Woke Racism

How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America

By: John McWhorter

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Acclaimed linguist and award-winning writer 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 road map to justice that actually will help, not hurt, Black America.

©2021 John McWhorter (P)2021 Penguin Audio

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 commentary with 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)

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.

Brilliant brutal honesty

It’s about time someone wrote something powerful to counter balance all of the insanity that’s been spreading for decades. Everyone should read this book no matter who you are or what you believe. The author does an amazing job supporting the good intentions while eviscerating all of the toxic methods used to achieve well-meaning goals. The fire should never be worse than the disease!

Short

I enjoy listening to John McWhorter, so I cant really judge his performance because I am already biased in favor of him.
This is like listening to him talk, on his own, without Glenn Loury, on the topic of race. If you've listened to him on the topic via podcasts, this doesn't really add more. But I enjoyed it.

Amazing

Brings understanding to a sensitive topic. As it is common to dismiss or to stay hush on such matter, the author creates a structured and respectful counterargument to a dominating voice in our country.

Clarity

What an insightful book. If everyone supported John’s 3 steps to improve the life of black people, they and everyone else’s quality of life would improve.

I wish it was required reading at all universities.

Very thoughtful analysis

I've admired John McWhorter because of his scholarship in linguistics. When he decided to turn his attention to racism, I followed him again into his scholarship. In his book, he uses many examples of research to support his point of view. I've puzzled over many of the contradictions he brings up. I find it very refreshing to find an author committed to providing facts and not just points of view without them. If a white person makes these assertions, they are labeled as racist. Being a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation, I'm exposed to the views of The Elect constantly. I hope Dr. McWhorter's book gives me the information and guts to push back, even though it may make me unpopular