Skin Deep

by Marita Golden, Susan Richards Shreve, Susan Shreve

Book Overview

Candid, poignant, provocative, and informative, the essays and stories inSkin Deepexplore a wide spectrum of racial issues between black and white women, from self-identity and competition to childrearing and friendship. Eudora Welty contributes a bittersweet story of a one-hundred-year-old black woman whose spirit is as determined and strong as anything in nature. Bestselling author Naomi Wolf recalls her first exposure to racism growing up, examining...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385474091
• ISBN13: 9780385474092
• Release Date: June 1995
• Publisher: Nan A. Talese
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Tell It Like It Is...........

This book is the product of what happens when we can tell the truth. It was a real eye-opener and consoling in one. It let you know that you are not alone in the battle of dealing with race everyday. In some way or another every story will speak to you. Every author's attempt to define their truth will help you to better understand your own reality. Great book even if you may not agree with every point of view contained within it's pages, you'll appreciate the effort to convey the story, to say the least!

Why Is There Only One Review of This Book?

In the very public work that I do, I too often hear, as I just heard yesterday, well-meaning white people say, "The way to take care of diversity is to never mention it again."And it is this kind of message that reminds me that we have a ways to go in race relations.This book is a collection of stories from famous women, both white and black, about their experiences with race.While every chapter had me deeply moved, I must say that the chapter titled, "Contents Under Pressure: White Woman/Black History," by Catherine Clinton, was the most moving.This is a story about a white woman who teaches African-American History. This is, a reverse discrimination story that has value for everyone to read. By her name, and her profession, she is assumed to be African-American. But she is Caucasian.Her published work has led to many invitations to speak on race relations.But, when they meet her, in person, and see that she is not African-American, things change.And she had to put in a tremendous amount of time, to show that she is here to stay, despite the resistence of others.In the end, this professor taught her students that the thickness of your skin, and not its color is a useful measure for success.This is a professor whose mission lives on through her students.I invite everyone male or female, of all races to read this book, as you think of yourself as a fly on the wall.You will grow, beyond your wildest dreams.

A perspective on race

As we begin to approach the next century, race is still an important issue that should not be ignored or denied. As we live in a multiracial society, it is important to take time out and listen to ourselves and others. This is a provocative book that should be read by all women who take the time to intellectually consider themselves and their role as women and mothers, sisters, neigbors, and lovers. How will we teach our children and eachother to consider race? These essays bring forth some harsh realizations of the boundaries that truly separate black and white women and what must be overcome if we truly want to unite. It is a good dose of reality that many of us would benefit from not only reading, but thinking about and discussing. The truth is awfully hard to swallow.