Promoting togetherness through literature

‘Radical empathy...means putting in the work to educate oneself and to listen with a humble heart to understand another's experience from their perspective, not as we imagine we would feel. Radical empathy is not about you and what you think you would do in a situation you have never been in and perhaps never will. It is the kindred connection from a place of deep knowing that opens your spirit to the pain of another as they perceive it...If each of us could truly see and connect with the humanity of the person in front of us, search for that key that opens the door to whatever we may have in common, whether cosplay or Star Trek or the loss of a parent, it could begin to affect how we see the world and others in it, perhaps change the way we hire or even vote. Each time a person reaches across caste and makes a connection, it helps to break the back of caste. Multiplied by millions in a given day, it becomes the flap of a butterfly wing that shifts the air that builds to a hurricane across an ocean.’

- Isabel Wilkerson in Caste  

 As Isabel Wilkerson wrote: ‘When we educate ourselves and listen to someone else’s experiences from their perspective...it could begin to affect how we see the world and others in it’. By reading, discussing, and learning from authors who are diverse (by race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity etc), we will begin to break down our individual biases and stereotypes about people who do not identify the same way we do, thus leading to a more compassionate, equitable, and just world.  

• Promote books written by authors who are diverse 
• Encourage people who are willing to engage in topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create book clubs in their own communities (virtual or in-person)
• Create guidance and resources that participants can use to create a safe space for discussion on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion  

• Humble heart and open mind 
• Speak your truth  
• Embrace discomfort  
• Expect non-closure  
• Seek to understand not to be understood   
• Assume the best intentions and commit to follow up, if needed 
• Be an active contributor and listener to the best of your ability
• This is a brave, safe, and confidential space  

We chose a butterfly as a connection to the above quote in Caste: 'Each time a person reaches across caste and makes a connection, it helps to break the back of caste. Multiplied by millions in a given day, it becomes the flap of a butterfly wing that shifts the air that builds to a hurricane across an ocean.’ 

You may have noticed that we only release a handful of questions for each book. Our goal is for each question to lead to deep reflection and discussion for everyone who chooses to read and follow along.  From the above quote in Caste: 'If each of us could truly see and connect with the humanity of the person in front of us, search for that key that opens the door to whatever we may have in common...it could begin to affect how we see the world and others in it.'