Poet Claudia Rankine’s Book ‘Just Us’ Seeks Out ‘True Conversation’ About Race

“These phrases— white fragility, white defensiveness, white
appropriation— have a habit of standing in for the complicated mess
of a true conversation." That's according to poet, playwright and
MacArthur "genius" grant recipient Claudia Rankine in her new book,
"Just Us: An American Conversation." Recounting conversations with
strangers, friends and herself about race and privilege in the
U.S., Rankine explores what might happen if we reject politeness
for riskier, more meaningful interactions. Rankine joins us to talk
about the book, the nation's current reckoning with racism and
navigating a divided nation.