Another Caleb Azumah Nelson Masterpiece in Small Worlds
I couldn’t get enough of Open Water, so I requested Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Small Worlds as soon as it crossed my radar. I knew I was going to fall in love with the writing style and language again, and the themes and characters are so rich and lush, there was no second thought on the matter. Now that it is in my hands, I can say clearly that it is a beautiful, sweeping jewel of a read, and you all…
I have noticed recently that people (mainly non-black people) on any fanfic platform when they are reading a fic starring a main black reader, don’t pick on micro-aggressions.
I would say it’s disappointing but it’s expected, unfortunately.
In the UK mainly, racism is usually (not always) shown through micro-aggressions. In schools, through what classes you are expected to placed in or are in, the uniforms that tend cling to black girls bodies more than some and even just at the work place and how we are expected to be.
“You talk well for a black person.”
“You’re so articulate.”
“You always look angry.”
“You are very unapproachable.”
“Smile more.”
These are some examples that are most commonly heard. And I won’t even start on hair because that is a completely different matter.
To water down the meaning of micro-aggressions, They sound like racist backhanded compliments or watered-down racism.
So when I read a book/ fic and the character happens to be black or biracial I tend to pick up on micro-aggressions more than others, it’s blatant to me.
Because I have experienced both racism/microaggressions or just can read between the lines. I understand why people who aren’t black tend not to read books with black original characters mainly because they think it’s not for them… *sighs* an excuse that I don’t necessarily buy because mainly black people or non-white people have consumed white media for decades/ centuries we can watch whatever even if there are no people of colour to see.
But what I don’t like seeing is when people like to argue or are immediately jumping down the throats of characters that experience subtle prejudice and call them overreacting. And when the author explains what is occurring they claim they still don’t get it or downplay an experience. It’s honestly gut-wrenching to see and or read.
When I write my stories they always have black original main characters. Most of my stories are from different periods and I usually have to sometimes write things accurately or I tone them down because it can be traumatic to write. It’s fiction and I don’t always want to see my own experiences but I do want to be true to the time which is tough and something I have to navigate on my own.
So my main point is that I very much dislike how microaggressions are something that is glossed over by many readers or defended because it’s not understood or people do not care to understand them.
There's some things to be said, when Russel Wilson is considered a corny, square and so on for being a dotting husband and father.
When Willard Smith (for better and worse) slaps a man who has been disrespectful to his wife, under the guise of "jokes" for over 30 years. Said man was refused by his wife, when younger.
My own Step-Father, was clowned on the daily, because He chose my mother(single working mother) when He decided to date as a single father & widower.
All around, There is a pattern of detestation, when It comes to unapologetically and unconditionally, loving and standing up for Black Women.
Pictures Books to Read during Black History Month and All Year
Pictures Books to Read during Black History Month and All Year
Book Stack of Picture Books for Black History Month and beyond!
I have created a list of books to read during Black History Month and beyond. The above book stack is listed below. To see each individual cover, scroll down to the YouTube video below.
34 Picture Books to read during Black History Month by Black Authors
Move the Crowd song by Eric Barrier and William Griffin, illustrations by…
When black people are willing to honestly converse with you on black experiences, black perspectives, or when they say that something is a stereotype/is racist (and it's like, legitimate)
You 1) listen and you 2) learn
Do NOT ask them for their time and words, and then afterwards say "meh, doesn't fit my worldview", and ignore them, or worse (God-forbid!), try to speak over them.
That is a waste of our time, our energy, and is frankly dehumanizing and demoralizing. And it's why a lot of us are no longer interested in "teaching" the black experience. We're not a fucking discussion board for you to debate.
