We Need to Talk about White People

Abstract

On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean the interests, fears, and voices of “ordinary” White people have become a prominent part of mainstream political and educational debate. This article reflects on recent developments, including a critique of so-called colorblindness as a form of racism denial and the argument that White people are merely an ethnic group “like any other” who are denied their rights by political correctness. The author argues that because of their uniquely powerful influence on economic, cultural, and social systems, White groups cannot be treated as just another ethnic group.