I am reading Just Us: An American Conversation. I am still reading, or actually listening to this book, but so far I am enjoying it. This book is a mix of funny, real, and sad. Before reading this book, I assumed the conversations with friends, colleagues, or her students. No, she is having these conversations with strangers. Strangers she is sitting next to on planes or in lobbies. I was shocked by this because I would be way too nervous to start such conversations about pretty sensitive topics with strangers. However, Rankine did what she needed to do.
One part of the book I enjoyed the most was when Claudia Rankine called out a white woman for cutting her in line at the airport. She was lined up to board first class. Rankine asked her why she cut her in line, the woman responded with "I didn't think you were in first-class". She says as Rankine is lined up with the rest of the people in first class. Now, why would this woman not think Rankine was meant to be in first class? Was it the color of her skin or what she was wearing? We may never know what she was actually thinking, but she did apologize to Rankine and attempted to compliment her on her shoes.
I also liked that she had a conversation with a man about not seeing color. I feel like a lot of people say this and do not realize how harmful it actually is. While some people's intentions may be generous, they can be harmful. When you say you don't see color, it feels like you are ignoring all the struggles people of color go through just because you don't want to acknowledge them. I don't believe people truly don't see color but will say things like this to make themselves feel better or say they focus on personalities. Sometimes saying you don't see color can be just as ignorant as believing in stereotypes.
This book has brought up so many good topics that I would love to have a discussion about. I am excited to listen to the rest of the book and hear more of the conversations she has with others. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read more about white privilege or fragility.
I agree that it is harmful to say that I don't see color. We have gone through differences experiences in the world because of our physical attributes. I think that people who say that they don't see color are often in a privileged position where they don't experience struggles on an everyday basis.
ReplyDeleteI loved the example you gave of the woman who cut in line just because she did not think Claudia Rankine was in business class. It shows how stigmatized and prejudiced we are and how much damage it causes in our society.
ReplyDeleteHi Raigan, I would also be terrified to talk to strangers about these topics, but I think it's very interesting to read about these conversations. People are often quick to judge and whether intentional or not, we hurt others. I would love to read this book soon.
ReplyDeleteThis story seems fascinating. It's crazy that she talked to strangers! I definitely want to pick up this book at some point. The different encounters she has with other people are notable.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so cool that she's not afraid to talk to strangers about such sensitive topics and I'm sure it brought much more authentic opinions and viewpoints than if she was talking to people in her social circle. I also completely agree that 'not seeing color' can be really harmful and I'm glad she touched on that in the book. This sounds like a really interesting book and I'll definitely have to add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteThe story you shared about the woman cutting in line is a great microcosm of the larger issue. I'm not sure if you have read Isabel Wilkerson's book Caste, but it talks about the assumptions that people make based on things like race. Super fascinating. (Also, this is Joe Skinner in case it lists me as Unknown)
ReplyDeleteGreat points in here. I really like your point about when people say they "don't see color". And yes, while this statement is often said with good intentions, you're right in saying that ignoring color also ignores the struggles that people of color often go through. The "good intentions" bit reminds me of another saying I've often heard - "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". Very true.
ReplyDeleteHi Raigan, I really like the example you give on the book. I remembered I learned from a sociology class that the type of ignorant people have on racial status or related topic often comes from subconscious. As you specified, the white woman doesn't think the author is able to afford the first class. The stereotype or wrong thoughts could be deeper than we expected and could have greater impact than we imagined.
ReplyDelete