Against Civility: The Hidden Racism in Our Obsession with Civility

Against Civility: The Hidden Racism in Our Obsession with Civility is an amazing book and quickly provides an eye-opening view into why white calling for people to act “civil” has racial undertones. In a mere one hundred thirty-six pages, we are treated to a rich and detailed history lesson in the use of this civility from George Washington to George Floyd. The author, Alex Zamalin, does a wonderful job stringing together history lessons and giving specific examples of how the call to be civil is really a racially charged call to silence people of color. I learned so much from this book and have already recommended it to several people, as I think it is truly a beneficial read…we all have something to learn. Our appetites are merely whetted to learn more about people such as Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, Frederick Douglass, Booker T Washington, and Malcolm X (just to name a few). The book would be worth more than five stars if I could give them. Once you’ve read Against Civility: The Hidden Racism in Our Obsession with Civility your mind will be opened and perhaps a bit more sympathetic to the plight of others.