No escape

Book Barmy is supposed to be a refuge, a secluded little place where you can come to read about books – an escape from the harsh realities of the real world.

I can’t give you that right now, nor do I want to. I can’t hide behind talking about books. I can’t escape into a light read, I can’t even offer you an escape – there is no escape. This is a harsh time right now.

I’ve never been intentionally racist, but as a white person of privilege, that is not enough – that’s the bare minimum and a mere fraction of what I should be doing.

I can’t stay silent about this any longer — we are and we have to be better than this. I am joining the uproar over a police officer nonchalantly killing a black man over $20. I stand in agonized allegiance against the blatant disregard of so many black lives.

A recent NY Times survey revealed the majority of Americans say they have a favorable view of Black Lives Matter and they believe this movement is here to stay for a long time. (Unlike support for gun control, which spikes after mass shootings, but typically ebb as soon as memories of the bloodshed fade.)

So, Book Barmy what are you actually doing? Well, I’ve never been able to join protests – ever. The crowds, the few idiots and now with the combined threat of the virus, rubber bullets and tear gas – I just can’t. Those protestors out there right now are braver and stronger than I will ever be.

I’ve signed the petitions, joined a local citizens group working to reform police procedures, donated money, and most importantly, because I don’t have a PhD in race relations, I’m educating myself.

Like you, I’m a reader so, beyond good journalism and The New York Times with my morning tea ~~ I’ve put together a reading list.

Because if Black Lives Matter — so do Black Stories.

Here are the reading lists I’m going to pick and choose from – maybe you’ll want to do the same?

HERE

HERE

HERE

It’s not much I know, there’s so much more I could do. But I’m feeling inadequately informed and I need to remedy that. It’s a first step.

I suspect I’m going to hear about this post and I look forward to your comments. Please, however don’t say but all lives matter – yes, that’s true, but this tells us why it’s cruel.

I’ll leave you with one last thought. I remember years ago, talking to a black friend who said he had to have ‘the talk’ with his 12 year old son, and I assumed he meant the sex talk. Because he’s a friend, he very kindly explained to this white woman that, no, the talk was about how to act when his black son would inevitably be targeted or detained by the police.

Here’s a three minute video of actual parents quoting their ‘talks’ – it’s heartrendingly powerful HERE