Wednesday 1 April 2020

Book Review: The Skin We're In

The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power
by Desmond Cole

"Whiteness pretends to forget its own name when called, and refuses to acknowledge its desire for dominance. White supremacy keeps stepping on your toes while insisting it was an accident"  - The skin we're in, Desmond Cole
Sir John A. Macdonald, the Indian Act, residential schools, racism exists in Canada. Cole illustrates how racism has a long history in this continent. 

White people cannot put their heads in the sand. We owe it to humanity to read and understand their stories and become allies. Recently, the CORVID-19 virus has exacerbated it. Asian-appearing kids are bullied at school, people move away on public transportation. The lockdown has slowed it, but it exists.

This is an excellent book, which looks at what has been going on in Canada. Of course, it exists around the world. The stories of racism abound in the US, as well. The attacking of Asians during COVID–19 has also become more common.

Since I wrote this, Black Lives Matter, and the tragic lynchings continue on this continent. It is shameful.
A Belleville cop has been seen with a Confederate flag. He has been called to task for this. It's gotta change. Peers must speak out. 
CBC reporters, after the Wendy Mesley story, have been speaking out about it, as well.

This is an amazing young man, who is making a difference.
CBC News   





Smiths Falls

On the other hand, in Perth, Friday, June 5th.

There is much work to be done. White supremacy lurks in the dark corners. 




9 comments:

Tom said...

...white men can be such jerks.

Christine said...

Thanks for sharing, great book title.

Red said...

Canadians smugly think they are non racists but we are. Sounds like an interesting read.

Barrie said...

I just read a picture about a young girl talking to her grandmother about life in a residential school. When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson. It was very good. It won the Governor General 2017. The Skin We're In looks like an important read. Thank you for reviewing and stay safe.

Linda McLaughlin said...

Another important book. Thanks, again, for reviewing.

Lowcarb team member said...

I keep meaning to say how much I like your header photograph and this time I remembered!
Thanks for the review.

My good wishes.

All the best Jan

Hootin Anni said...

I bet reading this even tho we know racism is in existence...an eye ooener.

Hootin Anni said...

Opener (Not ooener)

Phyllis Wheeler said...

It's so important for white people like me to step out of our comfort zone and read about the experiences of others, reach out them.