How to Argue With a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don’t) Say About Human Difference

Product Description
This authoritative debunking of racist claims that masquerade as “genetics” is a timely weapon against the misuse of science to justify bigotry—now in paperback
Race is not a biological reality.
Racism thrives on our not knowing this.
In fact, racist pseudoscience has become so commonplace that it can be hard to spot. But its toxic effects on society are plain to see: rising nationalism, simmering hatred, lost lives, and divisive discourse. Since cutting-edge genetics are difficult to grasp—and all too easy to distort—even well-intentioned people repeat stereotypes based on “science.” But the real science tells a different story: The more researchers learn about who we are and where we come from, the clearer it becomes that our racial divides have nothing to do with observable genetic differences. The bestselling author of
A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived explains in this explosive, essential guide to the DNA we all share.
Review
An International Bestseller •
One of New Scientist’s 13 Best Science and Technology Books of 2020 •
A
Goodreads Choice Awards Best Book of 2020, Science & Technology, Runner Up •
One of BBC Science Focus Magazine’s 28 Best Nonfiction Books of 2020 •
One of Big Think’s 10 Best Science and Technology Books of 2020 • A Daily Telegraph Book of the Year
“A fascinating and timely refutation of the casual racism on the rise around the world. The ultimate anti-racism guide.”
—Caroline Criado Perez, author of
Invisible Women
“A fascinating debunking of racial pseudoscience . . . engaging and enlightening.”
—Manjit Kumar, The Guardian
“Nobody deals with challenging subjects more interestingly and compellingly than Adam Rutherford, and this may be his best book yet. This is a seriously important work.”
—Bill Bryson
“This book [shows] that race is biologically meaningless and that modern genetic science is a racist’s worst enemy, [revealing] that you are related to royalty, that every Nazi had Jewish ancestors and that you share no DNA with half your ancestors. An essential book on a critical issue.”—
David Olusoga, professor of public history at the University of Manchester
“Smashes race myths that plague society.”
—Layal Liverpool, New Scientist
“[Proves] that the concept of ‘race’ has no basis in science . . . an excellent overview of human genetics.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A book that could save lives.”—
Kathryn Paige Harden, The Spectator
“Rutherford equips readers with the tools to discredit the prejudices of both racists and well-intentioned people. Despite its fraught history, scientists’ understanding of genes has long since converged on one truth: race, while very real as a social construct, has no foundation in science.”—
Scott Hershberger,
Scientific American
“Short but impactful. . . . Rutherford’s work provides ample ammunition to anyone wishing to use science to combat racial stereotypes.”—
Publishers Weekly
“Bringing together compelling stories, irreverent humor, and informed science reporting, Rutherford debunks some of the most pernicious myths and fallacies about race. . . . Recommended. All readers.”—
Choice
“Essential reading in an age of false science, resurgent racism, and conspiracy theory—and the perfect antidote to racial bigotry.”
—Simon Sebag Montefiore, historian and author of
The Romanovs
“As timely as it is invigorating and important.”
—Peter Frankopan, professor of global history at the University of Oxford
“Lucid, enlightening, witty, and delightful.”
—Kate Fox, codirector of the Social Issues Research Centre
“A counter-blast to those who would use science to justify prejudice.”
—Tom Gatti,
New Statesman
“Timely and accessible.”
—The Bookseller
, Editor’s Choice
“Remarkable. . . . The reader is provided the fascinating scientific weaponry to confidently take on questions about race, genes, ancestry. Ultimately, Rutherford’s book is a challenge against the manipulation, misrepr