- ISBN13: 9780060090555
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Based on the African American Women’s Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of African American women feel pressure to com-promise their true selves as they navigate America’s racial and gender bigotry. Black women “shift” by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech. They shift “White” as they head to work in the morning and “Black” as they come back home each night. They shift inward, inte… More >>
Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America
I Enjoyed Watch This Author On Cspan Tv. This Sister Has Really Got It Together. I Enjoyed The Book Very Much. Just Reading Each Of The Stories & Experiences That These Women Went Through Really Touch My Heart. There A Little Lesson For All Of Us In This Book.
Rating: 5 / 5
I think this is a good read, however while reading this book it seemed very dated to me. I could picture much of the experiences happening in the book to women back in the 1970’s and 1980’s when affirmative action was just gaining momentum but I have a very difficult time relating to these issues today. By saying that I am in NO WAY trying to convey that racism and sexism don’t exist. I know for a fact that they do because I have experienced them in certain instances — depending on what region or part of the country I am in (I am originally from Boston, MA). However, being a black 32 yr old and working in environments that have been predominently White its rare that I find that I have to ’shift’ in order for someone to like me or relate to me. They either like me or they don’t. They either relate to me as a human being or they don’t. I do not totally change my behavior around White people or anyone else. I am me — and most people like me that way.
I get the impression that most of the women who share their ’shifting’ experiences are 45 yrs old and older (Baby Boomers)– — I think do to the differences in generation there was much more pressure put on older Black women in their younger lives to “prove” their self worth, intelligence and attractiveness to White people and the world at large. I don’t think that younger Black Americans today feel like they need to “prove” their worth to anyone — even if the population at large feels that they still do. I don’t know too many Black women under 45 yrs old who feel they are shifting to accommodate White people or Black American men. If anything, I see other people shifting around them because they are insecure about themselves!
I think its a good cultural book to read and I do think there are some experiences listed that are pertinent, but overall this material seems like something my mother experienced way back when.
If you are really curious or concerned about how Black American women feel about their lives in the United States, I think you should ask them directly then analyze their answers by their ages. I think that will tell you a lot.
Rating: 3 / 5
Good book, some parts could be condensed but very thought provoking. Gives voice to many AA women in today’s workforce who struggle with “shifting”. Excellent read for book clubs or book discussions.
Rating: 3 / 5
The African American Women’s Voices Project was the catalyst for the compilation of Shifting. Throughout history, black women have had private burdens to bear. Now, the “shifting” thoughts and feelings of black women-a private and personal place inside each of us-is brought to the light for everyone to see. Jones and Shorter-Gooden’s book will help black women across America cope with these shocking realities.
Rating: 5 / 5
i found this book to be a poignant depiction of the lives (and struggles) of the modern african american woman. so true, in fact, that i found it too painful to read in totality, just snippets here and there. i just found it terribly autobiographical. BUT i believe this book would be ideal for a university women’s studies or african american studies course. it’s very informative.
Rating: 4 / 5