In my world, Afro-Americans had fought for their rights in the sixties and they have won. Now they create rap music and run for presidents. That is, they have become similar to all the other US American citizens. After meeting some Afro-Americans in Europe, my picture is a bit different and less rosy. I understand now why did Halle Berry cry when she has won the Oscar. Although stories from real people are great, they are still individual stories. This book gave me a sort of an overview of what is happening in US America today.
What is it like to be an Afro-American today? In several stories, the author explores mostly growing-up of young girls. Religion and ghettos rise to the surface quite soon. Skin colours is still an issue. Growing up is not easy.
I have liked the longest story Speaking in Tongues the most. So many things happened and I could only pick half of the context, but still it was quite a read. Young Tia escapes from her conservative village to Atlanta, only to be picked up by Dezi and taken to his house in what would I believe be Atlanta’s ghetto. He wants to have sex with her, she refuses and they don’t have it in the end. Being closed in his house doesn’t make here feel comfortable. She is finally saved by Marie, a friend of Dezi. Now, that is truly a bad running-away-from-home story.
Language is rich, interpersonal interaction bursting with meaning, each of the eights stories a sociological study of people.
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