John McWhorter: A Credible Writer for Making Sense of a Complex America

One of the first discussions I have about readings with my college composition students is that two common components can get in the way of understanding new readings: 1) Vocabulary, and 2) lack of Background Knowledge. (Vocabulary being helpful explains itself, but Background Knowledge is that info writers just assume you have for their average audience, though many don’t have it. BK references often sound like quick mentions or comparisons, say to Dave Chapelle’s Canceling or pulling a Ralph Nader.)

Another thing we focus on with college-level reading is credibility, bias, and trust.

For white people trying to make sense of what might feel like a changing America, for non-native Americans trying to understand why race is such an issue here, for people trying to make sense of strange politics: One voice I trust is Columbia professor and linguist John McWhorter.

Sign up for his NYTimes newsletter HERE (and see past issues here too). (These show subscriber only, but sometimes you can find these crossposted other places – google it. Or ask me and I can get it for you. OR, subscribe to the NYTimes. OR use your college’s databases to see anything the NYTimes produces.)

John McWhorter first came to my attention when I saw his name listed as a writer for one of the New York Times newsletters. Since I am a white person and I’m on a lifelong journey to learn more about race in the US, I thought I’d try McWhorter’s writing. Since 2021, for years now, he has build credibility with me as a consistently clear, engaging, sensible, and interesting writer. I learn from him regularly. (I particularly LOVED his take on television’s developing portrayals of black people and what works about HBO’s The Gilded Age.)

Those interested in making sense of the world and learning from the perspective of a black man and father should consider John McWhorter. Here’s an NPR article about a book and perspective of his.

Who do you learn from (about any topics)? Reply and tell us who you find credible and why.

POST NOTE: while doing research for this post, I scanned John McWhorter’s twitter posts for the first time. (I don’t tweet or read most tweets – who has time for that?) I was surprised to discover that he seems to have a feud with Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, a book I have read and learned from also. What does this mean exactly? I can say that I enjoy and have learned from what I’ve read of McWhorter’s NYTimes posts, but apparently, even though I think highly of him, I don’t agree with everything he believes. Some of his points I still have to consider. This is far more normal than people may realize.

Pay attention when you read. If your body says “Yes!” or “Wait, what?” that may be you’re brain reminding you to stop and think for yourself.