By: J Gordon
August 5, 2020
A reading list: A place to start for those on a quest to dismantle oppressive structures in 2020
The year is 2020. We are currently living through a global pandemic. Donald Trump is the president of the United States of America and there is a chance that Kanye West will succeed him. The Black Lives Matter movement has gained incredible traction. The fight to eliminate racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia etc. in our society has never been so popular in the mainstream. Many of us witnessing these powerful times have been struck with a feeling of urgency. Many of us want to do our part to dismantle the many injustices that exist in today's world. However, in saying that, it can all be quite overwhelming. What exactly should we do as individuals? Where should we start? How should we go about change?
For me, the answer is through books. Books have always been special to me. Reading opens the door to boundless knowledge. At a young age learning to read was what first made me feel bright. To me, reading is almost like being in someone else's mind and thoughts. Reading is a tool we use to learn, educate and empathize. So what better way to confront the many social injustices that surround us than by picking up a book?
In recent years I have began acknowledging and confronting my own privileges and as well as my disadvantages. Seeking to educate myself on the various injustices that exist within our world to better understand how they originate and how we might go about dismantling them. I strive to continuously expand my knowledge of prominent theory, particularly in the realms of race and gender. And my goal? It's a simple task. Just that of, well... dismantling oppressive structures that exist within our society.
Regardless of how much I read, I still find this confrontation quite challenging. And though I wouldn't call myself an expert, I'd say I have an educated understanding of newly popularized theories such as: feminism and critical race theory. An understanding I want to help others come to as well. So with a love of both reading and social justice, I have decided to produce a reading list of what I believe to be important and influential literature that have helped me learn - or rather unlearn, the various forms oppressive behaviors that are ingrained into our society. The following books have helped me confront, challenge, consider and reconsider my own thinking. Essentially, I have created this reading list in hopes of dismantling the oppressive system we live in... one book at a time.
Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race
Reni Eddo-Lodge
Why I Am No Longer Talking to White People About Race first hits readers with it's interesting and provoking title. Reni Eddo-Lodge discusses race theory alongside many other forms of oppression, demonstrating how they work to disadvantage minority groups. Her use of personal experiences allows readers to gain perspective, and further empathize with issues that often go unnoticed. She explains how history has heavily impacted the way structural racism exists today and she analyses the ways in which we can fight against these structures. This book helped me recognize forms of oppression I have experienced but have previously had trouble naming. Furthermore, Reni Eddo-Lodge helped me understand my own privilege and how I can contribute anti-oppression education and practice. It's easy to let this title put you off, however I urge you step back and to challenge yourself. Start dismantling your own thoughts with what I believe to be one of the most influential books of 2020.
Can We All Be Feminists?
June Eric-Udorie
Can we all be feminists? What a question. June Eric-Udorie collects a series of essays from 17 women with various intersecting minority characteristics. Can we all be feminists gives these women a voice to discuss their perceptions of feminism and what feminism means to them. From engaging with notions of fataphobia, transphobia and ableism, this collection is one of the most comprehensive perspectives on feminism I have ever read. Eric-Udorie's collection includes womanism and intersectionality theory within every essay, critically analyzing the current feminist movement and whether it's evolving into a truly inclusive space for all women. Whether you want a better understanding of feminism, or you have trouble defining your own feminism, this book is a tool to breakdown how feminism is evolving, doing so in a safe and non judgmental space.
Just Mercy
Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson is one of the most inspiring people I've ever come across. It is impossible to ignore the resilience, courage and focus he demonstrates through his work, well exemplified in his book Just Mercy. Stevenson, a lawyer from the US who started the Equal Justice Initiative legal practice, discusses his experiences of structural racism and oppression within the US justice system. Starting his career in Alabama fighting for death row inmates, Bryan has changed the American justice system through notions of equality and mercy. Just Mercy has also recently been turned into a film starring Michael B. Jordan. A beautiful and important film that I recommend watching. Bryan Stevenson opposes racism and structural oppression using love, justice and hope. He is one of my role models and he is truly an inspiration to all.
Your Silence Will Not Protect You
Audre Lorde
Ah, Audre. You're Silence Will Not Protect You is a beautiful and powerful collection of poetry by poet, academic and activist: Audre Lorde. Her poems touch mainly on her experiences and opinions regarding racism, sexism and homophobia. That's right, as a black lesbian feminist, Audre Lorde has seen it all. Her focus on love and freedom is most inspiring. Audre's work is an excellent place to dive into the fight against oppressive structures in 2020. What I love most about this book is how Lorde uses her voice to speak out against injustices and confront issues many of us are reluctant to discuss. For example, she often writes about her and her wife's relationship as an interracial, lesbian couple. Though she admits that interracial relationships come with added challenges, she remains optimistic. She speaks about her daughter, the relationship her daughter has with her partner, and how her family deals with these challenges. Audre Lorde is a beautiful writer and mind. She dives into difficult topics via poetry filled with power and kindness.
Outlaw Culture
Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks. Academic, feminist, genius. Outlaw Culture is a series of essays critically analyzing many influential people in the mainstream i.e. Spike Lee, Madonna, Jean-Michel Basquiat. This book demonstrates what Bell Hooks does best. She analyses and critiques many people in the mainstream known for tackling social justice issues and discusses where she thinks they go right as well as where they go wrong. Bell Hooks often discusses the importance of critiquing one another even where the person who you're critiquing aligns with many of your same views. Bell Hooks is unique. Particularly, due to her willingness to critique everyone - including herself. To challenge your own thinking and learn how to think critically, look no further than anything and everything by Bell Hooks.
Invisible Women
Caroline Criado Perez
Invisible Women has been one of the most eye opening reads I've come across this year. An in depth analysis of the gender data gap on a global scale by Caroline Criado Perez. I feel like I have a revelation every other line of this book. I think this is one of the most important books of 2020 simply because it points out the oppression we unknowingly accept and perpetuate everyday. Each chapter highlights a different aspect of the gender data gap and how these gaps, though at times perceived as small or non consequential, build up and largely impact women's livelihoods. An excellent example from this book that ties into my area of study, is that of medical testing. Women are often left out of medical testing for a variety of reasons, ultimately meaning a great deal of the knowledge we have within the medical field pertains only to men. This, quite obviously is an issue in urgent need of attention. What I love about this book is the perspective it gives and how it clarifies disparities between men and women that are often difficult to explain. If you are under the impression that in today's world men and women are for the most part equal, this book will challenge what you think you know - and help you understand that the problem present is about what you don't know.
Natives
Akala
Akala. What a man. Musician, rapper, poet, activist, genius. I have to admit, I've not read his book yet. However, it came so highly recommended to me that it had to make this list. I am planning to read it soon and so should you. Natives touches on race and class within Britain and how society is heavily influenced by a history of oppressive structures. Via my dear friend Emma "Anyone lingering in some head space whereby they think the current Black Lives Matter movement is or mostly is an American Problem should read this book. It will beam on the political and the historical. To anyone who feels trapped in some haze whereby they can't locate the roots, culture, policies and micro aggressions that contribute to racism in Britain - read this book." In essence, this book is a recommendation particularly for those in Britain (or other countries outside the US) wanting to better understand their position in society and how racism though perhaps different, is still prevalent to their lives.
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