Well, today’s Letter sums up a rather starkly, the challenge we are all facing. I’ve got nothing to add to Professor Richardson’s analysis, but I would like to share a thought.
Those of us who played sports (or the younger among us who still do) know that preparation/training is key. For the battle ahead, my first step is doing such muc…
Well, today’s Letter sums up a rather starkly, the challenge we are all facing. I’ve got nothing to add to Professor Richardson’s analysis, but I would like to share a thought.
Those of us who played sports (or the younger among us who still do) know that preparation/training is key. For the battle ahead, my first step is doing such much needed homework.
Here’s the short list of what is on my nightstand:
Caste: The Lies That Divide Us, by Isabel Wilkerson
How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Fixing our Democracy
I want to thank the people in this space for these suggestions and look forward to hearing more.
Each of those books and resources is brilliant in its own right. It’s a weighty amount of reading, so you might want to also consider an Audible subscription or checking the audible versions out of the library, so you can listen to one, while reading another. Now that I suggested that, I’d like to recommend one more to add to your list: Stamped From the Beginning , also by Ibram Kendi. I read How to Be an Antiracist first, then Stamped, which was fine, but in hindsight, I wished I had read them in the opposite order: Stamped first, then How to Be an Antiracist, because the first book sets the stage for the second. In any order, however, they are eye-opening and packed with information and insights. Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste is also phenomenal, and the quality of her writing is exceptional. When you finish all of those, The New Jim Crow and The Color of Law are also excellent.
I already have the books, and I don't listen to books anymore because I don't drive here. And - I love to read. I'll add the others to the list. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
I don’t drive much anymore, either, which does reduce opportunities to listen to audio books. During the spring and summer months, I had an enormous amount of work to do in my yard for months on end, so I listened while I was working. It’s harder to find opportunities to listen during these isolated, pandemic winter months. I have actually been listening to Heather’s video chats while I exercise or do necessary housecleaning, which makes the time pass more quickly and enjoyably.
Listening while gardening - I hadn't considered that. My only concern is that it might hinder my conversations with the small robins that follow me around from bed to bed, waiting for the insects, seeds and worms I unearth while planting or weeding.
You talk with the small birds in your garden? Isn't it fun. One of the beds I care for is a mature rose bed with 30+ bushes, and in summer, you have to crawl around under the thorny branches to weed. We have a small community of European Robins (Rotkehlchen, in German) and inevitably one of them will become curious and visit me while I’m digging. They come quite close, and I can’t resist talking with them. It’s mostly a one-way conversation, but the more one talks to them, the more comfortable they seem to become.
There is a book coming out in Feb you might want to check out: The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee
I was impressed by “Hiding in Plain Sight” by Sarah Kendzior. I’d like to add “Strongmen” by Ruth Bem-Ghiat, and “How Fascism Works” by Jason Stanley. I feel that these books show that Trump’s behavior was pretty predictable and they provide context.
German infiltrated white supremacy groups, and was able to prevent a church bombing. If I recall this was in the 80s. The briefing and training materials he submitted to FBI supervisors was rejected. Basically, if they are not accepted as official documents, then they are not official "federal records".
One of German's observations was that as long as the various hate groups keep focusing on their difference, they are not a big threat. If they get over their difference and band together, then they are a very serious threat... this is where we are now.
Caste is good but IMO , me and white supremacy is better. This book will force you to look at yourself. Caste is unnecessarily over-intellectual and somewhat repetitive. I did not finish her book with a clear understanding of the concept of caste. A friend of mine who is a more avid reader than I suggested that I read the book review instead. That was smart suggestion that I did not follow. I may look for Ms. Wilkerson’s first book, however.
I just did a catch-up viewing of the film “Harriett” last night. Most of my film viewing happens in the winter. After seeing that rousing story, I thought about those long lines of folks back in November, braving disease and weather to “vote the bum out”. That’s the kind of passion this piece of history demands — the passion for justice. The rage to break things and threaten people does not compare in any way to the passion for justice.
Well, today’s Letter sums up a rather starkly, the challenge we are all facing. I’ve got nothing to add to Professor Richardson’s analysis, but I would like to share a thought.
Those of us who played sports (or the younger among us who still do) know that preparation/training is key. For the battle ahead, my first step is doing such much needed homework.
Here’s the short list of what is on my nightstand:
Caste: The Lies That Divide Us, by Isabel Wilkerson
How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Fixing our Democracy
I want to thank the people in this space for these suggestions and look forward to hearing more.
