So I went to the bookstore after work today to kill some time before picking up my son from work. I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular but the more I walked around browsing, the more I started thinking of books I wanted to check out. So I was looking in religion and philosophy, trying to find some books on spirituality. I asked the woman if she had any books on Native American spirituality and she said that religion, philosophy and self help were all in the same section grouped together. She said diet and yoga books were next to it as well. I advised her I was no longer allowed to buy diet books because it was my new year’s resolution.
I continued looking around and thought about checking out history, so I asked the young man if he could point me in the direction of the history books. He guided me over and asked if I was looking for anything particular. I quickly browsed the wall to see the faces of Trump, Washington (not Denzel), and Truman. “Yes!” I replied, “Could you tell me if you have any NON-WHITE history books?” “Uhhhh. Hmmmm…” he said as he looked over the shelves. “It’s interesting isn’t it?” I said to him, “I bet you don’t get asked that question too often, do you?” Especially by a white lady I thought in my head. He found about 2 books and 1 on Native American once I specified that I was looking for that. I walked around a bit more and was able to find a table with several books on black history or by black authors but I’m guessing that is because it is February.
It really made me realize what a white world we live in. I’m bringing attention to this because it’s something I didn’t notice that much until I read India Arie’s essays about skin bleaching allegations. Obviously this is something people of color deal with all the time, but as a white woman I never realized it. It has never been intentional, and trust me I have a rainbow of friends, but I was oblivious.
I’m bringing it up because I feel it’s important. It’s important that people not be ignorant. It’s important people take the time to look at the world through another view, not just the white world view. I’m saying this so that people will take the time to step into another’s shoes. Realize this is just one of the examples of white privilege.
I’m curious as to what people think of this. We need to talk about race and racism in America and not be blind. It still exists. Ignoring a problem doesn’t make it go away so let’s talk about it. With respect, with love and with open minds. Please share your comment below.
EMBRACING MY INNER GINGER 
I totally agree. However, we’ve got to stop shouting at each other, saying who is right and who is wrong, and start listening to each other. I don’t know if or when that will happen in my lifetime. And I’m afraid that a certain Presidential candidate is only making the climate that much worse.
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Oh no don’t even get me going on that mofo Trump! Lol. I can’t put in writing what I think of him!!
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I can’t understand how he is doing so well. People really can’t be that stupid, can they?
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LOL I think you can put it in writing. You write pretty well at that. 😉
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Lol thanks, but I wouldn’t put in writing what I really think of him. A general dislike, yes. But details… no. Lol. Thanks for reading though
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I did write something somewhat related to your post: https://joyfulprocessblog.com/2016/02/25/getting-it-off-my-chest-slightly-updated/
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Nice! We’re on the same page here… good post
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Thank you! 🙂
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Hmm…even you too have the same plans to kill time like I do!
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You’re right! To be honest, I don’t see it that much here because the majority is Hispanic so I’m the majority here. About 80 percent is Hispanic in El Paso. I’ve seen it when I’ve been in other parts of the country though.
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You’re not born with racism or hate for another persons skin color. Unfortunately it is learned. Speaking about it with love and respect is needed. But they also have to come to the table with an open mind and heart.
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Thanks for passing by my blog and following me. Looking forward to more interactions.
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Dear Elissa,
Hi, there, my so, so very right on white sister and friend, Elissa!!!!!!! Sister, wow, wow, wow and wow and wow and a zillion wows here, my friend!!!!!!! I so, so very much love and like this absolutely amazing and beautiful blog post article o f yours which shows such great insight and absolutely fantastic racial sensitivity and awareness, sisterfriend!!!!!! I so, so very much appreciate YOU, my friend and sister Elissa, and your great love and caring here in reaching out across racial lines as your steadfast black friend and sister who I am for sure for you, Elissa!!!!!!! This is just so very cool here, and you are just the very greatest and the very best, and I so, so very much love and like how you tried so valiantly in such a diligent and conscientious manner to find books featuring the very lives and history of black persons and other nonwhite persons!!!!!!! Wow, you have just gone straight to this black woman’s very, very heart, and I so, so very much appreciate your great efforts in your undaunted search and your so very lovingly heartfelt and sensitively caring outreach here, sister!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! Please have a totally terrific and a very thrilling Thursday, and may all of your days be so, so very especially blessed, Elissa!!!!!!!!
Peace and Love To You For Always, Elissa, my so, so very special white sisterfriend,
Your black sisterfriend For Always in the very spirit and solidarity, Sherry Gordon in Iowa City, Iowa
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Sherry you always make me smile! You have the kindest words. I hope you are feeling better and taking care of ypurself. Thank you for reading and for always being a positive light! Wishing you a blessed Thursday!
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Reblogged this on joy4eva's Blog.
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