Super Short Summary

The Possessive Investment in Whiteness by George Lipsitz is a collection of essays exploring the racial hierarchy in American society that advantages white individuals by combining private prejudice and public policy. Lipsitz investigates the historical and contemporary mechanisms of institutionalized racism affecting housing, employment, education, and beyond, arguing that seemingly race-neutral policies perpetuate white supremacy. The book also examines media representation, alliances among racial minorities, and the intersection of race with other factors like class, sexual orientation, and gender. Topics include racism, racist brutality, and murder.