45 pages • 1 hour read
Shelby SteeleWhite Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era (P.S.)
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era by Shelby Steele examines the concept of white guilt and its impact on race relations in the US post-Civil Rights movement. Through anecdotes and historical recounts, Steele argues that white guilt led to misplaced social programs and a new form of subtle white supremacy, resulting in a cultural decline and persistent racial issues. The book discusses racism and systemic inequities extensively.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
White Guilt by Shelby Steele presents a provocative analysis of race relations in America, examining white guilt and its societal implications. Reviews praise Steele's bold perspective and articulate prose, but some criticize a lack of empirical evidence and perceived one-sidedness. Despite mixed reactions, the book succeeds in igniting important conversations.
Who Should Read White Guilt?
A reader who would enjoy White Guilt by Shelby Steele is likely interested in race relations, historical and cultural analysis, and social justice. They may also appreciate books like The Content of Our Character by Steele or The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, which delve into similar themes of race and identity in America.