Joseph (Jake) Klein’s new book, "Redefining Racism," is set to be released in September 2024 by Black Sheep Press. The book takes a critical look at how the understanding of racism has shifted over the years. Klein argues that America’s fixation on race has created more division rather than unity.
In recent years, discussions around race have intensified, especially after the events of 2020. The re-election of Donald Trump and the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives suggest that the fervor around racial issues may have peaked, but Klein warns that new challenges are likely ahead. He reflects on how optimism about race relations following Barack Obama’s presidency has turned into a sense of hopelessness.
Klein’s book examines how the definition of racism evolved. He points out that racism is now often seen as a combination of power and prejudice, a shift that he believes has contributed to deteriorating racial relations. His goal is to show that this "Power + Prejudice" definition, which gained traction through programs like Racism Awareness Training, is harmful.
Through his research, Klein traces the roots of this change back to the late 1960s, highlighting the role of figures like Stokely Carmichael, a radical activist whose ideas have influenced modern racial discourse. He emphasizes that the current racial grievance industry is not new but is instead a continuation of tactics developed decades ago.
Klein also discusses the impact of "racism awareness training." He describes these sessions as psychologically damaging, where participants often leave feeling worse than when they arrived. He notes that white participants are made to feel guilty about their race, while Black participants are led to believe they have little control over their circumstances. This approach, he argues, is detrimental to mental health and societal progress.
"Redefining Racism" aims to shed light on the extremist origins of today’s mainstream views on race. Klein believes that by exposing these roots, we can start to build a more solid foundation for genuine racial progress. However, he acknowledges that repairing racial relations will take time and effort, as the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
In a world where discussions about race are more critical than ever, Klein’s book offers a provocative perspective on how we got here and where we might be headed.