The Marginalized Majority: Claiming Our Power in a Post-Truth America
Melville House Books, July 2018
“[One of the] most significant, fiery books of the year… a masterfully concise work of activism.” – Kirkus
“We have the numbers, strength, and vision to beat back the resurgent right and set a new people’s agenda. But it won’t happen until we start telling new stories about change, shedding the tired ones that have silenced and demoralized us. This book is a daring intervention to get us back in the game — and a witty, delightfully personal meditation on collective power.”—Naomi Klein, author of No is Not Enough and This Changes Everything
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Ever since the 2016 election, pundits have been saying our country has never been more divided — that if progressives want to reclaim power, we need to be “pragmatic,” reach across the aisle, and look past identity politics.
But what if we’re getting the story all wrong?
In The Marginalized Majority, Onnesha Roychoudhuri makes the galvanizing case that our voices are already the majority — and that our plurality of identities is not only our greatest strength, but is also at the indisputable core of successful progressive change throughout history.
From the Civil Rights Movement to the Women’s March, Saturday Night Live to the mainstream media, Roychoudhuri holds the myths about our disenfranchisement up to the light, illuminating narratives from history that reveal we have far more power than we’re often led to believe. With both clear-eyed hope and electrifying power, she examines our ideas about what’s possible, and what’s necessary — opening up space for action, new realities, and, ultimately, survival.
Now, Roychoudhuri urges us, is the time to fight like the majority we already are.
Praise for The Marginalized Majority
“A powerful discussion about identity politics in an increasingly progressive and diverse society.” —Bookriot
“A stirring defense of ‘identity politics’ and the need to reclaim narratives as well as a powerful account of the transformation of a journalist into an activist … Combines the reporting chops of an experienced journalist with literary flair and a conversational, common-sense approach that seems far more heartfelt than dogmatic … There have been plenty of books covering similar territory—and there will be many more in the years to come—but rarely are they as persuasive and engaging as this one.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“Aims to reclaim the term while also making a compelling case for how minorities can harness their political power and elect legislators who reflect our interests.” —Bitch
“In The Marginalized Majority, journalist Onnesha Roychoudhuri reflects on how marginalized people hold the power to alter the course of history.” – Colorlines
“A timely reminder of who shaped American history in its darkest moments — not the entitled minority, but the marginalized majority. This is a deep meditation on #MeToo, American racism, and the power of truth-tellers, in the company of someone who can shut down a subway bigot by leading a traincar of people in song. Give this book to anyone who could do with a jolt of that kind of creativity, intellect, and joy.” —Raj Patel, co-author of A History of the World In Seven Cheap Things
“At last, the book we’ve been needing: Onnesha Roychoudhuri elegantly dismantles the myths surrounding identity politics, offering a fresh and clear-eyed vision of democratic renewal. A vital call to action and connection, The Marginalized Majority shows the far-reaching power we can have if we’re bold enough to claim it.” —L.A. Kauffman, author of Direct Action and How to Read a Protest
“This book is a clear-eyed pep talk for those who stand on the brink of despair and a welcome reminder that a new, true majority has the potential to rise up and change the world.” —Astra Taylor, author of The People’s Platform