“Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what can be done to engage more constructively”. — Goodreads
“Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has shaped, controlled, and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. […]. He dissects the complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates why learning about the Indian Act’s cruel, enduring legacy is essential for the country to move toward true reconciliation”. — Goodreads
What is it about this material that inspires/challenges/enriches you?
Both are giving me perspective about being a white privileged ‘settler’. Clearing my vision. Challenging my views.
What was your favourite or most impactful book as a child? Why was that?
"A.A. Milne” poetry. I loved the music of the words. I loved the silliness. I loved the sound of the words and the stories they painted.
If you have one, please provide a reading/viewing/listening recommendation.
I am reading “The Girl with the Louding Voice“, a novel by Abi Daré. It reads like a thriller about a 14 year girl in Nigeria who wants to be educated but…. (you have to read it). The syntax of her English language voice is beautiful. The story gripping.
