I can remember just about every instance when someone (always white) told me that I had a bad attitude. It happened a lot in high school—when I started a new job, when I ran into a new teacher who didn’t know about my reputation for being a straight-A student leader…if I dared to speak up, speak out, or ask a simple question, I was accused of having a bad attitude, which had better be adjusted quickly—or else! In my family, I was designated “the troublemaker,” once again because I dared to question situations that just didn’t make sense; if you point out there’s a problem, YOU become the problem that needs to be fixed. But as I get closer to 40, I realize that all those experiences were perfect preparation for my life as a black feminist writer. Here’s a bit of my guest post for The Book Smugglers’ Young Adult Appreciation Month:
Everything we experience in life prepares us for what’s next. At least, that’s what I like to believe. I grew up not being the favorite in my family, which means I got used to my big brother getting the largest slice of pie and I struggled mightily to escape my older sister’s imposing shadow. Birth order may have something to do with the person I’ve become, but I like to believe that, ultimately, my childhood prepared me to recognize and reject “the myth of meritocracy.” I learned early on that I would always have to work harder to be seen and heard; no matter my talents or achievements, to some I would always be invisible.
What better preparation for life as a black feminist writer?
Yesterday Thea and Ana posted an AMAZING joint review of Wish—what an honor! This YA author *definitely* feels appreciated…
I’m a middle school teacher and I must admit that I’m always happy when I meet a female student with an attitude. I like that they stick up for themselves, that they have opinions they aren’t afraid to share, and that they are strong. I also like that they aren’t afraid to disagree, to challenge authorities. Some of my favorite students over the last 16 years of teaching have been the girls that other teachers despaired over.
What’s the saying, “Well-haved women don’t make history”? Glad you are the outspoken activist/writer. Thanks for being here.
I wish you’d been my teacher, Opal! most of my teachers encouraged me to speak up, but isn’t it interesting how boys are thought to be bold and daring when they challenge authority–though add in race, and it’s a whole other game, regardless of gender…
Susan–thanks, as always, for your support…