The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

En savoir plus sur le livre

In the 1950s and 1960s, many white officials chose to drain public swimming pools rather than integrate them, highlighting a persistent issue: racism incurs costs for everyone. Heather McGhee, an expert on the American economy, explores why it often fails the public, linking various crises—from the 2008 financial collapse to rising student debt—to a common root: racism. This problem affects not just people of color but white individuals as well, serving as the core dysfunction of democracy and contributing to a widespread moral crisis. McGhee embarks on a personal journey across the U.S., revealing the losses incurred by buying into a zero-sum mindset, where progress for some is seen as a loss for others. She encounters white individuals who have suffered due to the toxic interplay of racism and greed, illustrating how public goods have transformed into private luxuries. The book discusses the decline of unions, stagnating wages, and the failure to achieve universal healthcare in a nation that is otherwise materially wealthy. However, McGhee also highlights the potential for unity across races, introducing the concept of the Solidarity Dividend, which emphasizes the benefits of collective action. Through compelling narratives and research, she offers a vision for a future where collaboration can lead to a more equitable society.