The Sum of Us

What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

by Heather McGhee

4.8(4,997 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book reveals how racism in the United States doesn't just harm communities of color, but undermines the well-being of everyone. By examining deep-rooted economic policies, pervasive myths, and real-life stories, it shows how addressing racial injustices benefits entire communities. Expect to discover how the concept of a zero-sum mentality has shaped certain policies, why public goods have been undermined, and how a renewed emphasis on solidarity can rewrite our collective future.

Introduction

Imagine the simple joy of a community swimming pool on a hot day. Now picture that pool being drained rather than shared with Black neighbors. This stark image captures the book’s central argument: racism harms not just people of color, but entire communities.

From segregated housing to underfunded schools, the refusal to extend public goods to everyone has led to countless white people losing out, too. By focusing on zero-sum thinking—where one group’s gain is assumed to be another’s loss—the book sheds light on why many resist policies that would help everyone.

Yet, hope shines through. America’s diversity is its greatest strength, and the idea of a “Solidarity Dividend” is highlighted as a testament to what can happen when communities band together across racial lines. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper dive into how zero-sum narratives took hold and how we can break free.

The Zero-Sum Trap

A major theme is the idea of a zero-sum mindset: the belief that any economic or social gain by people of color automatically means a loss for white communities. This notion has deep historical roots, dating back to the era of slavery and justifying hierarchies that persist today.

Politicians for decades have stoked the fear that new rights or benefits for marginalized groups will steal resources from white voters. As a result, many white Americans have voted against policies—like expanded healthcare or fair wages—that would have personally helped them.

Research shows how this anxiety is regularly amplified in election campaigns. Shifting demographics have triggered new waves of concern about losing status, but it is an illusion. The same laws and public goods that uplift historically oppressed groups can also raise the standard of living for everyone.

Rejecting zero-sum thinking allows communities to unite and claim benefits that truly reach all.

Looking to dive deeper into The Sum of Us?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is The Sum of Us about?

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee is a profound exploration of the economic and social implications of racism in the United States. McGhee delves into the pervasive zero-sum paradigm—the misguided belief that gains for people of color somehow equate to losses for white individuals. Stretching across history and into modern policies, she reveals how this mindset not only harms communities of color but also disadvantages white communities by depriving them of shared public goods and progress.

McGhee's narrative is woven with real-life stories and comprehensive research, illustrating the far-reaching impact of discriminatory policies. From drained public swimming pools to eroded public facilities, the book highlights the self-sabotage that occurs when one segment of the population is denied access to shared resources. By challenging the zero-sum thinking, McGhee unveils the concept of the "Solidarity Dividend," demonstrating how cooperative and inclusive action can lead to tangible benefits for all citizens, fostering unity, prosperity, and progress.

Review of The Sum of Us

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee presents a compelling argument: racism divides us all, and overcoming it can unlock collective economic and social growth. McGhee’s key strength lies in her ability to connect complex economic policies with everyday community experiences, making the book both informative and relatable. Her examination of the zero-sum mindset provides valuable insights into why communities vote against their own interests, offering practical applications for shifting societal paradigms.

McGhee's writing is both accessible and engaging, employing a narrative that weaves personal stories with scholarly analysis to make her case deeply resonant. The book’s ability to target misconceptions about race and economic policy positions it as a vital read for anyone interested in understanding the true costs of division. Readers of all backgrounds will find that the diverse examples and historical context enrich their understanding of how systemic inequality plays out in daily life.

Ultimately, The Sum of Us serves as an essential guide for those seeking to break free from the shackles of racial resentment and work towards a unified, prosperous future. Its focus on solidarity as a vessel for change makes it highly relevant in today's socio-political climate. McGhee's recommendation is clear—it is only through collective action transcending racial barriers that we can achieve broader societal gains and a more equitable society for all.

Who should read The Sum of Us?

Policy makers and social activists interested in racial equity and economic justice, as the book provides enlightening perspectives on historical and current economic policies.
Educators and students of American history and social studies, who would benefit from the extensive research and narratives provided, which elucidate the interplay between race, policy, and societal development.
Community leaders and organizers looking for practical strategies to foster cross-racial solidarity and understanding, helping to inform campaigns or local initiatives.
Individuals interested in socioeconomic topics who are seeking to understand the broader impact of racial issues on community well-being and public resources.
Readers invested in cultivating empathy and cultural awareness, as this book offers a thought-provoking examination of how racial issues are interconnected with social processes.

About the author

Heather McGhee is a renowned expert in economic and social policy, with a focus on inequality and racial justice. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law. With nearly two decades of experience, McGhee has drafted legislation, testified before Congress, and contributed regularly to news shows including NBC’s Meet the Press. She is the former president of the think tank Demos and currently chairs the board of Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization.