Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?

Steve Phillips examines the vast overrepresentation of white men in positions of power and wealth in the United States, arguing that structural preferences and active bias — not superior ability — explain the disparities.

Using data points such as white men comprising 29% of the population yet holding the vast majority of CEO, venture capital, and investment-management positions, he reframes the debate from defending DEI to challenging the underlying inequality.

Phillips traces historical policies and contemporary practices that have perpetuated racialized access to resources, and urges progressives to 'play offense' politically to win concrete reforms.

He situates the book in the post–George Floyd moment and the subsequent rollback of racial-justice commitments, offering policy questions and organizing strategies.

The book combines history, data, and political prescription to argue for systemic change toward a multiracial democracy.