We're All White Thanks: The Persisting Myth About 'White' Schools - Softcover

Gaine, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1858563453 ISBN 13: 9781858563459

Publisher: Trentham Books Ltd, 2005

Pupils' and teachers' perspectives on race are changing, particularly in regions where white people have little first hand contact with ethnic minority people. Continuing the theme he first explored in his ground-breaking books "No Problem Here" and "Still No Problem Here" in the 1980s and 90s, Chris Gaine explores recent ideas and strategies that support those seeking positive change in schools and communities. The author revisits the old evidence of the misconceptions and prejudice that prevail in white areas and compares this with current views. He makes a convincing case for tackling the issues and devotes most of the book to moving things forward. His chapter on words, concepts and definitions is illuminating, and he rolls out past history to show why even though countering racism is never easy in white areas, it can - and has been - done. The remaining chapters are designed to support everyone working in education who is concerned to further racial justice and social cohesion through schools. They cover: suggestions for training; resources; and developing policies and strategies.

Review:

"This is a very interesting analysis from a writer who has been at the forefront of anti-racist work for many years. I like his honesty, not least in the conclusion, where he warns that anybody working in this area will make mistakes that make them cringe. However, we need people with the courage and imagination to go for it if we are to free young people from the uncritical acceptance of racist myths." (Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education 28:2, 297-300)

About the Author:

Professor Chris Gaine is Chair of Social Policy at University College, Chichester and creator of the race equality site for children and young people: www.britkid.org

• Publisher: Trentham Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1858563453
• ISBN 13: 9781858563459
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 196