Inside the Framework

August 5, 2026 - 21:29

A new book co-authored by Teachers College professor Derald Wing Sue and alumna Lisa Beth Spanierman takes a hard look at the cyclical nature of racial tension in America. Titled Breaking the Deadly Dance of Racism, the work digs into the patterns that keep racial groups locked in conflict, often without either side fully understanding their role in the loop. Sue, a leading voice in multicultural psychology, and Spanierman, now a professor at Arizona State University, argue that these interactions are not just about individual prejudice but about a learned, reactive choreography that plays out in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday encounters.

The book builds on decades of research into microaggressions and implicit bias, but it pushes further. The authors describe a "dance" where one group's defensive moves trigger the other's guarded responses, and neither party can step back to see the bigger picture. They suggest that breaking the cycle requires more than awareness. It demands a willingness to sit with discomfort, to listen without planning a rebuttal, and to acknowledge historical wounds that still shape present-day behavior.

What sets this work apart is its practical focus. Each chapter includes reflection prompts and real-world scenarios, making it useful for educators, therapists, and community leaders. The authors stress that change does not start with policy alone but with individuals who are ready to examine their own footwork. The book is out now from Teachers College Press, offering a timely resource for anyone tired of the same old steps.