Book Being Reviewed:
Jensen, R. (2005). The heart of whiteness: confronting race, racism, and white privilege. San Francisco, CA: City Lights.

Reviewer:
Jaime Castillo

Genre:
Other

Subject Headings:
Multicultural/Cross-Cultural Issues, Racial/Ethnic Identity, Racial/Ethnic Politics, Social Justice

Review:
The Heart of Whiteness, Confronting Race, Racism, and White Privilege provides a critical lens to race and color in America. Jensen describes America as a “White Supremacist” society, a nation whose ideology was founded on perpetual denigration and exploitation of non-white groups (i.e. indigenous people, Africans, and non-white immigrants). Jensen deconstructs established myths of racism and white privilege, and highlights the hesitancy and fears of members of White society in acknowledging the presence of systemic and institutional racism in everyday American life. Jensen moves from engaging in a critical analysis of white supremacy in America, to the emotional relationship white individuals have in rationalizing it. Anger, guilt, and fear are a few of the emotions Jensen highlights that are experienced by white individuals that ultimately justify white supremacy over non-white groups. Throughout the text, Jenson models vulnerability and how to continue to strive for interpersonal development and cultural awareness. Skills that make this text a must read for counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators as they continue to develop as culturally competent practitioners and advocates for social justice.

This book can be used by counselors educators to critically reflect on their own narratives and experiences pertaining to white privilege. Similarly, counselor educators can integrate this text into courses (multicultural, theories, counseling skills, practicum) to encourage emerging counselors to do the same. Practicing counselors and supervisors can use this book to continue their development and practice as social justice advocates for the clients and communities they serve.