Was That Racist?

How to Detect, Interrupt, and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life

By: Evelyn R. Carter PhD

Narrated by: Evelyn R. Carter PhD

Practice a new framework for dismantling racial bias in our society, our workplaces, and ourselves: by learning to detect it as well as people of color do.

How do we combat racism in a world determined to tell us it doesn’t exist?

To hold the line against racism, we need to know it when we see it. And as the dominant racial group in our society, White people must take up the charge. The problem, says researcher, DEI leader, and organizational consultant Dr. Evelyn Carter, is that White people haven’t been socialized to detect racial bias in the way people of color do. Racism is more than using racial slurs or overt, hateful speech, and it’s more than unintentional slights; it's about an entire system that upholds Whiteness as the preferred standard.

Fortunately, detecting it is a skill that can be learned.

Was That Racist? is a re-education, call to action, and practical guide, full of research-backed strategies including how to: cultivate a growth mindset about bias, unlearn colorblindness and practice color consciousness, talk to kids about race and racism - and bring others along for the journey.

At a time when DEI is under coordinated attack, Was That Racist? is the essential toolkit for anyone who believes we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.

Powerful book that everyone should read

This book gave me words to describe feelings I've had for years around things I was taught- like color blindness and “not making a scene”- that never sat well with me. It's empowering to know how to be a true ally and help effect change in the many areas I have access to. Thank you for pouring your life and heart into this book so that we can celebrate one another, and also recognize that it's sometimes necessary to make spaces safe for those who have been harmed by privilege.

Every white person should read this book

Well researched and well written. Thank you, Dr. Carter for this important work. I learned so much.

Eye opening

I’ve done some bias trainings at work, but this was so much better. I’m hoping this will help me have discussions with some coworkers are blatantly racist.

A Timely and Essential Read

With the ongoing attacks on DEI and the rise in overtly racist attitudes and behaviors in the United States, this book should be required reading.

Carter is adept at explaining systemic issues that we all should understand more deeply. As a biracial woman and mother, this book gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own experiences, consider how I can contribute to dismantling systemic racism and how I can teach my children to recognize and challenge it as well.

Her book offers clear, practical guidance that can be applied in everyday life, including ways to have meaningful conversations with my kids and help them grow into more aware and compassionate people. It is well written and an essential work for building the kind of America I want to live in.