Civil Rights Rhetoric: What Good Was It?

[@alibaileylovesyou]

I don't know if my comment prompted this video at all. But I just asked for a video like this on your part 2 q&a As a black woman, I am so thankful for the allies using their platforms to speak about these issues. It helps with the fatigue of being black and an activist , and it serves as a reminder that there ARE allies.

[@alltheshelves9142]

I saw that right after I recorded this video! I still think I should do a video more along the lines of what you asked for, though. Because I want to talk more about Baldwin and more about black novelists. So I'm sorry the video didn't come earlier and I'm sorry I didn't say much here. I'm hoping I get better at talking about race on this platform as I go, you know? And I still think you should talk a youtube channel!

[@KrystalLynne]

I really, really appreciate this video. I've been struggling with ways in which I can present myself as an ally and expand my own understanding and knowledge of what's happening in black communities. Looking to the leaders of these communities and their rhetoric is such a wonderful place to begin. I actually teach at a school that is predominantly black students, and I struggle with finding a balance between teaching them content from minority writers while also letting them teach me how to navigate and learn from these voices -- the voices of their communities. This helps me a great deal. Thank you!

[@alltheshelves9142]

That's interesting that you're in the completely opposite situation as I am. I don't know what my approach would be in those circumstances, but I really really respect you trying to tackle the topic when you're not quite sure how to approach it. A lot of what I hear from white people is that they're afraid to say something wrong and causing people to get mad at them. But, honestly, it's probably really good for all of us for people to get mad at our attitudes towards race. I feel like it's scary, but expected for me to mess up; and it's right and encouraged for other people to call me on it and hurt my feelings.

[@gregmcknight5183]

This made me subscribe to your channel. Thank you for being different from so many booktubers.

[@timetoread1795]

Ohmygoodness Whitney, YES! Thank you. I am really looking forward to reading the PDFs.

[@bubblesquirrelpooh]

Great video

[@littlespider9]

This is probably the best, most rational response to current events that I have seen and I thank you for it.

[@sandra7319.]

Thank you for this ...tying a painful mind blowing time and issue to reading and the great words and essays of those who experienced all of this before...what a smart and mindful way to use your platform on Booktube.

[@alltheshelves9142]

There's something really disheartening about reading about people over 50 years ago having such similar experiences. But it's helpful to see these same kinds of experiences organized into clear, argumentative patterns, I think.

[@stitchesinpink]

EXCELLENT video!! Thank you for this!!!

[@anafichesdelectures3129]

Thank you for doing this and for all the references 👍

[@queenali91]

this is some heavy stuff. Thank you for the resources/pdfs to checkout. It can be hard to form an opinion on issues sometimes without the necessary background/history to back it up.

[@alltheshelves9142]

I agree. At least if you want to form a nuanced, interesting opinion!

[@PrettyBrownEyeReader]

This is a wonderful video and thank you for the resources to view! I am always amazed when reading texts re: civil rights and all one has to do is change the date and that are still applicable.

[@alltheshelves9142]

Yes! It's like, the details change, but the overarching thesis still needs to be said. Over and over and over again!

[@KathleenAnnBooks]

Thank you for this and for using your channel as a platform to educate. I'm off to read the resources you have linked to.

[@splitreads]

One of the things I most valued during my undergrad was a more subtle/insightful education on race and progress in America. Before college it was all explained way too simply. I definitely agree about how there are dips in progress. I think we like simple narratives, it's easier for our brains to process simple narratives, but it's important for us to keep reminding ourselves that whenever we take a few steps forward, we will eventually still take a couple steps back. Nothing happens without some backlash and within the grand scheme of time, one day or one event that shows progress doesn't mean that decades from now there will be zero backlash. Thanks for your video, I too feel strange... like I should say something online but usually I just retweet stuff said by more knowledgeable people on these issues. P.S you gave me new things to read regarding this topic, so thanks!

[@alltheshelves9142]

I feel like I read something recently about how Trump seems like a backlash against a fairly progressive, black president and how these things move in cycles. I think it's important to recognize that while racialized violence is real, the recent uproar over racialized violence is about actually catching it in a recording and having a platform to spread those videos. All violence in the US, including police violence is WAY down in recent years.

[@splitreads]

Yep, it does feel like this is cyclical and I can definitely see examples in this election. Your comment reminded me of Jelani Cobb's Substance of Hope (which is on my TBR and I should get to).

[@CherieLampley]

Thank you for making this video! Very well said.

[@booksnq4388]

On point! Great video!

[@secundrabeasley855]

Thank you.

[@nowvoyaging8881]

Such a great video! I've wanted to do or say something but feel like I lack the knowledge or the right to comment. Thank you for making this video.

[@alltheshelves9142]

I mean, I think I'm just talking about talking. So I don't really feel like I said "something." But I do think that talk is important and that it can lead to actual changed minds.

[@secundrabeasley855]

Can you put the list of books featured in your video in your description box? Thanks

[@alltheshelves9142]

Sorry about that oversight. Added the links to PDFs.