Good White People

by Shannon Sullivan
Good White People cover
Good Books rating 4.1
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 8458
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781438451695
  • Publisher: SUNY Press
  • Published: 2014-05-15
  • Reviews: 3

Good White People delves into the attitudes and behaviors of well-meaning white liberals, critiquing what author Shannon Sullivan terms 'white middle-class goodness.' This ethos, she argues, is more focused on establishing anti-racist credentials than on addressing systemic racism and privilege. Sullivan examines four key expressions of this orientation, including the denigration of lower-class white people and the emphasis on colorblindness in childrearing. /n/n To move beyond these distancing strategies, Sullivan advocates for a new ethos that acknowledges and transforms whiteness in the pursuit of racial justice. She challenges white people to confront their own privilege and actively work towards racial equality, rather than seeking self-righteous distance from their whiteness.

Reviews
The Bowed Bookshelf · 2018-01-24
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its thoughtful approach to American race issues, offering hope through its insightful analysis. It addresses various aspects of race and provides a nuanced perspective on white middle-class attitudes.

The reviewer from The Bowed Bookshelf highlights the depth and thoughtfulness of 'Good White People,' noting its comprehensive exploration of American race issues. They appreciate the book's ability to inspire hope through its nuanced analysis, making it a compelling read. The reviewer particularly values the book's examination of white middle-class attitudes, which are often overlooked in discussions about race. Overall, the book is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about race and anti-racism.

Quick quotes

    Sullivan's book is so thoughtful and addresses so many aspects of American race issues that we also have reason to hope.

    It breathes fresh life into long-standing conversations on color blindness, white guilt and shame.

    The book offers a nuanced perspective on white middle-class attitudes.

Overthinking my teaching · Christopher Danielson · 2017-08-16
thoughtful 4.00

The book emphasizes the importance of discussing race with children, highlighting that silence on the topic can leave them vulnerable to external influences. It challenges well-meaning white liberals to confront their own biases and attitudes.

Christopher Danielson's review of 'Good White People' underscores the critical need for open conversations about race, especially with children. They argue that failing to address race leaves children exposed to potentially harmful external narratives. The book is seen as a call to action for white liberals to examine their own attitudes and work towards a more inclusive understanding of race. Danielson appreciates the book's thorough exploration of these issues, making it a valuable read for anyone committed to anti-racism.

Quick quotes

    My major takeaway from this book is that if we don't talk to our children about race, someone else will.

    The book challenges well-meaning white liberals to confront their own biases and attitudes.

    It's a call to action for white liberals to examine their own attitudes and work towards a more inclusive understanding of race.

Goodreads · Various · 2014-05-14
necessary 3.80

The book is seen as a necessary read for understanding the complexities of middle-class white anti-racism. It argues for a new ethos in addressing racial issues, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in social justice.

Goodreads reviewers collectively emphasize the importance of 'Good White People' in shedding light on the intricacies of middle-class white anti-racism. They appreciate the book's argument for a new ethos in tackling racial issues, making it a crucial read for those committed to social justice. The reviewers note that the book challenges common attitudes among well-meaning white liberals, encouraging a more critical and reflective approach to race. Overall, the book is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about race and anti-racism.

Quick quotes

    Argues for the necessity of a new ethos for middle-class white anti-racism.

    Identifies common attitudes among well-meaning white liberals.

    A necessary read for understanding the complexities of middle-class white anti-racism.

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