Resources for Understanding

Let’s just say it out loud: this is a time for change. We are currently in the throes of a social and political moment that will resonate for generations. From my own perspective, I feel anxious and worried… but also inspired and hopeful that this will serve as a lesson-learning experience for myself as a white, privileged woman and perhaps to others who haven’t taken the time until now to thoughtfully approach a subject that means a lot to people of color: racial justice. It just didn’t feel right to post exclusively about jewelry this week, so instead I wanted to take a post to share some thoughtful words and works from people much more educated on this subject than I, give you some sources for weekend reading, and to tell you a little about how we’re handling these discussions in our own home…If you aren’t sure why this matters or where you stand on the subject, that’s ok. I still feel undereducated and like I’m constantly challenging my ingrained notions about the world, and I’ll continue to do this. Whether you agree with the sentiment or not, it’s imperative to listen, and learn. Some great places to start include…This compelling piece by Ibram X. Kendi on Who Gets to be Afraid in AmericaFeeling like the protests aren’t doing anything productive? Well, The Rioters Aren’t Here to Convince You13 Books You Should Read About Black LivesIf you’re interested, The Cut has a great article on How to Support the Struggle Against Police BrutalityAnd finally, please listen to these stories from The Moth for your next podcast time. You’ll be happy you did.In terms of my own words, I can only speak as a white business owner in an industry that has, frankly, not been kind to people of color. It’s shameful to me that we routinely hear stories from clients who say that they have been mistreated or ignored by other fine jewelers, and it’s shameful to me when I hear my own clients utter racist statements within our shop under the assumption that because Tim and I are white, they can say these things. I have never been brave enough in those moments to do anything other than deflect, change the subject, or pretend I didn’t hear it. This is not right. It’s not enough to be welcoming to people of color, I have a duty to be actively un-welcoming to racist sentiment within my own business. I pledge to be better about this.Furthermore, at home I will continue to educate my son on the realities of racial injustice (at least, as best as I can). One important measure I have held is to be transparent about race from day one. This fascinating article, Children Are Not Colorblind: How Young Children Learn Race, is a must-read for anyone skeptical of raising this point early on. Based on a recommendation from another blog I follow, I’ll be ordering “Let’s Talk About Race” by Julius Lester for an age-appropriate primer. And, I recommend investing in a collection of children’s books that feature characters of color, but which don’t specifically address this issue of race itself. As Rumaan Alam notes in Slate,

Blackness, any sort of difference, is not a burden. Relegating blackness or other sorts of difference to serious books that explicitly engage with issues creates a context in which it can seem like one. Yes, of course, we all benefit from reading about Rosa Parks or the horrors of slavery, but to give young readers who are black, brown, or any sort of different only books about their difference is burdensome. It looks like inclusiveness, but is an insult.

So, here’s a great list of wonderful children’s books that just happen to feature characters of color – they’re fun to read and sweet to get to know (and, make sure you search Old Town Books before you order them from Amazon – they stock many of these!)Presently, I am writing this post from my cabin in Shenandoah while looking out at my son Nolan who is “helping” Tim build our countertops for our kitchen. My biggest concern for him right now is whether Tim remembered to put sunblock on him. That is privilege. I hope that readers will take a moment to reflect on their own situations of privilege and acknowledge the elements of your life that were not earned, the elements you attribute to “luck,” and think about what the authors above would have to say about it. Then, act.(If you can, consider donating money to a fund that means something to you. I donate regularly to the SPLC and also deeply appreciate Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp and Black Mamas Matter. There are a ton of options, many of which are listed in The Cut’s article, so do some research and see what resonates with you.) 

Featured image source.