The Raceless Antiracist: Why Ending Race Is the Future of Antiracism – By Dr Sheena Michele Mason

An in-depth review

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Overall Score: 9/10

Key Takeaways

Quick Review: 9/10

“How we are taught to see ourselves and others in relation with the broader society is part of the persistent impact of race/ism” – Sheena Michele Mason – The Raceless Antiracist

The Raceless Antiracist looks at the reality of race as a categorical tool to group people which is not premised upon any immutable characteristic but still has a tangible reality in society. It provides guidance for the reader to translate the meaning behind racial categories and insidious categorisations, and provides an alternative path which does not deny the reality of a clearly defined concept of race, but seeks to disarm it of the dehumanising impacts it leads to. Though from a US-centric perspective, this book engages with international differences and examples which provide value for all readers as they engage with Sheena Mason’s sociological and philosophical exploration.

In the Raceless Antiracist, Sheena Mason takes you on a journey through the establishment of racial/ist thinking and norms, translates the meaning of the concepts with fascinating case studies and robust research, and invites us to use her Togetherness Wayfinder and Racelessness Translator to navigate our interactions with racial/ist language and systems while proactively dismantling the harm they cause.

Sheena Mason establishes that there will always be a tension between the categorisation and labels we are given, those that we choose, and our true reality as an individual. Whether racial categories or more tangible characteristics such as income, education, language, etc, these categorisations will never fully encapsulate a person’s identity and should not determine the how their life is valued by society.

Reading Sheena Mason’s work has been a cognitive joy. My thinking has been affirmed, stretched, clarified, and setup with a springboard for further self-realisation and development of how I engage with others. The concept of racelessness is a discourse I am already exploring further with books recommended by friends, my own research, and Sheena Mason’s recommendations. The Raceless Antiracist is a stimulating read and where we may find frustration in lack of a ‘right answer’ or crave more clarity on what the full realisation of Sheena Mason’s vision would look like, the guidance and points enables us to collectively (re)imagine the future. A future which we can strive for, but should restrict.

The Raceless Antiracist could easily be considered a must-read, but the book will be most accessible to those with post-graduate education who may have some familiarity with this work. It is possible to use this book as a starting point, and I encourage people to do so, but would guide you towards the supporting resources in 45 day guide and perhaps finding a partner or community of readers to explore the book together.

Perhaps the group that I would most encourage to engage with this book are those intentionally engaging in equity work. Those who champion some form of DEIJ and hope to increase equity, belonging, and destabilise systemic inequity in their context. The first four chapters of the book may uncover where our work (such as desegregating data along specific categories) may actually reinforce racialisation which disadvantages individuals and prevents their self-realisation.

Both the insights from The Raceless Antiracist and my engagements with Sheena Mason’s work continue to shape my consultancy and my efforts to support communities in fostering a sense of belonging. I have a clearer framing of my commitment to person-first language and the prioritisation of context when supporting both individuals and the communities I work with.

Today, as I design training content, conduct professional DEIJ reviews, or engage in meaningful conversations and presentations, I listen more attentively to the language of those I interact with. I am also more intentional and refined in my use of categories and labels when describing individuals and groups. My ongoing decision to translate racialised language into the specific characteristics and expressions I am referring to has been further bolstered and reinforced by Sheena Mason’s work.

The Raceless Antiracist is an enlightening and affirming book with appropriately unresolved and personal elements that will continue to mature over the years.

Detailed review:

Readability – 7/10

The printed book is quite dense both in print size and the reading age of the writing. The 200 page length of the initial book is deceptive and may take longer than expected to complete. The writing style is fluid and revisits the central theme frequently which leads to a smooth read that does not demand much highlighting or notetaking, but there are many ‘quotables’ or sentences that may resonate with you so I encourage having a pen handy.

