During this close reading group, we will take time to unpack the central ideas of this book, discuss how they relate to our own experiences and what the implications could be for how to operate in our society in a more critically aware, supportive and inclusive way. 

To state the obvious: this is a book club and we strongly encourage you to read the book in advance to ground the discussion. If you are having trouble finding the book, or if you can't afford it, do contact us.

The session will be in Studio Babel, including tea/coffee/juice (welcome to also bring your own drinks). Participants are welcome to stay for soup and snacks after (donations welcome). 

To follow the mailing list for the reading group, send a message to Feminist-reading-subscribe@lists.riseup.net 

In White Innocence Gloria Wekker explores a central paradox of Dutch culture: the passionate denial of racial discrimination and colonial violence coexisting alongside aggressive racism and xenophobia. Accessing a cultural archive built over 400 years of Dutch colonial rule, Wekker fundamentally challenges Dutch racial exceptionalism by undermining the dominant narrative of the Netherlands as a "gentle" and "ethical" nation. Wekker analyzes the Dutch media's portrayal of black women and men, the failure to grasp race in the Dutch academy, contemporary conservative politics (including gay politicians espousing anti-immigrant rhetoric), and the controversy surrounding the folkloric character Black Pete, showing how the denial of racism and the expression of innocence safeguards white privilege. Wekker uncovers the postcolonial legacy of race and its role in shaping the white Dutch self, presenting the contested, persistent legacy of racism in the country.

About The Author: Gloria Wekker is Professor Emeritus of Gender Studies at Utrecht University and the author of several books, including The Politics of Passion: Women's Sexual Culture in the Afro-Surinamese Diaspora.