The Making of “Citizen”: Claudia Rankine | Woodberry Poetry Room | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The speaker discusses personal experiences with racism, highlights the need for recognition and consciousness, and explores the role of word and image in addressing systemic racism.

Transcript

good afternoon I want to thank with steena for inviting me and Joey for that incredible introduction I feel like we're done here where should we go and mostly I'd like to thank you all for coming voilá well today as you know is the funeral of Freddie gray and so I thought I would start with the piece my brothers are notorious they have not been to ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫚 Racism is a deeply rooted issue that affects individuals on a personal level and should not be dismissed or overlooked.
• ❓ Consciousness and recognition are necessary for addressing racism, as individuals must actively acknowledge and challenge their own biases.
• 🤨 Word and image can be powerful tools in raising awareness and evoking recognition and consciousness.
• 🧑‍🚒 Redemption may not be realistic in the fight against racism, but recognizing and addressing the issue is a crucial first step towards change.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the speaker's intended audience for the book "Citizen"?

The speaker wrote the book for an educated, liberal audience who may believe that racism is a thing of the past and not present in society today.

Q: How does the speaker view the role of word and image in addressing racism?

The speaker believes that word and image are powerful agents in addressing racism, as they can engage people visually and evoke recognition and consciousness.

Q: Does the speaker believe in the possibility of redemption or reconciliation?

The speaker suggests that while redemption may not be possible, recognition and consciousness are important steps in addressing racism and creating change.

Q: How does the speaker address the issue of exhaustion and the need for a "happy" ending in the book?

The speaker acknowledges that reading about racism can be exhausting, but believes that recognition and laughter in the face of absurdity can provide some relief amidst the challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reflects on the funeral of Freddie Gray and the impact of racism on her and her brothers' lives.

• She discusses the need for recognition and intentionality in addressing racism.

• The speaker shares personal stories and interactions to highlight the pervasiveness of racism in everyday life.