The language used in the book is academic and assumes at least entry-level knowledge though key terms and acronyms are clearly explained. While the book is well-structured overall, certain chapters may resonate deeply with you or provide eye-opening insights which can stand alone, leading you to revisit them. Conversely, those familiar with the topics may find some chapters more straightforward or comfortable to read quickly.

DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) awareness – 10/10

Sheena Mason’s book is, in my opinion, continues the discourse of the next evolution of DEIJ work. The Raceless Antiracist is a significant development of DEIJ approaches which truly dismantle the dehumanising aspects of categorisation and reimagines the future.

As is the case with all writing, even that which aims for equity, Sheena Mason’s work begins from her personal experience and her lived context. This means that US-centric theming is present and acknowledged. This is not detrimental to the book when you are aware of this and interpret sections of the book as such, while critically applying the learning and presentation of understanding to your context.

Thankfully, Sheena Mason expertly brings in a range of examples and research that bring in international scope and consideration but it would still be limiting for a non-US practitioner to expect that the raw conclusions of this work will transpose perfectly and unedited to every context. Yet, as a very recent release, it is a brilliant starting point with Sheena Mason not attempting to overreach with the impact that she hopes her work to have.

Applicability: Work – 9/10

The Raceless Antiracist is supported in the final chapters with a wealth of guidance, reflective questions and considerations that can be immediately applied. These range from distinct actions in the reading guide to suggestions interwoven throughout the book. There is a visualisation of the Togetherness Wayfinder at the start of the book and the concluding chapter details two main steps for us to apply our learning. Yet I would suggest that the thinking the book guides you through will gift you a new lens through which to view the world.

There is a clear focus on application and it is up to you to realise racelessness in the way that makes most sense in your context based on the guidance you have received.

Applicability: Life – 10/10

The Raceless Antiracist has been central to conversations I have had with close friends, colleagues, clients, and even random events in life. The irrefutable impact on my perspective and refinement of how I have sought to express myself and help people to understand my approach to life has been immediate and freeing. Empowered is a word too readily thrown around and too basal in its meaning – The Raceless Antiracist has supported my journey to liberate my expression of self, voice my identity, and why I identify in that way. This book offers guidance to help you reflect on how you approach and engage with your identity and how you are identified.

Classroom use – 8/10

Though The Raceless Antiracist is not designed for direct classroom work, the reading guide and the applicability of specific sections to the work done in the Social Sciences is undeniable. For direct use, this book would be suitable for perhaps using an extended quote or case study example when looking at the use of categorisation in social data for >16 year old students. For younger students, the learning from this book will present itself more in the planning and structuring of teaching and resources presented to students and perhaps structural and policy-level considerations at the school, supporting the inclusion of deeper and liberating perspectives.

Reading Speed – Deep and reflective

I am a strong proponent of note-taking yet The Raceless Antiracist had me doing far more pondering and reflection than direct note-taking. If anything, giving yourself time and space when you read to sit with yourself and consider interactions that you may have had that you can now look at or engage with differently, is the most important space to have. This is not a quick read or a rushed read. Having read the book slowly and intentionally myself, I have created space to revisit the book by sharing it with friends so that we can go through it together and so that as they share with me their thoughts and insights, I can further refine my engagement with the ideas from the book. The Raceless Antiracist may challenge and inspire, thus space must be given for the new learning to take root and for you to intentional engage with your new perspectives.

Reading order – Beginning to end

I strongly recommend an initial beginning-to-end read. Find where the different angles that Sheena Mason takes most resonate with you and then grow from there, revisit, discuss, and let your new perspectives take root.

Uniqueness – Seed-planting for the uninitiated and rapid growth for the experienced.

The Raceless Antiracist is a rich, complex, but welcoming reimagining of how the world can be engaged with. Chapters may challenge and inspire, enabling a new growth of ideas and perspectives, and a great refinement and restructuring of existing expertise and experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and will continue to recommend and incorporate it into my work as I move forward from the pages with new ideas and directions.