Seem like an agressively bold post title? Perhaps. But I promise you that this book is just the thing I needed to read. And I hope you need it too. The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson will make you think harder than is comfortable in the very best way.
Read this book!
“But I’m not racist”
No one would openly claim they are a racist. But as a white person, I’ve benefitted from racism. It’s hurts to read it, to understand it and share it. But it’s true.
“But it’s not my problem”
It’s all of our problems. All. Regardless of race, gender, social status, community, who you’re friends with, and so on.
I fully embrace that I’ve opened my eyes even wider to this because one of our daughters is Black. And the world may be sweet to her now, there will be comments. Prejudices. Missed opportunities. The list goes on. It will happen. I have to build up all four kids that they know who they are so these injustices don’t break them. But it’s especially true of our daughter with dark skin. I’m on extra high tiger mom alert for her.
But it’s my duty regardless of what my family looks like to educate myself about history, about what’s happening now so that tomorrow is better and one day this race war is resolved for the better. I bet you feel the same way.
Highlight reel
In each essay I highlighted at least two or more ‘ah ha’ ideas. If I shared them all here, I’m sure the sweet editors above would be on me for plagiarism. So. Know that every single essay is moving. MOVING. But here are just a few that really touched me.
- “But by learning about each other’s struggles – whether through books or by talking and spending time together – we can start to see that we are more alike than different. Recognizing our similarities is a powerful way to combat prejudice.” Why Are There Racist People? by Duncan Tonatiuh
- “I try to understand a system that still treats people unfairly – that segregates our neighborhoods, that keeps resources in white hands. And I try to change that system, to make it more fair to everyone. But being racist isn’t some other people’s problem. It’s mine. And, though I’ve tried so hard to raise you right, it’s yours, too.” Our Inheritance by Adam Gidwitz
- “Remember that no language is better than another. No tongue makes on person more real or more important than someone else. And no great country ever tried to silence its people or make them all the same.” Hablar by Meg Medina
Now what
I am not an expert. I feel like I’m dipping my toe in these waters when I should have been fully immersed decades ago. I’ll keep reading. Keep sharing what I know and read with my kiddos. Keep expanding our library to include diversity. Keep talking about inclusion and friendship. I pray that my kiddos befriend other people for their hearts and have the guts to walk away if there was ever evil words or intentions or acts from those friends. I pray that my kiddos’ knee-jerk reaction is to include others because ‘that’s what we do.’ I pray that we have a unified country very soon.
What book has really reached you lately? Message me!