Over the past weeks, the world has been captivated by racial injustices that showed itself once again with the murder of George Floyd. Mass protests have been heavily covered in the news and on social media, sparking strong opinions on both sides of the conflict. This week, Jason has dived into the research and recommends six readings to get more informed on the dynamics of racism in today’s world.
– Recitatif by Toni Morrison A short story by the widely praised Toni Morrison, who demonstrates the internalization of racism and how this displays itself in ways such as micro-aggressions.
– The Miner’s Canary by Lani Guiner and Gerald TorresGuiner and Torres explain why racism is not just a problem for minority groups, it’s everyone’s problem. Their book analyses how developments in social justice movements has led minority communities to mobilize with one another.
– Possessive Investment in Whiteness by George Lipsitz A detailed explanation of white privilege in the social, political and economic sectors of society. Lipsitz explains how understanding white privilege is crucial to being an ally, even for white people who do not feel privileged.
– Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism by Bell Hooks This book analyses how feminism often leaves behind black women, showing how a merging of sexism and racism leads to the treatment of black women as the lowest members of society.
– Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde Audre Lorde narrates her personal experiences with race, class and gender and looks at the formation of identity through a lens of police violence, gender-based violence and more.
– The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander A reading that explains how the criminal justice system is intertwined with notions of race and how it is weaponized against people of color.