Attending author talks/book readings: 2 points

On September 30th, I was able to attend the book talk for Play the Game. Change the Game. Leave the Game. hosted by its writer, Robert Livingston. This book covers topics of Black empowerment in the face of white supremacy and how we as a society should reconstruct the way we address it. Instead of solely focusing on white supremacy and white privilege as a whole, he maintains his focus on the Black community. In our society, when it comes to dealing with the issues of racial stigmatization, Livingston suggests we are given the choice to either play into, change, or leave the situation. When he asked us which one we would choose, my personal reaction to this would be to change the game, or, as he said, challenge the status quo. In order for there to be a change, there must be action put forth to ensure such a change. Many of the great Civil Rights activists did not just sit by and expect their voices to be heard; instead, they fought against their system to let others know that Black individuals were also equal and deserved basic human rights. Although it is easier said than done to change how society determines its norms, we as Black people are in a position that is always being threatened by the wants of white supremacists. For that reason, we have to actively fight against them in order to not only expand but also keep our voice. 

Livingston's connection to how modern white people claim to be beyond racism, yet still feel like they are meant to uphold the title as the chosen race, reminded me of topics I’d discuss in my philosophy class. Frantz Fanon discusses this in his book Black Skin, White Masks, with his connection of whiteness being titled as the closest thing to ‘humanity’ and purity, while Blackness is supposed to be ‘inhumane’ and meant to be negated. Although many of them know that racism is bad, they still inherit the idea that they are superior to others.

Overall, his perception of what we can do to uplift ourselves against white supremacy, especially in today’s time, is quite effective. Some will choose to participate, some will escape, and others will fight. In the end, regardless of which path you choose, you must maintain your identity/freedom, and you will ensure success.

Kira McCoy