Each of those books and resources is brilliant in its own right. It’s a weighty amount of reading, so you might want to also consider an Audible subscription or checking the audible versions out of the library, so you can listen to one, while reading another. Now that I suggested that, I’d like to recommend one more to add to your list: Stamped From the Beginning , also by Ibram Kendi. I read How to Be an Antiracist first, then Stamped, which was fine, but in hindsight, I wished I had read them in the opposite order: Stamped first, then How to Be an Antiracist, because the first book sets the stage for the second. In any order, however, they are eye-opening and packed with information and insights. Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste is also phenomenal, and the quality of her writing is exceptional. When you finish all of those, The New Jim Crow and The Color of Law are also excellent.
I already have the books, and I don't listen to books anymore because I don't drive here. And - I love to read. I'll add the others to the list. Thank you so much for the suggestions!
I don’t drive much anymore, either, which does reduce opportunities to listen to audio books. During the spring and summer months, I had an enormous amount of work to do in my yard for months on end, so I listened while I was working. It’s harder to find opportunities to listen during these isolated, pandemic winter months. I have actually been listening to Heather’s video chats while I exercise or do necessary housecleaning, which makes the time pass more quickly and enjoyably.
Listening while gardening - I hadn't considered that. My only concern is that it might hinder my conversations with the small robins that follow me around from bed to bed, waiting for the insects, seeds and worms I unearth while planting or weeding.
And the chipmunks, finding the seeds. Chatty critters they are.
We don't have chipmunks here ... and I rarely see squirrels. Love chipmunks!
That’s a wonderful image R. Dooley.
I do the same thing! btw, that’s an impressive reading list that you and R. Dooley are tackling.
You talk with the small birds in your garden? Isn't it fun. One of the beds I care for is a mature rose bed with 30+ bushes, and in summer, you have to crawl around under the thorny branches to weed. We have a small community of European Robins (Rotkehlchen, in German) and inevitably one of them will become curious and visit me while I’m digging. They come quite close, and I can’t resist talking with them. It’s mostly a one-way conversation, but the more one talks to them, the more comfortable they seem to become.
There is a book coming out in Feb you might want to check out: The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee
Ms. McGhee is a bright, thoughtful thinker - thanks for the suggestion.
Book is due out on 2/16. I also enjoyed listening to her conversation with Bill Moyers.
White a Trash: The 400-Year Old Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg
Hiding in Plain Sight by Sarah Kendzior
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
And a novel dealing with white supremacy - Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
I was impressed by “Hiding in Plain Sight” by Sarah Kendzior. I’d like to add “Strongmen” by Ruth Bem-Ghiat, and “How Fascism Works” by Jason Stanley. I feel that these books show that Trump’s behavior was pretty predictable and they provide context.
Thank you, Lena!
You might also look at "Thinking Like a Terrorist: Insights of a Former FBI Undercover Agent" by Mike German.
That sounds like a very interesting read - thanks.
German infiltrated white supremacy groups, and was able to prevent a church bombing. If I recall this was in the 80s. The briefing and training materials he submitted to FBI supervisors was rejected. Basically, if they are not accepted as official documents, then they are not official "federal records".
One of German's observations was that as long as the various hate groups keep focusing on their difference, they are not a big threat. If they get over their difference and band together, then they are a very serious threat... this is where we are now.
Is he still alive, and if so, would he be listened to now?
Too many typos: Just searched his name and Mother Jones did an interview about him a few weeks ago. Journalists are making their way to him.
Thanks for the info! I will go look for the article.
Whoa.
Oh!
Caste is good but IMO , me and white supremacy is better. This book will force you to look at yourself. Caste is unnecessarily over-intellectual and somewhat repetitive. I did not finish her book with a clear understanding of the concept of caste. A friend of mine who is a more avid reader than I suggested that I read the book review instead. That was smart suggestion that I did not follow. I may look for Ms. Wilkerson’s first book, however.
Thanks for the perspective. I have Caste and will see how it goes.
Here's three older books that show, in different ways, how current issues and crises are firmly grounded in the past.
E Foner, The Story of American Freedom
V Harding, There is a River
P Linebaugh, The Magna Carta Manifesto
These look terrific - thanks!
You're very welcome.
I would add "Hitler's American Model." Jim Crow gave him a blueprint for his treatment of the Jews.
Thanks for that suggestion. I read a thoughtful review of the book in the Atlantic.
I just did a catch-up viewing of the film “Harriett” last night. Most of my film viewing happens in the winter. After seeing that rousing story, I thought about those long lines of folks back in November, braving disease and weather to “vote the bum out”. That’s the kind of passion this piece of history demands — the passion for justice. The rage to break things and threaten people does not compare in any way to the passion for justice.
Thank you, R. Dooley. I just posted these 3 books on fb with orders to "get crackin'."