Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan M. Metzl examines the self-destructive impact of racial resentment policies in the U.S. heartland. Positive reviews emphasize its compelling research and timely topic. Criticisms note its dense academic style may deter general readers. Overall, it's a thought-provoking analysis of healthcare and social policies shaped by racial dynamics.

A reader interested in Dying of Whiteness likely enjoys exploring the intersection of politics, race, and healthcare. Similar audiences appreciate Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance and White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, valuing deep sociopolitical analysis and commentary.

In Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland, Jonathan M. Metzl explores how certain political decisions, influenced by racial resentment, negatively impact health and well-being in America's heartland. The book examines the intersections of healthcare, gun policies, and education, highlighting the unintended consequences for individuals in these communities.

Informative / Unnerving / Dark / Challenging / Contemplative

- Dying of Whiteness was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award in 2020, recognizing its profound examination of social justice and human rights issues.
- The author, Jonathan M. Metzl, is a renowned psychiatrist and sociologist who has received widespread acclaim for his research on the intersection of race and health.
- Metzl's work in Dying of Whiteness explores the impact of policies and cultural factors on public health, contributing to academic and policy discussions nationwide.

**Jonathan M. Metzl**  
An American author and psychiatrist who explores the intersection of whiteness, racial anxiety, and public health, drawing from his experiences growing up in Missouri and conducting research across the Midwest and South.

**Missouri Interview Subjects**  
Individuals from Missouri who have lost loved ones to gun death by suicide, many of whom support certain gun restrictions despite advocating for gun rights, reflecting a nuanced perspective on gun ownership.

**Tennessee Interview Subjects**  
White and African American men in focus groups discussing health and healthcare issues in Tennessee, revealing differing views on communal responsibility and racial anxieties.

**Kansas Interview Subjects**  
Individuals involved in Kansas's public school system, who express mixed reactions to Governor Brownback’s economic policies and illustrate support for quality education amidst political contradictions.

**Donald Trump**  
The 45th President of the United States, whose campaign and presidency serve as a backdrop in the research, highlighting themes of racial resentment and the political and social anxieties of white Americans.

Jonathan M. Metzl

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Missouri”

Introduction-Part 1

Dying of Whiteness Introduction-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Tennessee”

Part 2 Dying of Whiteness Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Kansas”

Part 3 Dying of Whiteness Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Conclusion-Afterword

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Key Figures

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Themes

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Dying of Whiteness Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland

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