Woke Racism

How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America

By: John McWhorter

Narrated by: John McWhorter

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

New York Times bestselling author and acclaimed linguist John McWhorter argues that an illiberal neoracism, disguised as antiracism, is hurting Black communities and weakening the American social fabric.

Americans of good will on both the left and the right are secretly asking themselves the same question: how has the conversation on race in America gone so crazy? We’re told to read books and listen to music by people of color but that wearing certain clothes is “appropriation.” We hear that being white automatically gives you privilege and that being Black makes you a victim. We want to speak up but fear we’ll be seen as unwoke, or worse, labeled a racist. According to John McWhorter, the problem is that a well-meaning but pernicious form of antiracism has become, not a progressive ideology, but a religion—and one that’s illogical, unreachable, and unintentionally neoracist.

In Woke Racism, McWhorter reveals the workings of this new religion, from the original sin of “white privilege” and the weaponization of cancel culture to ban heretics, to the evangelical fervor of the “woke mob.” He shows how this religion that claims to “dismantle racist structures” is actually harming his fellow Black Americans by infantilizing Black people, setting Black students up for failure, and passing policies that disproportionately damage Black communities. The new religion might be called “antiracism,” but it features a racial essentialism that’s barely distinguishable from racist arguments of the past.

Fortunately for Black America, and for all of us, it’s not too late to push back against woke racism. McWhorter shares scripts and encouragement with those trying to deprogram friends and family. And most importantly, he offers a roadmap to justice that actually will help, not hurt, Black America.

Critic reviews

"This is a passionate, often fiery book, but it is also seriously considered and scrupulously reasoned. Whether or not readers are persuaded by McWhorter’s analysis, they must, in the name of intellectual honesty, consider the book mandatory reading."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"McWhorter brings us much-needed pointed social commentarywith humor and grace. Give this book to those who are questioning the new religion, even those who have found it. Woke Racism has the capacity to melt the hatred and fervor that is now all the rage, and to bring love and forgiveness, logic and discourse, back into fashion.”—Heather E. Heying, evolutionary biologist and coauthor of A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century

“Scathingly brilliant and strawman-killing from the get-go, Woke Racism will make you stop in your tracks no matter what your politics are—and very possibly reexamine some of your deepest held convictions. Masterfully and beautifully written, this book is a powerful appeal for common sense.”—Amy Chua, professor at Yale Law School and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Political Tribes

“Honest commentary about racial controversies is rare, and John McWhorter is a writer who can be counted on to provide it. Woke Racism is a heartfelt evisceration of the sloppy thinking that forms the foundation of so much social justice activism today. It’s an essential contribution to our national discussion about racial inequality, and McWhorter’s willingness to put unvarnished truth above politically correct niceties deserves our gratitude.”—Jason L. Riley, Wall Street Journal columnist and author of Maverick

Read/listen to this book. Regardless of your overall politics.

I jumped on the anti-racism bandwagon for about 2 weeks after the murder of George Floyd. Naturally, being someone whose skin turns angry red when exposed to sunlight, I proceeded to read White Fragility. I got through it and while I agreed the author made some good points quite a few things felt “off”. Shortly thereafter, while trying to see what people smarter than myself thought about the book I came across an article by John McWhorter in the Atlantic. In his critique of the book, he have words to what I was having a hard time putting my finger on. It was shortly there after I heard him on Coleman Hughes’ podcast talking about how the anti-racism movement seems a lot like a religious movement and alluded to writing a book on it. I have been waiting for this book ever since and it exceeded my expectations. And I think he is spot on.
I was a devout evangelical Christian for most of the first 30 years of my life. Fortunately, I was able to break free from the horrible grip of religion in my mid 30’s (I am a devout atheist now). My experience in the church with the way people double speak about how you are a horrible sinner but it’s not your fault, but actually it is if you don’t believe in Jesus: Just substitute racist for sin and the Elect (to borrow Prof. McWhorters term) for Jesus; and you could use most of the same jargon and talking points between the two. I strongly suspect you would not be able to tell which one was which. Thank you John McWhorter for writing this book.

Author speaks as well as writes!

The title “Linquist” fits the author perfectly. His captivating ideas are as poignant as his meticulous speech. As educational as entertaining. It’s a shame he used his time repeatedly to inform us how much he disliked Donald Trump. He rails against terror yet labels another he disagrees with “a monster.” It would be nice to get a break from the political mudslinging.

Required reading/listening

A psychological manual for loosening the grip that the elect holds on our ethos, freeing us to seek empathy, logic, and honest progressivism instead of fear based navel-gazing and piety.

The Woke Movement is a type of Great Awakening

(or Awokening). It is pure religion. Want to know how it works? Read this book.

An Essential Read

John is brave enough to say the truth, even if it's uncomfortable. He provides a useful framework to understand a crucial aspect of the "culture wars" and a way to move forward. A must read.