Review of “The Souls of White Jokes: How Racist Humor Fuels White Supremacy”

Abstract

The phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a common adage in the United States that suggests that people should not be affected by verbal insults or criticism. It is typically used to respond to bullying or name-calling to deflect the insult and show that the words have not caused lasting harm. The phrase is often taught to children to encourage them to ignore hurtful comments and to develop resilience in the face of adversity. However, we must ask ourselves, if a word, phrase, or joke makes you laugh out loud or puts a smirk on your face, can it still have real consequences for those it targets as the punchline? In The Souls of White Jokes, Raúl Pérez provides a compelling explanation of how White racist jokes represent a real-time measurement where Americans can see or hear the continued subjugation and disenfranchisement of Non-Whites in the United States. More specifically, White racist jokes that focus on the stark and unfounded differences between the “races” and ethnicities within America only maintain the White supremacist status quo. Based on a thorough theory discussion and using three case studies, Pérez succinctly explains that while racist jokes may seem innocuous and, at worst, a micro-aggression, there is more to it than just jestful banter. Pérez provides new explanations and evidence demonstrating how White racist jokes do much more. Whether in the past or present, these jokes create and reaffirm existing group identities and social positions, reinforce stereotypes and discriminatory practices, and allow institutions (i.e., media) to control the discourse of racial superiority and inferiority.