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"And so hope for me has died one thousand deaths. I hoped that friend would get it, but hope died. I hoped that person would be an ally for life, but hope died. I hoped that my organization really desired change, but hope died. I hoped I'd be treated with the full respect I deserve at my job, but hope died. I hoped that racist policies would change, and just policies would never be reversed, but hope died. I hoped the perpetrator in uniform would be brought to justice this time, but hope died. I hoped history would stop repeating itself, but hope died. I hoped things would be better for my children, but hope died".
I read this whilst on holiday in Fuerteventura, this is a great book for sun, sea, sand and a cocktail. I think I read this book in the space of a few days.
As a white, female, I'm very aware of how privileged I am in so many aspects due to the colour of my skin.
In her narrative, Austin reveals how her name alone challenges people's assumptions. When others encounter the name "Austin," they often expect a white man, leaving them unsure of how to interact with the Black woman before them.
Having grown up and worked in predominantly white environments such as schools, organisations, and churches, Austin has encountered stereotypes, biases, and prejudices ingrained within these spaces.
Austin vividly recounts the micro-aggressions she faces in her everyday work life at a Christian organisation. The sheer volume of these incidents, documented in the book, is staggering.
Despite Austin's efforts to address these issues, the organisation displays a lack of interest in acknowledging or rectifying them, despite espousing commitments to workplace diversity.
The impact of this narrative is profound. While many white individuals, myself included, may not perceive themselves as racist, Austin's insights shed light on how prioritising the avoidance of being labelled as racist can hinder genuine efforts to combat racism through self-education and awareness.
It's worth noting that the book primarily focuses on the intersection of race and white Christianity, reflecting the author's personal, educational, and professional background. As someone who isn't religious, I found it challenging to fully connect with these sections.
I'm always looking for ways to learn and develop, and although not all aspects of the book resonated with me as explained above, I have taken a lot away from the book and would read more of the author's work.
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