Higher Ground : Morality and Humanity in the Evolving Politics of Race

The author analyzes the history and politics of racism from a humanistic, moral perspective. This analysis shows shared moral conviction--a higher ground--can lead to meaningful action on racism.

As quickly as an American, anti-racist consensus formed in the wake of George Floyd’s death, it seemed to evaporate under the pressures of a highly polarized political system. How do we escape the trap of polarization to reconstruct a consensus for meaningful action against racism? In this book, the lessons of history, problems understanding modern racism, and American political parties’ approaches to racism are analyzed from a person-centered, psychological perspective. The author prioritizes arguments and research findings that emphasize humanity and carry “moral weight:” the perspective must demonstrate how racism violates our fundamental sense of right and wrong. The author''s analysis of research and history concludes that morality, humanity, and racism are interrelated and mutually influential. The author shows that moral conviction against racism increases the likelihood of meaningful change; this conviction is nurtured through a deeper understanding of the human costs of racism for all Americans. This is the path to higher ground where Americans can unite to pursue true equality.