Dispatches from the Race War - Tim Wise

\nEssays on racial flashpoints, white denial, violence, and the manipulation of racial fears in America today.Focusing on race in America from the Obama years to the current Trump era, the pieces in this collection of short essays speak to the ways in which racism and racial inequity have continued to embroil the nation despite hopes that America had become post-racial with the election of its first black president.At a time of social, cultural, demographic transformation, and growing inequality, which pits white folks against people of color, it is more important than ever to offer a comprehensive examination of the nation's racial conflict. This essay collection speaks to recurring racial themes in US society, like white denial and fragility, inadequate historical memory, and the manipulation of racial fears by politicians, helping readers to better understand the challenges we face in years to come. And, by exploring some of the movement-building and educational strategies we can deploy to address the current crisis, readers will gain a sense of hope that perhaps there is still time to salvage multiracial democracy.All the racial flashpoints of the past decade are covered here: the election of Barack Obama and the backlash to that election, the killing of Trayvon Martin and the uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement, Colin Kaepernick's bold move to kneel for the Pledge of Allegiance, the rise of Trumpism and anti-immigrant sentiment, and Charlottesville and the growth of white nationalist terrorism.The book is divided into six sections. The first set of essays covers the period of Barack Obama's presidency, while the second set explores Trumpism and its corrosive effect on the racial climate in America. The third set of essays, which spans the entire frame covered by the book, looks at the theme of white denial and fragility and responds to common deflections used by white folks (on the right and left alike) to avoid discussing race and racism. The fourth set examines historical memory and the dangers of misremembered (or never learned) historical truths about race in America. The fifth set of essays responds directly to common right-wing arguments about race in America and serves as a debunking chapter. Finally, the sixth set of essays explores directions for progressive movements and educators: how should we be thinking about race, movement building, elections, schools and community, and what are the tactical decisions we need to make to pr