A hold that I placed through nypl.orverdrive.com quite a while ago popped up on my ipad yesterday. I have spent the time since then glued to Intimations by Zadie Smith. Caused me to realize how comfortable it is to read on my ipad.
I really recommend Intimations: Six Essays In particular her description of racism as a virus really rings true.
I think what’s important is that I am reading. Paper and ebooks both have their benefits.I simply want to read more, and finish more books in 2021.
I postponed writing this because I had a really busy week. I knew that I wanted to write about this story, but I didn’t realize that it connected with Veteran’s Day until I reopened it. So, I’m late, but I hope you enjoy this story.
There is lots of blame to go around.
Gutiérrez y Muhs, Gabriella, Yolanda Flores Niemann, Carmen G. González, and Angela P. Harris. “Presumed incompetent: The intersections of race and class for women in academia.” University Press of Colorado (2012).
This is an amazing book. It’s quite long, so it took some commitment to finish it. I recommend it for women BIPOC, but I also recommend it for everyone who is interested in the academy. I think I should read the last chapter a couple of times, and consider how I am called to change the world.
There is actually a second volume, but I don’t yet have access to it. If that becomes possible, I am all in.
I read this because I am going to be a new book proposal. The topic is disabled faculty and multiple identities.
I have benefited from being white, heterosexual and Christian. I am aware that I have benefited from settler colonialism. I have also benefited from being a second generation academic. When I got my first academic library job I had come home. The idea of privilege was a tremendous shock when I first encountered it. I have, however, accepted it and continue to examine what I can do to break the cycle.
My privileges are nuanced by being disabled. I acknowledge the privilege of being what is called “high functioning.” I have spent my life correcting folks who applaud and suggest that this is due to something I or my parents did right. That is a smack in the face to people who are more heavily impacted by CP. To be upright and a walker is simply the way that I am.
I also acknowledge the gift of writing. Being able to write and publish is rewarded by my profession. I need to acknowledge that it is a gift and I am not a better person than someone who struggles to write.
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