Combined Destinies—Whites Sharing Grief About Racism

By beginning a conversation that encourages self-examination and compassion, "Combined Destinies" invites its readers to look at how white Americans have been hurt by the very ideology that their ancestors created. Editors Ann Todd Jealous and Caroline T. Haskell, both experienced psychotherapists skilled at facilitating dialogue about racial issues, are cognizant of the challenges that even the thought of such conversations often presents. "Combined Destinies" is based on the premise that for positive and lasting change to occur, it is necessary to open hearts as well as minds.This courageous anthology posits that unearned privilege has damaged the psyche of white people as well as their capacity to understand racism. Using intimate stories, some from writers who have never before spoken of these highly charged issues, Jealous and Haskell offer readers a chance to explore their own experiences.The book is organized thematically, with individual chapters that focus on, for example, guilt, shame, or silence. Anyone who is interested in mental health and spiritual healing would benefit from reading this book, but it s especially suitable for teachers, professors, students, social activists, members of community groups, therapists, clergy, and other members of the counseling profession.