ΕλληνικάThe Best Books About Equality and Diversity by *Juliet Noble.
Books bridge geographical and temporal limitations to connect people with one another across cultural differences. Today, with the advent of the internet, more and more discourse between different groups of people is bringing up critical discussions about equality. But while Pew Research reports that six out of ten people in most countries (outside of Japan and Greece) believe that diversity and inclusion (in terms of race, religion, and ethnic groups) benefit society, there is still a long way to go when it comes to addressing persistent issues related to discrimination.
The books listed below reflect diverse realities and tap into discussions of systems of power that impact groups and individuals, in complex and dynamic ways. If you’re interested in learning more about equ]lity and diversity, here are three of the best non-fiction books that can enlighten you on the topic.
‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’ by (από την) Reni Eddo-Lodge
There is a huge misconception in many western countries that racism is no longer a big issue. Reni Eddo-Lodge’s ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ is an exploration of racial discourse in the UK. As a Black woman growing up in the UK, she interrogates this false notion of racial harmony widely held in the nation. This sentiment is reflected in Eddo Lodge’s provocative title, which is in truth a statement of self-preservation and a call out to those who reject the prominence of systemic oppression in the country.
‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ is eloquently and insightfully written, reaching back into the history of Black people in the UK and tracing the manifestation of its legacies in present-day conversations and encounters. A vital book that shows how even in societies that consider themselves progressive, there is still a lack of equality and diversity.
‘Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World’ edited by Zahra Hankir
In this book, women Arab journalists reclaim the narrative on the destruction being wrought in their homelands. Journalism on Middle Eastern conflicts has time and again been overtaken by Western discourse, but these essays reshape the dialogue and tell it from the perspective of those on the ground.
At once celebratory and subversive, ‘Our Women on the Ground’ represents empowerment through a unique position of resistance. They achieve this not only by humanizing those who are victimized by these conflicts but by drawing attention to the beauty that is threatened—and ironically created—in times of upheaval.
‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by (από την) Robin Wall Kimerrer
Robin Wall Kimerrer is a botanist who belongs to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her essay collection, ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’, stems from the friction birthed by opposing worldviews, as scientists and Native American women. Drawing from these two pools of knowledge, Kimmerer delicately portrays how epistemological warfare propagated by Western culture disrupted the Native practices that honor the relationship between human and the earth. In doing so, she calls for greater ecological consciousness for this reciprocal relationship.
Despite the depth of her exploration, Kimerrer’s book reflects the purity and innocence of nature, and the sense of community garnered through mutual understanding of the world.
In Greece, there are many opportunities to embrace diversity and inclusion, but this acceptance is still a work in progress for many other parts of the world. By reading books that highlight different perspectives, we amplify marginalized voices and equip ourselves with the knowledge to drive these discussions forward.
*Juliet Noble is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed bookworm. She believes books reflect – and, in turn, can impact – humanity in countless ways, so she hopes her pieces help others explore and learn from the lessons books have to offer. In her free time, she enjoys reading with a cup of coffee – or the occasional glass of wine.
