Identity Capitalists

"Stunning in its originality and breadth. Leong writes magnificently, using powerful examples to illustrate each point, reminding us of the need for care and authenticity."Erwin Chemerinsky, author of Constitutional Law "This book zeroes in on something we've all experienced but no one before has named, offering a new perspective on tokenism and institutional virtue signaling and uncovering the more unsettling side of racial diversity."Richard Ford, author of Universal Rights Down to Earth "Puts on display just how much we trade on identity. Whether through misguided judicial decisions, tasteless diversity schemes, or disturbing encounters, Leong shows us that the price we pay is too high."Csar Cuauhtmoc Garca Hernndez, author of Migrating to Prison "Nancy Leong moves past assumptions that the embrace of identity is always a positive good, and into a clear-eyed assessment of the ways that disingenuously instrumental use of identity displaces substantive reform and alienates Americans from each other. This is an invaluable read."Osamudia R. James, Professor of Law & Dean's Distinguished Scholar and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Community, University of Miami "A searching look at the way powerful insiders, and some outsiders, exploit identity for their own benefit. Leong pushes each of us to consider how we are all part of the system of identity capitalism."Angela Onwuachi-Willig, author of According to Our Hearts "Entertaining, accessible, and thought-provoking, this book expertly weaves the personal with the political, and individual relationships with institutional hierarchies. Instead of just exposing the prevalence and problem of identity capitalism, it helps the reader think about practical solutions."Nicole Buonocore Porter, co-author of Feminist Judgments "The term 'identity capitalism' should take its place alongside 'white fragility' and 'unconscious bias' as part of the indispensable vernacular of civil and human rights. To engage with this unanswerable critique is to see that we are all identity capitalists now."Kenji Yoshino, author of Speak Now

Nancy Leong is Professor of Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Leong's research has been featured in a variety of publications, including the Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and Salon.

Introduction: Getting Used 1. Fake Diversity 2. All-American Exploitation 3. Anxiety and Absolution 4. Identity Entrepreneurs 5. Unequal Protection 6. The Law of Identity Capitalism 7. Boycott Conclusion: We, Identity Capitalists