In Our Shoes
On Being a Young Black Woman in Not-So "Post-Racial" America
1 of 1 copy available
In this fresh exploration of cultural appropriation, wokeness, tone policing, and more, Holt carefully dismantles myths about Black womanhood, allowing readers to assess their biases while examining the roles Black millennial women are forced to take on simply to survive.
Through nine thoughtful chapters—such as “Leave the Box Braids for the Black Girls” and “Why Are You So Dark?”—laced with searing commentary, personal anecdotes from Brianna’s own life, and interviews conducted with “everyday” Black women and experts across different fields, In Our Shoes reveals the complexities of existence for Black women and creates a thought-provoking book that helps readers to learn, empathize, reflect, and, most importantly, act.
A history, a work of criticism, a piece of reporting, and a call to action, In Our Shoes is a timely exploration of race and womanhood that will entertain, inspire, and inform in equal measures.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
April 11, 2023 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593671559
- File size: 181772 KB
- Duration: 06:18:41
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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June 10, 2024
Journalist/screenwriter Holt narrates her insightful debut collection of essays on the myths, stereotypes, and biases millennial and Gen Z Black women and femmes face in the United States. Using past experiences, studies, and interviews with other Black women, Holt details how these preconceived notions impact their daily lives. An anecdote about how classmates and crushes made negative remarks about her dark skin highlights an essay on colorism. A deep dive into cultural appropriation speaks of how caricaturing the Black woman aesthetic adversely affects how some carry themselves at work. Holt and her interviewees also ponder if being a "strong Black woman" is a positive trait or a harmful stereotype. Holt's narration is direct and informative throughout the audiobook. Her voice lightens as she gleefully talks about self-care and support from affirming social media communities such as #BlackGirlMagic. She conveys frustration when speaking of her personal experiences, especially as she realizes that many of her challenges are the same ones Black women have faced for generations. VERDICT Reminiscent of Morgan Jerkins's This Will Be My Undoing, Holt's essays are a much needed addition to social justice collections.--Anjelica Rufus-Barnes
Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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