Please join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a discussion of physician Jonathan M. Metzl’s book “Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland.” This week’s discussion will cover the first section: Missouri. 

Talking to support groups in St. Girardeau for families who have lost someone to gun suicide, Dr. Metzl discovers a consistent but puzzling message: the loss of their loved ones is tragic, but the gun is not to blame. This first section of the book argues that changes to gun legislation in Missouri have led to an increase in firearm suicides, particularly among white men. To make the case, Dr. Metzl reviews the history of gun laws in Missouri, the difficulties associated with conducting accurate research into firearm deaths, and the recent politics of gun legislation.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion has 50 copies of the book available for those who wish to take part in the discussion. If you wish to purchase your own copy, Left Bank Books currently has the book available at a 20% discount as part of its Reading Group Pick program for the month of March.  Please indicate on the registration form if you would like a book and a preferred method of receiving the book, to campus or home address.

Please register to attend a discussion/s of your choice taking place in March, April and May.  The discussions will cover three sections dedicated to a specific example from three different states, Missouri, Tennessee and Kansas.

Part one: Missouri (Firearms)

Monday, April 11, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, April 14, 2022,  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Part Two: Tennessee (Health Care)

Monday, May 2, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, May 5, 2022 , 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Part Three: Kansas (Government Programs)

Monday, TBD  1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, TBD, 2022, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, at least one week before the event, please contact the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu.