New Books in Critical Theory cover image

New Books in Critical Theory

Michael Rosino, "Democracy Is Awkward: Grappling with Racism Inside American Grassroots Political Organizing" (UNC Press, 2025)

Apr 21, 2025
Michael Rosino, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Milloy University and author, dives into the complexities of racial dynamics in grassroots political organizing. He discusses how well-meaning progressive groups often struggle with truly inclusive practices and share insights from ethnographic research on these organizations. Rosino highlights the resistance faced by individuals of color advocating for equity and the necessity of multiracial coalitions. His thought-provoking exploration urges a reevaluation of leadership structures within these movements to foster genuine change.
28:19

Episode guests

Michael Rosino

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Grassroots political organizations often struggle to achieve racial equity due to the predominance of white leadership and power dynamics.
  • The concept of 'racial awkwardness' highlights the tension between professed anti-racist values and the actual practices within progressive organizations.

Deep dives

The Motivation Behind 'Democracy is Awkward'

The author explores the complexities of grassroots political organizing in the context of racial politics, highlighting the disconnect between the ideals of progressive organizations and their predominantly white leadership. This research emanated from a desire to understand how grassroots efforts, ostensibly aimed at racial equality, often perpetuate the same structures of political exclusion they claim to combat. By observing local chapters of a progressive organization over 15 months, the author sought to unpack the everyday dynamics that cultivate a 'white consensus', where decisions are largely made by individuals who are comfortable and familiar with each other, sidelining diverse voices. The study's central question revolved around how these organizations navigate the challenges of inclusivity while maintaining power dynamics that reinforce racial inequities.

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