I woke this morning to an email from Bookshop letting me know your book was en route. Huzzah! I'm really looking forward to reading it because, honestly, I think it may help me understand my (very earnest, well meaning) parents a little better, which is timely since I'm writing my own book in which Whiteness features prominently. I could…
I woke this morning to an email from Bookshop letting me know your book was en route. Huzzah! I'm really looking forward to reading it because, honestly, I think it may help me understand my (very earnest, well meaning) parents a little better, which is timely since I'm writing my own book in which Whiteness features prominently. I could probably use more compassion, so thank you in advance.
Your being featured on the Black Studies shelf also reminded me of a story about my dad, which pertains, I think. He was a self-published poet, and also a talented amateur portrait photographer. And also a little clueless. So, he sent me (maybe 15-20 years ago now) a copy of his latest book and I flipped it over to the back to find a great picture he'd taken of Nelson Mandela years ago right where the author photo should go. I couldn't help myself. I snorted, and exclaimed, "Oh, look Dad! You're a Black guy now!" At first he didn't get it (clueless) and then he got defensive and I thought, Wow. I get that you get to do what you like (self-publishing and all). But you can't actually totally ignore the systems of power and privilege in which you move and the way shit works. SIGH.
There is soooo much in that story isn't there? Asha, this whole message makes me very excited for the stories you're working on writing right now. That balancing act-- the holding affection and critique at the same time-- is a mess of a challenge, isn't it?
I woke this morning to an email from Bookshop letting me know your book was en route. Huzzah! I'm really looking forward to reading it because, honestly, I think it may help me understand my (very earnest, well meaning) parents a little better, which is timely since I'm writing my own book in which Whiteness features prominently. I could probably use more compassion, so thank you in advance.
Your being featured on the Black Studies shelf also reminded me of a story about my dad, which pertains, I think. He was a self-published poet, and also a talented amateur portrait photographer. And also a little clueless. So, he sent me (maybe 15-20 years ago now) a copy of his latest book and I flipped it over to the back to find a great picture he'd taken of Nelson Mandela years ago right where the author photo should go. I couldn't help myself. I snorted, and exclaimed, "Oh, look Dad! You're a Black guy now!" At first he didn't get it (clueless) and then he got defensive and I thought, Wow. I get that you get to do what you like (self-publishing and all). But you can't actually totally ignore the systems of power and privilege in which you move and the way shit works. SIGH.
Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you.
There is soooo much in that story isn't there? Asha, this whole message makes me very excited for the stories you're working on writing right now. That balancing act-- the holding affection and critique at the same time-- is a mess of a challenge, isn't it?
Amen to that! It sure is. But worth it to attempt, I have to believe.