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Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Jonathan M. Metzl

Dying of Whiteness

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

American Midwest • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland, Jonathan M. Metzl explores how certain political decisions, influenced by racial resentment, negatively impact health and well-being in America's heartland. The book examines the intersections of healthcare, gun policies, and education, highlighting the unintended consequences for individuals in these communities.

Informative

Unnerving

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

7,640 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan M. Metzl examines the self-destructive impact of racial resentment policies in the U.S. heartland. Positive reviews emphasize its compelling research and timely topic. Criticisms note its dense academic style may deter general readers. Overall, it's a thought-provoking analysis of healthcare and social policies shaped by racial dynamics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dying of Whiteness?

A reader interested in Dying of Whiteness likely enjoys exploring the intersection of politics, race, and healthcare. Similar audiences appreciate Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance and White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, valuing deep sociopolitical analysis and commentary.

4.4

7,640 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Jonathan M. Metzl

An American author and psychiatrist who explores the intersection of whiteness, racial anxiety, and public health, drawing from his experiences growing up in Missouri and conducting research across the Midwest and South.

Individuals from Missouri who have lost loved ones to gun death by suicide, many of whom support certain gun restrictions despite advocating for gun rights, reflecting a nuanced perspective on gun ownership.

White and African American men in focus groups discussing health and healthcare issues in Tennessee, revealing differing views on communal responsibility and racial anxieties.

Individuals involved in Kansas's public school system, who express mixed reactions to Governor Brownback’s economic policies and illustrate support for quality education amidst political contradictions.

The 45th President of the United States, whose campaign and presidency serve as a backdrop in the research, highlighting themes of racial resentment and the political and social anxieties of white Americans.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

American Midwest • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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