Tragic Investment

America’s investment in race and racial oppression was central to its early years as a nation—a theme that dates back to Europe’s earliest colonial efforts in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the contemporary consequences for communities of color are clear: Numerous studies routinely quantify racial disparities in virtually every social arena. But are there negative consequences of this historical investment for white people?

Addington explores the weighty topic while seeking to answer questions such as:

• How do we repair the damage done to communities as a result of our racial history?

• Is racial oppression related to our ability to respond to ecological challenges?

• Does our investment in racial oppression jeopardize our nation’s future?

Addington suggests that racism harms us all, and he pays particular attention to the subtle ways white people are damaged. He also suggests that race sabotages the nation’s capacity to negotiate the challenges the future poses.  Explore how overcoming racism and shaping a sustainable, resilient society are bound together in Tragic Investment.

The four-part series focuses each session on one part of the book:

Session One: Introduction and Part One – Race and Why it Matters. This section of the book is foundational; it provides basic definitions and descriptions that underlie the remainder of the book. 

Session Two: the European Imperial-Colonial Enterprise. This section provides the historical context for our conversation about race and US society. It illustrates the centrality of racial oppression in our historical development, as well as our current day. 

Session Three: the Cost of White Supremacy. This section of the book is the keystone. It is especially (but not solely) addressed to white progressive activists who are committed to racial and social justice

Session Four: Reparation – the Portal to the Future and Conclusion. This final section is intended to help readers imagine a trans-racial future and discern the challenges before us; it links racial justice and ecological reparation together.   

James Addington, book author, will lead this study:  April 6 and 20; May 4 and 18.  If you are interested in participating, email James at InaRja@comcast.net and he will send you a Zoom link.