Degrees of Difference

If I was teaching a course on social justice, I would consider using Degrees of Difference: Women of Color on Graduate School, edited by Kimberly D. McKee and Denise A. Delgado. The text is a series of essays by women of color in graduate school programs , mostly in the liberal arts. The book was to highlight different voices and give advice to women of color as they proceed through graduate school. While some essays are useful productive statements, others seem to wallow in victimization.

One area that most authors commented on was the limited number of women of color in graduate school and working as professors. Aeriel Ashlee says, "none of the eleven scholars representing my new academic community- five doctoral students and six faculty members- look like me" (p. 135). She goes on to state that, "Not seeing myself represented in the scholars of my academic program at new student orientation was just one of many racial microaggressions I have endured in my graduate education" (p. 135). The theme of microaggressions carries out throughout the volume. The problem as I see it is that if there is no affront intended to view it all as an aggression and oppression is a heavy mantle. Amongst the 11 people in her program were there any blind people? Is that a microaggression against the visually impaired? In a group that small, people would be hard pressed to include a representation from all. The US census includes six groups- white, black or African American, Native American or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or other.  Even getting representation from all of these broad and limited groups would be challenging in a group of eleven.

The concept of microaggressions includes the idea that unintended or perceived slights are act of aggression.  I think this takes things too far. There are enough outright aggressive acts to worry about. Putting unequal racial representation in a graduate program on the same level as mocking a person's accent (as one author does) is ridiculous. Saying that someone asking where you are from, in a graduate program is the same as adding work load because of the color of someone's skin makes the argument less strong. My daughter- a white girl- attends school in Georgia. She is frequently asked where she is from. This is not an affront or attempt to show that she does not belong. If we see ourselves as victims, we perceive the actions of others as hurtful independent of the intent.

It cannot be denied that women and people of color are discriminated against. While affirmative action has made some changes into the landscape of the professional world, it has also sparked backlash that representatives are not as good as others and only included because of quotas. This minimizes their contributions and continues the wall of prejudice. We need to hold a high bar for all people. Diversity is important and strengthens an organization, but we need to work toward diverse workplaces and learning places that foster respect for all.

The authors do offer excellent advice about finding mentors and support people who can help navigate the waters of a challenging academic program. They highlight the fallacy that a woman can do it all- raise a family, go to school, take care of the home- equally well; at times each task will take precedence and others need to be brought in to help. In the Epilogue the editors offer the following seven suggestions that apply to everyone:

1. "Be comfortable with sharing your writing early and often.
2.  Writing groups are critical.
3. External funding is not you against the world.
4. The job market is not for the faint of heart.
5. Collegiality is key.
6. Building networks with one another is critical.
7. Don't be afraid to discuss rejection." (p. 170)

This advice is pertinent to any graduate student and in the professional world, any employee.

A book that made me think about how I interact with others. Not an easy read- it was written as components of many graduate level publishing requirements. It does shine a light on white privilege that is worth considering.