This year marks the ninth in which I plan to read and review a book a week. Over the years, I've been fortunate to read so many great books, meet other book lovers, and learn about the community at large. A new year also gives me the opportunity to reflect on my past and plan for my future. 2020 was a historic year for many reasons, but one thing that is undeniable is that for many this was the beginning of a national reckoning with the ugly truth of systemic racism and police brutality. The horrific murders of Geroge Floyd and Breonna Taylor, to name just a few, sparked much-needed conversations and calls to action. When a co-worker recommended I read Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility, a book meant to help white people come to terms with their place in a system built upon racial inequity, I knew it would be a valuable resource in continuing my own journey toward becoming a more effective ally. I read the book last year but decided a re-read would be an appropriate way to begin this new year of blogging and reviewing.
Before reading this book, I considered myself to be fairly in touch with the imbalance built into our country. I've noticed the times when I was afforded opportunities that were only available to me as a white man. I've had open conversations with friends and co-workers about how their experiences differ from mine, and those conversations helped me to see a perspective that I was blind to. DiAngelo, a white woman herself, presented topics that further dismantled my existing perceptions around race and helped me to see things in a more well-rounded way. Here's the thing, even as someone conscious of the differences in society for people of different ethnicities, I was still complicit in perpetuating those same systems that I recognized as wrong. It is difficult for anyone to admit that they have perpetuated systemic racism, but it is undeniable that I've been complicit in this very system.
In terms of my own reading, I was shocked to realize how inequitable the entire publishing industry truly is. As someone who publishes a review of a book each week, I feel that I bear a responsibility to consume and present reviews of diverse stories from diverse storytellers. I read 52 books in 2020, and only 4 of those were written by a BIPOC author. Simply put, that is not good enough. White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo asks us to not only recognize our place in systemic racism but to actively take action to fight against it. However small my impact in the larger book community may be, I feel moved to do more, share more, and continue learning more. Each month this year, I will resolve to read and review at least one book by a BIPOC author. This small goal on top of my annual reading goal will serve to broaden my perspective while sharing a wider variety of authors and stories. I may not be able to change the publishing industry as a whole, but I can certainly impact the kind of books that I choose to read and share here on A Book A Week. Happy New Year and happy reading!
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2021, 1)
I have this one, but I still need to read it. I think it's great you want to read more BIPOC books this year!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
It is very much an important read. I'm really looking forward to all the new books this year!
DeleteAt our hospital we're required to go through several training programs each year: workplace violence, harassment, Hippa, and more, but this last year a course was added that addressed bias and prejudices that we may not even realize we harbor. It was eye opening and it's something that can be applied to more areas of my life. Including a BIPOC book a month is a nice goal. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI love that your hospital has added that. I think it so important that we continue this work in all areas of our lives!
DeleteThat is a fantastic goal-and this book sounds like something everyone should read
ReplyDeleteIt is a must read for sure!
DeleteWhat a wonderfully thought provoking commentary Ethan.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI think that's a good goal. Hopefully things are changing and will be better for everyone some day soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It certainly feels like history is slowly moving in the right direction.
DeleteThis is certainly a timely read! And I love your goal for this year. Kudos. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI read this a couple years ago and like you, I thought I was pretty aware of my own biases and how to counteract them. This book was a slap in the face and I realized I still had so much work to do. I pretty much shoved copies into the hands of all my friends and insisted they read it too.
ReplyDeleteIt has been really powerful to read this and open up more in my conversations. I'm really excited to put some of my learns into practice on the blog!
DeleteYes! I had to get my own copy so I could highlight, underline, everything. It's such an important book.
DeleteI have a thing about highlighting, but my copy is definitely full of sticky notes lol.
DeleteOh wow! This sounds like a very powerful and important read. I wonder what my stats would be. I am afraid that I don't read as diversely as I should.
ReplyDeleteI was stunned to realize my own stats. I'm excited to read a more diverse selection this year!
DeleteI thought I had already left a comment but I guess not lol
ReplyDeleteI listened to this last year and it does provide a lot of valuable insight and challenges you to stop getting so defensive and just listen.
I kept track of my reading last year and I would say that about 80% of my reading was BIPOC.
A big part of that was drifting away from arc's and using my library more and it pulls you away from the latest and greatest and towards diverse voices. At least in my case.
I did read an article that D'Angelo was paid more than a Black speaker at a university last year but didn't see much follow up.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
Karen, 80% is incredible. I've been really working on finding a balance between ARC's and other books. If they aren't ARC's, then I've also made a point to shop from independent book stores. I'm finding it very important to remain intentional in my reading.
DeleteI've heard a lot of good things, but haven't read it yet. I love your review of this book and your plans for the future, moving forward. It's always good to take time to talk things through, even when it's difficult. Hugs and more hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support. This isn't easy stuff to read, but it is so important!
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