Why Is Our Economy So … White? (with Heather McGhee)

This week, author Heather McGhee breaks down the driving force of American economic exclusion via the swimming pool. Baratunde asks Heather about all she has learned traveling across the country to write her book, The Sum of Us. They explore the roots of wealth inequality, the true cost of racism, and why Americans have a zero-sum worldview - meaning progress for some must come at the expense of others. Guest: Heather McGhee - writer, advocate Twitter: @hmcghee Bio: Heather designs and promotes solutions to inequality in America. Her new book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together is now available from One World, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her 2020 TED talk, “Racism Has a Cost for Everyone” reached 1 million views in just two months online. In the coming year, she will launch an original podcast on how to create cross-racial solidarity in challenging times. SHOW NOTES + LINKS Go to howtocitizen.com to sign up for show news, AND (coming soon!) to start your How to Citizen Practice. Please show your support for the show in the form of a review and rating. It makes a huge difference with the algorithmic overlords! We are grateful to Heather McGhee for joining us! Follow her at @hmcghee on Twitter, or find more of her work at heathermcghee.com. ACTIONS PERSONALLY REFLECT  Where does your family fit in?    Our history is deeply rooted in the idea that one group’s gain must come at the expense of another. Reflect on your family. Has anyone expressed any of these sentiments? Where do you think it comes from? Why?  BECOME INFORMED Read the Sum of Us This book is incredible. It’s engaging, insightful, and digs deep into the hidden history of our country. Heather covers lots of ground, from the economic and racial impact of Climate Change to the Housing Crisis of ‘08. Support local bookstores and this show. You can buy it and more online at bookshop dot org slash how to citizen. https://bookshop.org/howtocitizen  PUBLICLY PARTICIPATE Fight for $15 As Heather explained, solid