"Each moment is like this - before it can be known, categorized as similar to another thing and dismissed, it has to be experienced, it has to be seen. What did he just say? Did she really just say that? Did I hear what I think I heard? Did that just come out of my mouth, his mouth, your mouth?" (9)
What is powerful to me about this book is not just that it captures everyday incidents of racism but that it shows the layered psychological effects these incidents can have on people. These lines are repeated several times in the book, and shows the shock of the narrator upon hearing or witnessing something racist. It shows the denial people often experience when they see subtle transgressions.
To me, these lines were powerful because they are such an authentic representation of the doubt that accompanies microaggressions. When witnessing a microagression, we often doubt our own senses, which prevents us from bringing up the issue out of fear of causing unnecessary conflict. This tension between when to call an incident out and when to remain silent is a central theme throughout the book.
I saw the tension of when to call something or not as well. During several matches, Serena had bad calls that were made against her. Later, when a correct call was made, she had some aggression just because she had been treated so unfairly before.Psychologically, it became hard to distinguish right calls from wrong.
ReplyDeleteI saw the tension of when to call something or not as well. During several matches, Serena had bad calls that were made against her. Later, when a correct call was made, she had some aggression just because she had been treated so unfairly before.Psychologically, it became hard to distinguish right calls from wrong.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with you in that the power of Rankine's writing lies in its ability to show how people are affected psychologically through these microaggressions which unfortunately occur too often.
ReplyDeleteI like Christopher and Eric agree with you 100%. Rankine shows us the major effects of seemingly small actions in our daily lives. And how these apparently normal actions effect others in ways we cannot realize.
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