Reddit meter
Citizen
160 pages, 2014
economics & politics
987 booksClaudia Rankine's follow-up to her award-winning Don't Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric, a book about racial aggressions in daily life and in the media, was long-awaited. Citizen recounts mounting racial aggressions in ongoing encounters with people of different races.
Some of these encounters are slights--speech or actions that seem to be unintentional--and some are intentional offensives. Rankine argues that our addressability is tied to the state of our belonging and that our assumptions and expectations of citizenship are shaped by racism.
The accumulative stresses come to bear on a person's ability to speak, perform, or stay alive. This powerful testament is an eloquent testimony to the individual and collective effects of racism today.
In Citizen, Claudia Rankine explores the concept of microaggressions - subtle, often unintentional, acts of racism. She shows how these small acts can have a big impact on the mental and emotional health of people of color. It's a great book to check out if you want to understand more about this topic.
Rankine uses poetry, essay, and visual imagery to express her thoughts and feelings. This unique blend of formats shows the power of language and how it can be used to express complex emotions and experiences. If you're interested in the power of words, you'll definitely want to take a look at this book.
In Citizen, the author makes it clear that personal experiences are deeply connected to larger social and political issues. She shows how racism isn't just a personal problem, but a systemic one. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to dig deeper into the intersection of personal and political.
Claudia Rankine doesn't shy away from discussing the mental health impacts of racism. She explores how constant exposure to racism can lead to feelings of invisibility, anger, and exhaustion. If you're interested in the psychological effects of racism, this book is a must-read.
One of the key messages in Citizen is the importance of speaking out against racism. Rankine encourages readers to not stay silent in the face of injustice. This book will inspire you to take action and use your voice to make a difference.
Quotes 5
Citizen is a work of art that is so powerful, it demands to be read and reread. It is a testament to the power of words and the human spirit.
Hilton Als - Theater CriticCitizen is a profound exploration of race and the human condition. It is a book that will change the way you see the world.
Maggie Nelson - Nonfiction WriterCitizen is a book that is both timely and timeless. It is a book that speaks to the heart of our current moment, but also to the enduring struggle for justice and equality.
Teju Cole - Novelist, PhotographerCitizen is a book that is both a call to action and a call to reflection. It is a book that demands we confront our own complicity in the systems of power that shape our lives.
Zadie Smith - Novelist, EssayistCitizen is a book that is both a challenge and a gift. It is a book that forces us to confront the reality of racism in America, but also offers us a vision of a better, more just world.
Ta-Nehisi Coates - Journalist, AuthorRecommendations
1
Citizen found in libraries
1Best Books About Politics
Hone your political and oratorial skills with the Best Books About Politics that we can offer to you.