The title is promising, and the notion of antiracism has simplistic appeal. Kendi promises to provide social commentary that examines racism in the American culture, society, and political system. He uses snapshots of his life, his personal episodes, thoughts, feelings, and responses to illustrate, summarize, and unsparingly criticize the types of thoughts and reactions that typify racist ideology. He holds himself accountable, and shows his journey of evolution in thought. Kendi starts making huge logical leaps, which is where this discourse starts going off the tracks.

The core of his critique, as I understand it, is that it is not enough to be color-blind or “not racist”. One must in fact be antiracist, that is actively addressing the policies that create the circumstances and conditions for the misery of racism. Kendi views the policies in government, business, and society as the dysfunctional element in need of change. Unfortunately, he does not get granular here, which harms any initial good will to the thesis the reader may have. Kendi expresses that being critical of behavior is racist, while being critical of policy that creates inequity is being antiracist. One obvious inconsistency is Kendi’s consistent self-reflection and self-criticism of his own thoughts and behaviors, trying to root out racism. Is it racist to see inappropriate behaviors in others, and want better for our society? Judging an individual, but not judging a group based on skin color, sexuality, gender, etc. alone—that is one of his key points. Stereotypes are formed for a reason, many say, and we see some groups of people behaving a particular way for reasons of self-identification with a group—humans are more complex than Kendi allows. The entire discipline of sociology attempts to understand how individuals behave in groups, and the influences of a group on individual’s behaviors. Such judgements have some elements of truth, but are also prejudicial and therefore racial. No one wants to be judged based on appearance. His conclusions lack nuance, and ignore the complexities of human behavior in groups.

Kendi’s conclusions simply go too far, based on thin air. Throwing out capitalism in its entirety, because of its excesses, in one such conclusion. Greed can lead to abuses of capitalism without a doubt. Kendi fails to provide evidence of racism imbedded in capitalism, however. I cannot accept that communism or socialism are superior systems, however. The exploitation and devaluation of humanity are far more tyrannical in those systems, in my view.

Additionally, his assessment of Christianity as inherently racist is extreme, if not absurd. When practiced correctly, Christian faith and practice are distinctly antiracist. The content of your character, your virtue, are what is important. The Ignatian practice of examining your conscience at day’s end is the personal corrective for any mistakes of thought, word, and deed. We are held to the standard of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, and sacrificing ourselves for those we meet; when we help others, we are helping Christ. Racism is counter to Judeo-Christian belief and practice.

Kendi fails to provide evidence for racism as central to our government and Constitution. Simply stating that something is so is not enough. Where is the evidence? I would refer Kendi to Candice Owen’s book (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/blackout-how-black-america-can-make-its-second-escape-from-the-democrat-plantation-by-candice-owens) if he wants to explore an evidence-based argument for the real harm government can inflict on a people.

I felt compelled to read this, since it is “of the moment”, and likely to be influential to many. That is unfortunate, since it is a series of unsupported opinions, meant to spark revolution and destruction. It is likely to be more harmful that helpful. Feel free to avoid this one.