One sentence summary
How to Be an Antiracist is a book by Ibram X. Kendi that explores how people can use both self-awareness and systemic knowledge to identify and eliminate racism.
Book genre
This book is a combination of non-fiction, memoir, and activism.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is antiracism, which is a way of understanding and addressing racism in society. It includes topics such as race relations, racial injustice, privilege, power dynamics, and historical context.
Key ideas
- Racism is a form of power that individuals, institutions, and ideas use to oppress and marginalize people based on race.
- There are both racist and antiracist ideas and forces in society.
- Individuals have the power to become antiracist and create positive change.
- Systems of racism can be dismantled through conscious choices and actions.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
The book is divided into four parts:
- Part 1: “A Stairway to an Antiracist America” covers the history of racism in the US, and describes how individual behavior contributes to the perpetuation of it.
- Part 2: “Exploring Racist Ideas, Forces, and Practices” dives into the various ideologies, structures, and policies that perpetuate racism and oppress people of color.
- Part 3: “Exploring Antiracist Ideas, Forces, and Practices” outlines the ways in which individuals can actively work against racism.
- Part 4: “Moving Toward an Antiracist America” calls for collective action to eliminate racism throughout the US.
Key takeaways
- Racism is a form of power that must be actively opposed.
- Racism is perpetuated through individual, institutional, and cultural forces.
- Everyone has the ability to work toward change.
- There must be collective action among individuals wanting to make antiracism a reality.
Author’s background and qualifications
Ibram X. Kendi is a professor of history and international relations, and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. He is also a two-time National Book Award-winning author, and he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his book Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.
Target audience
Kendi’s target audience for How to Be an Antiracist are people of all backgrounds – from individuals who identify as antiracist to those who have not yet had the opportunity to explore antiracist beliefs and actions.
Publisher and first publication date
How to Be an Antiracist was first published in 2019 by One World, a division of Penguin Random House.