Shifting

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“Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women. Jones and Shorter-Gooden poignantly portray the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of ‘sisters’ at work, in relationships, and in their spiritual lives.” — Bebe Moore Campbell, author of What You Owe MeBased on the African American Women’s Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of African American women feel pressure to compromise their true selves as they navigate America’s racial and gender bigotry. Black women “shift” by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech. They shift “white” as they head to work in the morning and “Black” as they come back home each night. They shift inward, internalizing the searing pain of the negative stereotypes that they encounter daily. And sometimes they shift by fighting back.

With deeply moving interviews, poignantly revealed on each page, Shifting is a much-needed, clear, and comprehensive portrait of the reality of African American women’s lives today.

Based on the African American Women’s Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of African American women feel pressure to com-promise their true selves as they navigate America’s racial and gender bigotry. Black women “shift” by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech. They shift “White” as they head to work in the morning and “Black” as they come back home each night. They shift inward, internalizing the searing pain of the negative stereotypes that they encounter daily. And sometimes they shift by fighting back.

With deeply moving interviews, poignantly revealed on each page, Shifting is a much-needed, clear, and comprehensive portrait of the reality of African American women’s lives today.

“A deeply moving, intimate and important book about the emotional costs for Black women in white America.” “Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women.” “Searing…as I read Shifting… I wanted to rip out chapters and send them to nearly everyone I know.” “Jones and Shorter-Gooden are wise, warm and candid, breaking new ground…. An important and powerful book for us all. “Meaningful and poignant…this well researched and beautifully written book is a must read.” “Poignant…based on research garnered from the African American Women’s Voices Project, the largest study to date of black women.” “Stress is a common theme…the authors found good news…’We’re learning that we don’t have to lose ourselves.’” “Urgent…compelling and educational…a real contribution.”

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