White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color

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A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of Fall

"In her debut book, journalist Ruby Hamad explores the connections between white feminism and white supremacy . . . In breaking down examples from history, as well as from her own life as an Arab woman working in Australian media, Hamad offers a haunting but powerful reading of white feminism and its lasting impacts on marginalized communities." ––Annabel Gutterman, TIME, 1 of 9 New Books You Should Read This Month

"[A] must-read." ―Keely Weiss, A Harper's Bazaar Best Book of the Year

"Exactly the kind of book that every ally needs to read right now." ―Laura Hanrahan, Cosmopolitan, A Best Nonfiction Book of the Year

"Hamad offers a comprehensive look at the ways in which women of color have been dismissed by society . . . This book should be considered required reading." ―Lauren LeBlanc, The Observer, A Best New Book of Fall

"[A] provocative exploration of the ways―both historic and current―that white women have been dangerous agents of white supremacy . . . Hamad is a rigorous historical reporter and a powerful storyteller, and her work in White Tears/Brown Scars will leave readers appropriately unsettled, enraged, and urged to take action against the Amy Coopers of the world." ––Kristin Iversen, Refinery29

"[A] commanding debut . . . searing and effective." ―Arianna Rebolini, BuzzFeed

"Amid a sea of recent books about white women's commitment to white supremacy, White Tears/Brown Scars stands out." ––Bitch

”With scholarly but highly engaging prose, Hamad details white women’s roles in oppression across continents, a much-needed history lesson for those inclined to reduce racism to individual behavior . . . For readers truly interested in dismantling white supremacy, this is a must-read. An extraordinary book for anyone who wishes to pay more than lip service to truly inclusive, intersectional feminism." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"An incisive book of history and cultural commentary with a wide scope." ―Casey Stepaniuk, Autostraddle

”An impactful book of history and cultural criticism that argues white feminism―from Australia to Zimbabwe―has been a weapon of white supremacy and patriarchy deployed against women of color." ―The Good Trade

"White Tears/Brown Scars belongs in twenty-first-century feminist canon. It's grounded in deep historical context, yet thoroughly of the present. It makes bold intellectual arguments, but is extremely readable and grounded in human experience. If you are a white woman, it may make for uncomfortable reading: this book takes the most precise scalpel to the way that white women leverage race and gender of any book that I've read. If you are a woman of color, perhaps it will make you feel seen. If you are a man, read it for your own education! Hamad has written a truly exceptional, agenda-setting work." ―Rachel Hills, author of The Sex Myth

“An essential guide for those who want to be truly intersectional in their feminism. Ruby Hamad skillfully distills history, academic research, and lived experiences of women of color to create an engaging inquiry into white supremacy and the role of white women within it." ―Zeba Talkhani, author of My Past Is a Foreign Country

RUBY HAMAD is a journalist, author, and academic completing a Ph.D. in media studies at UNSW (Australia). Her Guardian article, ‘How White Women Use Strategic Tears to Silence Women of Color,’ became a global flashpoint for discussions of white feminism and racism and inspired her debut book, White Tears/Brown Scars, which has received critical acclaim in her home country of Australia. Her writing has also featured in Prospect Magazine, The New Arab, and more. She splits her time between Sydney and New York.