What was missing for me in Diangelo’s book, “White Fragility”? I wanted to know more about class as it relates to racism, her education, her target audience, and her personal experiences that informed all that is contained in her book. One of the desired outcomes that I wanted for my children was to have opportunity and choices commensurate with their ability. Class is determined by factors such as where you lived as a young person and where you live now, a work ethic, money to have options, and education. Class is a difference maker no matter what your race. A white person from a low economic class has a different experience in life than a wealthy black, Hispanic, et al person. If access and opportunity coupled with equality are the goals, class is a big player. It is difficult to achieve for any race without economic power.
“White Fragility” is written by someone who is a gifted writer and someone who can make a compelling argument regarding the ingredients of racism. Where did she go to school to hone these gifts? I believe that education is the great equalizer no matter what your race. In or nation the poor regardless of race have an almost impossible challenge. The system is rigged against the poor. I grew up in an underserved family. I was competitive and focused that trait into m education. I realized at some point that education was a way out! No matter what your race, you need a skill such as gifted academician, athlete, or prodigy of some discipline such as music to name a few. The adage is true that the way to Carnagie Hall is practice, practice practice.
We need to pay attention to our target audience to really make change at a grassroots level. ”White Fragility” is an erudite piece. I read it as though I was dining on a fine meal. I am not sure that a blue-collar worker would pick it up to read. It has great content, but who is accessible to the ideas? We are not a culture of readers of theory.
When I had a draft ready of my first book, “Watch You Time”, I gave the draft to someone who has changed the course of psychology and is one of the smartest people I know. I also knew that his feedback would be honest and direct. He indicated when he got back to me that he thought the book was too much head and not enough heart. He went on to say that I have an abundance of stories that could inform the theory. This person’s culture changing ideas were based in his experience watching his daughter work in his garden. It is experience that shapes ideas. More important it is the reflect rich experiences has on others that brings others to read what we have written. Michelle Obama was responding to a student, when she said, “Forget the stats. Tell your story.”
I indicated in part 1 that if you raise a problem come with the solution as well. When you are reading “White Fragility”, read Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” as well at the same time. You will get a blend of experience with theory. You can also hear her story in the Netflix documentary, “Becoming” Everyone is reading or watching i
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