In a world where conversations about race and gender are more urgent and polarized than ever, Dr. Jessi Streib’s new book, Is it Racist? Is it Sexist? promises to be a beacon of clarity and introspection. Co-authored with sociologist Betsy Leondar-Wright, the book delves into the complexities of how Americans—particularly white Americans—interpret and navigate issues of racism and sexism.
The book was born out of a turbulent political moment: the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Dr. Streib recalls, “At that moment, it became obvious that we did not all agree on what’s racist and sexist.” The stark divide in public opinion, where Trump’s supporters dismissed accusations of racism and sexism while his critics saw them as undeniable, highlighted a deeper issue: the lack of shared definitions for these terms.
Dr. Streib and Leondar-Wright sought to bridge this chasm by unpacking the distinct ways people arrive at their judgments. “We wanted to understand how people could look at the same person and policies and come to such different conclusions,” she explains.
The decision to focus on white people's perceptions of racism and sexism was both deliberate and strategic. “White Americans maintain considerable power in this country,” Dr. Streib explains. “They’re the largest voting bloc and run many institutions that shape ideas about racism and sexism.” By understanding how white people perceive these issues, the book sheds light on how inequalities persist and how they might be dismantled.
The Framework: Acquitters vs. Convictors
At the book's heart lies an innovative framework that categorizes people into “acquitters” and “convictors.” Acquitters, often conservatives, adopt a narrow, evidence-heavy approach to racism and sexism, requiring clear malintent or explicit evidence to label something as such. Convictors, usually liberals, take a broader view, identifying racism and sexism based on patterns, unequal outcomes, or unconscious bias, often without delving into specific case details.
Both approaches have strengths and pitfalls. Acquitters demand rigorous evidence, which can prevent false accusations, but may overlook systemic patterns. By contrast, convictors are adept at recognizing these patterns, but may risk jumping to conclusions without sufficient investigation. The book offers a third way: a balanced method that combines pattern recognition with case-specific inquiry, providing a more accurate and nuanced way to assess racism and sexism.
Challenging Our Biases
One of the book’s most compelling features is its ability to make readers question their own assumptions. For example, Dr. Streib recounts a scenario where a male patient mistakenly calls a female doctor “nurse.” Convictors might immediately label this sexist, citing a pattern of women being underestimated in professional roles. Acquitters, conversely, might argue that the patient was disoriented or unaware of the hospital’s dress code.
“The flaws in both approaches become clear,” Dr. Streib notes. “Convictors jump to conclusions without investigating the specifics, while acquitters often dismiss systemic patterns.” The book encourages readers to approach such situations with pattern recognition and investigative rigor, fostering a more balanced and thoughtful perspective.
Understanding others’ views doesn’t mean we must agree with them, but it helps us think better about where there can be moments of common ground.
Dr. Jessi Streib
Reshaping Conversations
Dr. Streib hopes the book will catalyze change in workplaces, schools, and homes. “It’s great that so many people now care about racism and sexism,” she says. “But we need better guidelines to decide what’s racist and sexist. We don’t want to let these issues go unchecked, but we also don’t want to punish people who did nothing wrong.”
The book also has a profound message for families and communities. By understanding the cognitive biases that shape our judgments, readers can engage in more empathetic and productive conversations, even with those who hold opposing views.
Looking Ahead
Is it Racist? Is it Sexist? is poised to become an essential guide for navigating cultural and political divides. Dr. Streib emphasizes that the book is not about forcing agreement, but fostering understanding. “Understanding others’ views doesn’t mean we must agree with them,” she says. “But it helps us think better about where there can be moments of common ground.”
“There is still much inequality in how people of each race and gender are treated and what opportunities they have,” Dr. Streib concludes. “If we’re going to reduce these inequalities, we all need to change—liberals and conservatives alike.”
Mark your calendars—Dr. Streib’s Is it Racist? Is it Sexist? will hit shelves on January 14, 2025, providing a powerful resource for those looking to better navigate the complexities of modern inequalities.
