to build better relationships and a more just and equitable society.

SECTION I THE CHARACTERISTICS, DYNAMICS, AND MEANING OF RACE TALK

Chapter 1 What is Race Talk?

Race Talk Represents a Potential Clash of Racial Realities

Race Talk Pushes Emotional Hot Buttons

Race Talk Evokes Avoidance Strategies

Why is Successful Race Talk Important?

Chapter 2 They Characteristics and Dynamics of Race Talk

What Are Characteristics of Race Talk?

How do Societal Ground Rules (Norms) Impede Race Talk?

Why is Race Talk So Difficult and Uncomfortable for Participants?

Fear of Appearing Racist

Conclusions

Chapter 3 The Stories We Tell: White Talk vs. Back Talk

Race Talk: Narratives and Counter Narratives

Telling on Racism: Unmasking Ugly Secrets

SECTION II THE CONSTRAINING GROUND RULES FOR RACE TALK

Chapter 4 The Entire World s a Stage!

The Politeness Protocol and Race Talk

The Academic Protocol and Race Talk

Chapter 5 Colorblind Means Colormute

Color–Evasion: We are all the Same Under the Skin.

Stereotype–Evasion: I Don t Believe In Those Stereotypes.

Power Evasion: Everyone Can Make It In Society, If They Work Hard Enough.

Myth of the Melting Pot

SECTION III WHY IS IT DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR TO HONESTLY TALK ABOUT RACE?

Chapter 6 What are the Consequences for Saying What I Mean?

Ethnocentric Monoculturalism

Power and Oppression

Chapter 7 To Speak or How to Speak, that is the Question.

Communication Styles

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal Communication in Race Talk: Sociopolitical Considerations

Being Constrained and Silenced: Impact on People of Color

Conclusions

SECTION IV WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT FOR WHITE PEOPLE TO HONESTLY TALK ABOUT RACE?

Chapter 8 I m Not Racist!

Cognitive Avoidance Racism Denial

Emotional Avoidance Fear, Guilt, and Other Feelings

Behavioral Avoidance – Helplessness and Hopelessness

Emotional Roadblocks to Race Talk

Chapter 9 I m Not White, I m Italian!

What Does It Mean To Be White?

The Invisibility of Whiteness: What Does It Mean?

The Fear of Owning White Privilege

Fear of Taking Personal Responsibility to End Racism: Moving From Being  Non–Racist to Becoming Anti–Racist

SECTION V RACE TALK AND SPECIAL GROUP CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter 10 Interracial/Interethnic Race Talk: Difficult Dialogues between Groups of Color

Interracial/Interethnic Relationship Issues

Race Talk: Fears of Divide and Conquer

Sources of Conflict between People of Color

Chapter 11 Race Talk and White Racial Identity Development: For Whites Only

Developing a Nonracist and Antiracist Racial Identity

White Racial Identity Development and Race Talk

SECTION VI GUIDELINES, CONDITIONS AND SOLUTIONS TO HAVING HONEST RACIAL DIALIOGUES

Chapter 12 Being an Agent of Change: Guidelines for Educators, Parents, and Trainers

Talking to Children about Race and Racism

Guidelines for Taking Personal Responsibility for Change

Chapter 13 Helping People Talk About Race: Facilitation Skills for Educators and Trainers

DERALD WING SUE has been identified as "the most influential multicultural scholar in the United States." He has authored 17 books, including the classic Microaggressions in Everyday Life. Dr. Sue′s research on microaggressions provided a major breakthrough in understanding how everyday slights, insults, and invalidations toward marginalized groups create psychological and social harm. He is Professor of Psychology and Education in the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University.