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A review by jheher
This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins
3.0
I knew this book would cause me to stretch and be uncomfortable but I was surprised how difficult it was to get through the text. There were a couple of essays that I struggled with because they were so personal about subjects I either think are not that significant or are far t0o personal to share in a book. But the hardest part to deal with was the constant reminding that no matter how hard I try, because of my color, I have no hope of understanding Jerkins' situation.
In one essay - Who will Write us? - Jerkins states "We cannot come together if we do not recognize our differences first. These differences are best articulated when women of color occupy the center of the discourse while white women remain silent, actively listen, and do not try to reinforce supremacy by inserting themselves into the middle of the discussion." It seems to me that there can't be a discussion unless both sides speak and listen. What am I missing?
In another - How to Survive: A Manifesto on Paranoia and Peace - she writes "When a non-black person is complimenting you on your eloquence and presentability only because you adhere to the norm, this is not a compliment at all but a salute to white supremacy. ... You are being complimented because people do not expect that from you." I find it difficult to read these generalizations when she's attempting to break down the generalizations - stereotypes - of black women.
I know I have a long way to go when it comes to understanding, appreciating and truly connecting with people of different cultures. Reading this text leads me to believe I have little hope of getting there, and maybe I'm not even welcomed.
But I don't really believe that.
In one essay - Who will Write us? - Jerkins states "We cannot come together if we do not recognize our differences first. These differences are best articulated when women of color occupy the center of the discourse while white women remain silent, actively listen, and do not try to reinforce supremacy by inserting themselves into the middle of the discussion." It seems to me that there can't be a discussion unless both sides speak and listen. What am I missing?
In another - How to Survive: A Manifesto on Paranoia and Peace - she writes "When a non-black person is complimenting you on your eloquence and presentability only because you adhere to the norm, this is not a compliment at all but a salute to white supremacy. ... You are being complimented because people do not expect that from you." I find it difficult to read these generalizations when she's attempting to break down the generalizations - stereotypes - of black women.
I know I have a long way to go when it comes to understanding, appreciating and truly connecting with people of different cultures. Reading this text leads me to believe I have little hope of getting there, and maybe I'm not even welcomed.
But I don't really believe that.