Lots of conversations in this corner of the crafting community (see
Ravelry's summary to start) about inclusion, racism, and privilege. This is not a new conversation for me; as an educator I have been working on examining my own privilege, biases, role in an unjust system, and role as an educator in a position of authority and influence. I know very little for sure, but one thing I do know is that in order to change my own thinking I have to read, research, reflect, and act. Reading reviews or excerpts of someone else's learning brings little meta-cognition or internal change. To read first- hand experiences and to understand the larger context, go to Instagram and look at stories by @astitchtowear @booksandcables @su.krita and others.
The best thing that I can do is to recommend books that help me frame my own understanding. I have been raised to believe I am White. I have inherited and benefited from the privileges that those who are seen as White are afforded. I recommend:
To know more about being seen as White and the privileges this affords:
To learn about those who viewed as "other" or People of Colour (PoC or BIPoC) and their lived experiences:
To understand the historical roots of racism and the impact this still has on individuals today (both are told through historical fiction):
I have read all of these over the past few years (or more recently, for some) and all still stay with me as I continue to grow and learn.
