While the week of #AmplifyMelanatedVoices on Instagram has passed, elevating voices of Black, Indigenous and people of color remains a priority here.
I hope the hashtag does not fade, but that we keep it going all year-round.
To that end, enjoy these feminist media picks of the week – books, articles, documentaries – both for adults AND for children that are on my nightstand and my Netflix menu right now. Most of these feminist media favorites are created by and feature women of color, with an emphasis on Black women.
This post contains affiliate links – see disclosures here.
Novel: Such a Fun Age, by Kiley Reid
It’s too cliché to say that I could NOT put this book down. So how about this? I handed my daughter the garden hose so I could squeeze in 10 minutes of this novel whenever possible. (Not kidding.) Despite a not-so-descriptive title, this novel starts with a market security guard questioning a Black babysitter about why she’s with a young white girl. Following this explicit act of racism, the novel analyzes more subtle bias, astutely reminding us that racism need not be intentional or mean-spirited to exist. I’m so glad my mom lent me this novel to freshen up the voices on my bookshelf.
Such a Fun Age brilliantly showcases the harm that can result from “good intentions” – a lesson that we white folks may need to hear again and again.
(Click on photo to purchase.)
Fictional television series: Pose
Before starting this show, I knew only that it featured the queer community in 1980’s ballrooms and that Janet Mock was involved; not much else. It took only the pilot to reel me in. When I engaged in anti-racism work with an organization, I was reminded why it’s so critical to center the populations that are most ignored or marginalized by policy and services.
That’s what Pose does – it centers mostly trans and gay Black and Latinx people. Ballroom culture and the “houses” that compete in them are not just fun, not just competition; for many characters it’s the first (and maybe only) place they feel belonging, acceptance, and family.
For a policy geek like me, it’s a stark reminder about the importance of issues that need macro solutions like homeless LGBTQ+ youth, sex workers, bias in health care, and legal rights for chosen family members. Read this detailed review focused on gender, race, and LGBTQ representation, by Mediaversity reviews.
Documentary: 13th by Ava DuVernay
This documentary on Netflix was released in 2016 but has gained newfound attention in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and what some would call a late awakening of many to racism and racial violence in the United States.
DuVernay, an Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter, draws a line between slavery and present-day mass incarceration. From Reagan’s War on Drugs to Clinton’s crime bill of 1994 to the impact of mandatory minimum sentences, we see the prison population rise from about 500,000 in 1980 to more than 2 million in the year 2000.
Though there are some brutal and horrifying images of violence against Black Americans, I can’t help but think that the content of this documentary should become part of U.S. history curricula across the country. Watch it here.
Salon: A Digital Salon on the Power Dynamics of White Women and Women of Color, by Naaya Wellness
Naaya Wellness hosted a salon in early May featuring Layla Saad of The Good Ancestor Podcast and EbonyJanice, a womanist scholar, author, and activist. Layla Saad is perhaps best known for her “Me and White Supremacy” challenge that is now a published book. Right now she is writing a Young Readers’ Edition – exciting news for all parents.
The conversation dug into this meaty topic, exploring the potential harm of spiritual work, how white people can better show up for Black folks, and the complicated dynamics of showing up for your children in school systems as a Black woman. This salon gave me several breakthroughs about how I can do better as a white woman and about why some of my beliefs about homeschooling were off-the-mark. I highly recommend purchasing a replay of the salon. Email contact@naayawellness.com for the replay ($20 at the time of my purchase).
KIDS AND PARENTING:
Children’s Book: Free to Be Incredible Me, Joelle Retener
When Manny heads to school, children tell him that boys shouldn’t do certain things, like play with dolls or wear “girly” clothes. Manny’s dad steps in to guide him through these challenges. This book is a beautiful representation of the goals of Think or Blue – for children to thrive as individuals outside of constricting gender stereotypes. It not only busts stereotypes for boys and traditional ideas of masculinity, but presents a father of color in a caring role – an image we don’t see enough in children’s literature.
Joelle-Elizabeth Retener is a Haitian American children’s book author from the DC metro area. I was thrilled that she guest read Free to Be Incredible Me on Feminist Kids Story Time recently. Catch the reading here.
(Click on image to order.)
Parenting Lesson: “Talking to my 4 year-old about racism” by Naomi O’Brien
Some of us white parents think 4 years-old is too young for conversations about racism. Aren’t our kids too innocent and good-intentioned? Will it simply put thoughts into their heads that weren’t there before? The answer to both is no. Studies indicate that children form bias early, by age 4 and can recognize race-based differences as young as 6-9 months.
Plus, parents of Black children are already talking about racism because it’s their lived reality. They can’t afford NOT to. Naomi O’Brien of Read Like a Rock Star demonstrates with grace and candor how parents can engage their children in discussions about racism.
She didn’t have to let us into her home but she did. And I’m grateful she did, because it’s one of the most powerful and beautiful videos I’ve watched this year. I hope it gives you the inspiration and courage to talk with your own children, even if those conversations are awkward or imperfect.
The fatherhood perspective on raising a Black girl by Joshua Watkis on The Lily
She will not be taught to mind her tone to placate others, and when she is spoken out against, she will not be told she is being aggressive. She will have space in her relationships to be vulnerable, because her people will not expect her to be strong for them. Her life will not be marred by unrequited emotional labor.”
This piece displays, in raw form, the complicated emotions intertwined in raising a Black girl today. Plus, it contemplates how his masculinity and identity may impact her development. Full title: “I’m the Father of a Black Girl: How Early Will I Have to Start Preparing Her for a Lifetime of War?” by Joshua Watkis on The Lily here.
Children’s Craft by Toddlers Who Read
Toddlers Who Read is an Instagram account run by lawyer and mother Saranya and her son Ishaan. They feature children’s books with a diverse range of characters and plots.
Along with a ton of amazing books, they recently included a fun art activity to help children identify and understand brown skin, and appreciate the many different shades of brown. Saranya used paint and a mix of colors to do this. What an awesome jumping-off art activity to inspire conversations about identity and race in your own home!
What other feminist-inspired media are you loving right now?
Photos: Janet Mock 2014 SF Pride Parade Celebrity Grand Marshal by Jeff Few, (CC BY-NC-ND-2.0)
Image by Epic Top 10 Site, “13th Amendment” (CC BY-2.0)
Related:
13 reasons why Jane the Virgin is your favorite feminist show
Why representation matters: Orange is the New Black
10 Feminist printable coloring pages
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