Today our book club discussed the book, The Help. This is a book, written by a 41 year-old Mississippi born White lady, about the interaction between maids during that time and the families for whom they worked. She based the book on her own personal experiences, not as a maid, but as an "observer of maids." The book contained interviews she conducted with maids in Jackson, Mississippi.
The discussion was lively, but interestingly enough, it was not focused as much on the book, as it was on the dynamics of race. Southerners, two of whom were from Mississippi, had a view and those born in other places, had a view based upon what they had been told by parents and others. I had even requested via email, the perspective of a very good friend, a Southern, White Woman.
One poignant issue explored by the group (all African-American women) was "This was Mississippi a long time ago, but it seems that the same things are still happening."
My friend even suggested that even when Whites were cared for by Black maids from the time they were born, many still grew up to be racist.
Some thought that integration had a negative effect on Blacks--lower expectations and loss of a "caring community." Some thought that things have even gotten worse, especially after the presidential election of President Obama.
The phrase, "A Different Worse" struck me as very interesting. The person who posited this idea, felt that we, as Blacks, do not always take advantage of the opportunities that exist for us. Those opportunities were not there in the past.
We all have a responsibility to change this "different worse." We need to mentor, encourage and praise young (and old). We need to restore the sense of community that existed. Each of us has a responsibility--how we handle that responsibility will be up to us.
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5 comments:
Your discussion reminded me of discussions that my parents had about the Civil Rights Movement. My mother wanted to be right in the thick of things, helping and getting involved. My dad felt that unless they create it themselves, it wouldn't work for them or be appreciated by them; that the role of white citizens was to support their endeavors but to step back and let them create their own movement. They didn't really argue aboout it but I don't think they ever came to an agreement.
Very interesting. I agree though that many people can't stand that we have a black president. It really has divided things and not in a good way. My stomach turned at the Glen B. thing over the weekend.
Although the end of racism, I feel, will never exist, If I had to choose between the "worse" of the past and today's "worse" I prefer today's "worse'. Great blog! : -)
Thanks very much for your blog. You captured very well the essence of our Book Club discussion. I agree with the "different worse" because African- Americans have made strides, but we have lost ground, as well. For example, Rev. Jesse Jackson frequently talks about African-Americans' high: drop-out rate from school, incidence of unwed mothers, drug abuse, male incarcerations, etc. Then I think, "Who is to blame?" Is the implication that "someone else or something" is indirectly/directly responsible? We often blame "the system or the Man" for many of our problems, but I believe we need to look within ourselves for causation and resolutions. Currently, the African- American community's support and guidance are not as visible or strong as in the past. Concerned parents, supportive extended family, and positive adult role models sometimes do not exist for our young people. Lower standards for behavior and achievement seem to be the norm. Now days substandard is acceptable, but it was not tolerated in the past. We have dug ourselves into a "big hole" and we have to dig ourselves out
Hi Mrs. O.
Let me know what books you are reading for your book club. I am no longer in Diego but trust your pick of literature and would like to share(and receive) views on the reading.
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