Years ago, I mentioned to a Black friend that I was working on a novel exploring racism in the South, his reaction caught me off guard. Instead of complimenting my liberalism, he laughed and then quipped, “Another book on race written by a white guy. Just what we need.” Even through the laughter, his words stung.
I’m curious to know if you wrote The Healing before or after this conversation with your friend. I ask because the Black characters in that book are so strong, opinionated, deep, and different from each other and there are no white saviors.
Lori, this was a few years before The Healing was published, but my friend’s suggestion that I create a strong, Black woman character that his girls could emulate guided me in writing Polly Shine. I tried my best to show the different internal realities that racial divides create.
It certainly does make one think, and rethink what we’ve been told. I once did a series of articles based on interviews I did with the Black and white citizens of my hometown, Laurel, Ms about events in the town’s history that were racial in nature. It was amazing how the stories varied dramatically across race, but were amazing consistent within homogenous racial groups.
'Mockingbird' has always been a favorite of mine. Not discounting how some people in the black community feel about it, I have never viewed Atticus as a savior. Growing up in Circle Pines, MN I had limited exposure to anything outside of our town. 'Mockingbird' gave me shocking examples of how some people treated others, and rage against the injustices which were such clear violations. Aunt Alexandra's church ladies who tutted and whimpered over their missionary speaker's story of "the poor Africans" yet went on to treat black people in their own town like stray dogs. It may not be the perfect story but I think it did show other facets of disharmony and injustice that were only starting to be exposed outside of their immediate communities.
Yes, the book did and continues to impact white folks greatly. Not the least is that it opens up valuable discussions. Many white kids who read the book in the '60s were inspired to take part in the Civil Rights struggle down South. It's hard to overestimate the sea change this work brought about in the American conscience. In that respect, I guess you could compare it to Uncle Tom's Cabin.
I’m curious to know if you wrote The Healing before or after this conversation with your friend. I ask because the Black characters in that book are so strong, opinionated, deep, and different from each other and there are no white saviors.
Lori, this was a few years before The Healing was published, but my friend’s suggestion that I create a strong, Black woman character that his girls could emulate guided me in writing Polly Shine. I tried my best to show the different internal realities that racial divides create.
…and thank you for the nice words about the book!
Great piece, Jon!! I love it.
Powerful! I recall Morgan Freedom making similar points. Well done!
Thank you Kevin! If fellow Mississippian Morgan said it, then I’m on the right track
Eye-opening. Mockingbird is in my top five also. Never really saw this other side of it viewed through a Black person's eyes. Really makes you think.
It certainly does make one think, and rethink what we’ve been told. I once did a series of articles based on interviews I did with the Black and white citizens of my hometown, Laurel, Ms about events in the town’s history that were racial in nature. It was amazing how the stories varied dramatically across race, but were amazing consistent within homogenous racial groups.
'Mockingbird' has always been a favorite of mine. Not discounting how some people in the black community feel about it, I have never viewed Atticus as a savior. Growing up in Circle Pines, MN I had limited exposure to anything outside of our town. 'Mockingbird' gave me shocking examples of how some people treated others, and rage against the injustices which were such clear violations. Aunt Alexandra's church ladies who tutted and whimpered over their missionary speaker's story of "the poor Africans" yet went on to treat black people in their own town like stray dogs. It may not be the perfect story but I think it did show other facets of disharmony and injustice that were only starting to be exposed outside of their immediate communities.
Yes, the book did and continues to impact white folks greatly. Not the least is that it opens up valuable discussions. Many white kids who read the book in the '60s were inspired to take part in the Civil Rights struggle down South. It's hard to overestimate the sea change this work brought about in the American conscience. In that respect, I guess you could compare it to Uncle Tom's Cabin.