archive soup: the (uncomfortable) truth about decolonization, Indigenous/Black feminist theory, and tracy chapman is fine as hell
january week 3, 2024
Hi friends <3 One thing about me is that I love to consume. Whether it’s literature, shows, poetry, or more, I will devour it whole and lick each one of my fingers at the end with pleasure. I tend to post a crumble of what I’ve been enjoying on my Instagram stories but decided that sharing a recap (hopefully) every week would be much more enjoyable + to share accessible resources. Enjoy!
Reading:
Last week, I finished reading The Sentence by Louise Erdrich and…wow! This book was the perfect read for the start of the new year! After reading this novel, I felt as though Erdich sent me on a whirlwind journey to know and understand more about Indigenous history, storytelling, and feminist theory.
At this point in history, witnessing the violence against Palestinians has made us confront what it means to be living in the belly of the beast. But I can’t help but wonder: How do we fight for the self-determination of Palestinians when we are hesitant to acknowledge Indigenous sovereignty on Turtle Island (North America?) What does decolonization truly mean if we don’t materialize it out of theory? How do we stand for the Indigenous peoples of Palestine if we aren’t willing to do so for the Indigenous people here (Turtle Island), whose land we occupy? Is it because we’re uncomfortable?
What I read lately:
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcour (currently reading!)
Decolonization is not a metaphor- Eve Tuck, K. Wayne Yang
Mapping the Conversation: Tracing Incommensurability and
Solidarity in Theories of Indigenous and Diasporic Liberation- Joey Mauro
Decolonizing Feminism: Challenging Connections between Settler Colonialism and Heteropatriarchy- Maile Arvin, Eve Tuck, Angie Morrill
Culture and Resistance- Edward W. Said (currently reading!)
1886: Geronimo (far right) | Geronimo is a settler nickname for the Bedonkohe Apache warrior, Goyahkla, who fought Mexican and then U.S. expansion into Apache tribal lands. “Geronimo” then became a nickname for American militarism “targets”. Black Panther leader Elmer Pratt, was codenamed “Geronimo” then falsely imprisoned for 27 years. Former President Obama also nicknamed bin Laden “Geronimo” when he was killed. (Source: Decolonization is not a metaphor)
Engaging:
Throughout 2023, I went down an embarrassingly pathetic rabbit hole. While reorganizing my bookshelf, I was admiring the books that I treasured so deeply. Akwaeke Emezi, Carmen Maria Machado, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Thrity Umrigar, bell hooks. Then suddenly, in front of my marvelous bookcase that I raised like a child, I was consumed by a familiar friend, good old shame. Where are the classics? I asked myself. I started to feel incompetent due to never familiarizing myself with “classic” feminist literature or theory. And so, I was determined and set forth on a journey. I wanted to prove myself to others. Ah yes, of course, I read that book! I’m worldly! Ultimately, this journey was short-lived as my fears were further solidified: classic literature deemed by European imperialist eyes does not equate to revolutionary thought. Read my review (I say that loosely, basically an angry smash keyboard rant) of Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex which essentially sums up my thoughts.
I implore you all to read theories/texts by Black feminist scholars. It will open your hearts, souls, and minds toward revolution.
What I read/engaged in lately + others I believe are necessary to understand liberational praxis: (Note, titles with asterisks indicate I read it very recently!)
The Personal, the Political, and Others: Audre Lorde Denouncing "The Second Sex Conference- Lester C. Olson*
The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House- Audre Lorde (love rereading this every so often)
Racism and Feminism: A Schism in the Sisterhood- Margaret A. Simons*
An End to the Neglect of the Problems of Negro Women- Claudia Jones
Until Black Women Are Free, None of Us Will Be Free- Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor*
A Black Feminist Statement- Combahee River Collective
“All of Who I am in the Same Place”: The Combahee River Collective Duchess Harris*
Side note: Did you know that both Beauvoir’s The Second Sex and Claudia Jones’ An End to the Neglect of the Problems of Negro Women was published in 1949, both in the same year? And yet one is considered a staple in contemporary feminist theory and the other, which is one of the many pillars in revolutionary intersectional feminist framework, is widely ignored. Hmm..I wonder why? Jokes, we all know why.
Listening + Watching:
My obsession with Mary Oliver’s poems has found me yet again! Also recently started getting into Tracy Chapman’s music. She’s so fiiinnee <3
Self Titled Album by Tracy Chapman
Marry My Husband K-Drama
Recitation of Poems by Mary Oliver
All of Us Strangers (2023)
Obsessing:
If you know me, you know I love the lore. From raunchy pop culture gossip to influencer drama, I’m all over it!
Lately, I came across a TikTok breaking down the passionate and painful lesbian love story of Alice Walker and Tracy Chapman. Obsessed!!
Loving:
Back in 2020, when the first COVID-19 outbreaks happened, I stumbled upon a group of Indian artists who created artwork inspired by the new reality for Dastkari Haat Samiti bazaar’s collection. As Lenapehoking (New York City) is experiencing another surge of COVID cases, I’ve been thinking again about the series. What a tool art is! Remember to mask up, friends.
That’s all! What have you been reading, engaging, listening/watching, obsessed with, and loving lately? Do tell and comment below <3
incredible recs! thank you!
yes please continue these updates, I'm already in love!!