We Live For The We

We Live For The We

Adult nonfiction
"This book sets out to broaden a conversation established by the
current wave of writing wave on writing about motherhood, which has
tended to focus on white, middle-class women's experiences. These
writings frame motherhood as something that robs women of prefessional
ambitions, gets us off track as earners, and reminds us that biology
and age-old gender roles are indeed destiny. I can relate to funny
anecdotes about sleep deprivation, toddlers' antics, and ruined sex
lives, but these books rarely address the politics of mothering--
namely, issues of power, position, and protection."
Dani McClain (quoted above) was pregnant in 2015. Nearly all
about to be mothers feel at least a certain amount of anxiety. She
had more reason than most. She knew that black mothers are much more
likely to die of pregnancy complications than white mothers and that
infant mortality rates are higher for black than for white babies.
And there were so many news stories about police shootings of unarmed
blacks. She and her daughter, Isobel, fortunately pulled through.
But she was left with the challenge of raising her child in a safe,
affirming atmosphere in a country where many people would consider her
less than human. Her We Live For The We is the product of this quest.
In her quest for models of how to create the safe spaces and
inclusive communities that would protect her beloved child and nurture
her into becoming a confident, competent, ethical, joyous adult,
McClain sought out visionaries and activists all over the country who
are raising children of their own. Readers get to meet some pretty
amazing people.
The organization of We Live For The We is brilliant. Each
chapter focuses on an issue or potential issue in Isobel's life
trajectory. Home concerns efforts to create a domestic haven where
foods are nourishing, time is spent on nurturing, and discipline is
not harsh. School takes into consideration the factors involved in
selection of perhaps the move to another city or state. For black
children being in well resources schools and being in schools in which
they aren't the token minorities are often mutually exclusive. Which
should take precidence? There is also discussion of the racist school
to jail pipeline.
The title it perfect. White America is still sold on the myth
of meritocracy and the superiority of living for the I--the self or
nuclear family. Those who wield enough power use it to further the
already considerable advantages they and their offspring enjoy,
seriously limiting the rest of us. This results in the serious wealth
gap between the wealthy and the rest of us. Is it good for 6 members
of the Walton family to own as much as 40% of all Americans?
As McClain points out, blacks have always had to live for the
we, the community. The rest of us need to emulate them. The only way
we will ever achieve fairness, justice, an end to climate change and
environmental devastation, and access for all to resources as basic as
clean air and water, food, and shelter is to rise up in solidarity and
stop letting the rich and their bought and owned politicians keep us
divided and conquered. I highly recommend We Live For The We. It's a
very thought provoking book.
On a purrrsonal note, I am so frustrated tonight. My theories class
was CANCELLED due to weather. Personally I don't think it's all that
bad. I can understand Jen not wanting someone dying in a car crash.
But it's such a fascinating class and I get so much out of our
discussions. If Joey was still here there would be something magic
about coming home early to a being who loved me and having more cuddle
time. Nothing magic about coming home early to a dark, empty house.
Great big shout outs go out to Jen for teaching such a fascinating
theories class and to the best little cat in the world who loved me.
jules hathaway


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