It is rare that one gets the chance to meet or read in ones lifetime the originator of a new way of thinking or believing in the world of ideas. The legendary Peggy McIntosh is such a transformative figure. Her work is fundamental and foundational to our thinking on white privilege, and the subtle and myriad ways that race operates to the advantage of white folk while denying benefit and advantage to nonwhite people. She is also on par with the most gifted translators of complicated ideas and complex concepts we have had in a generation, and millions of people can trace their thinking about whiteness and privilege to her lucid and creative essays. Peggy McIntosh is a national treasure, and this powerhouse collection of her finest thinking and most brilliant reflections over the last few decades will solidly her sui generis stature as an American Original.
Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of Sociology, Georgetown University
What a gift to have this collection of Peggy McIntoshs papers! She has been a foundational leader who has already transformed our thinking and teaching, but her work will now be available to new audiences. This collection of her essays gives us her long-range view of white privilege, fraudulence, and the advancement of education through inclusion. Her work can now inspire new generations of thinkers, teachers, social justice advocates, and anyone dreaming of a more just world.
Dr. Margaret L. Andersen, Rosenberg Professor of Sociology Emerita, University of Delaware
This collection serves as a reminder that systemic power and privilege is weakened when we reignite our humanitys natural curiosity, vulnerability, and longing for one anothers well-being. Where whiteness pressures us to be experts produced by hierarchical systems and structures, these essays invite us to consider the world of knowledge we tap into when we remain grounded in one anothers life experiences and inner knowledge. This compilation is a call to co-create a more humane and connected world.
Debby Irving, Racial Justice Educator & Writer
Peggy McIntosh's transformative thought is deep, engaging, and vitally important for our times.
Hugh Vasquez, National Equity Project
These writings reveal the heart and mind of a great student of life, a great teacher, and revolutionary social thinker. Her contribution to emerging social justice discourse is incalculable.
Victor Lee Lewis, Radical Resilience Institute
