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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I listened to the abridged extracts from this book as broadcast on BBC Radio 4's 'Book of the Week.' These were five 15 minute episodes, read by the authors themselves. After the first absolutely brilliant first episode, I found myself thinking that if the rest of episodes were this good, I'd probably have to buy the book and read it in full!
The first episode was created, apparently, from extracts from the essays 'It's Always a Race Thing with Her', and 'Lawyer, Doctor, Engineer'. This episode begins with a discussion on the double standards black women face today. They are told to "work twice as hard to be considered half as good." The rest of this episode goes into more detail on how this manifests in education, and includes an interview with a researcher on the topic, as well as an account from Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (a science TV presenter, for those who don't know), who I absolutely LOVE, so I have to admit I squealed with delight that she was included.
The next two episodes discuss the racist and discriminatory cultures that exists at universities, in the workplace, and in the media and popular culture. One example given is the discrimination and abuse faced by the first black female MP in the UK, Dianne Abbott, who anyone who follows British politics will know has been treated appallingly by the British media and beyond. Episode 4 explains how the internet has been a mixed blessing to minorities. On the one hand, the internet has made it easier find information and others like you, helping many to realise they are less alone than they grew up believing. However, the internet also allows racism and discrimination to flourish, largely unchallenged. In episode 5, Yomi Adegoke shares her own story of mental illness. She talks about the links between racism and sexism with mental illness due to the shame that is often left unspoken and internalised.
What I heard here was fantastic, and I am now convinced I need to track the book down and read it in full. I will leave it unrated and marked as DNF until then. Although, it appears the book has been written with a mainly black, British and female audience in mind, I (as a white, British woman) feel that this book should be read by many others than just this one group. If we want change, then we all need to take responsibility for it.
The first episode was created, apparently, from extracts from the essays 'It's Always a Race Thing with Her', and 'Lawyer, Doctor, Engineer'. This episode begins with a discussion on the double standards black women face today. They are told to "work twice as hard to be considered half as good." The rest of this episode goes into more detail on how this manifests in education, and includes an interview with a researcher on the topic, as well as an account from Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (a science TV presenter, for those who don't know), who I absolutely LOVE, so I have to admit I squealed with delight that she was included.
The next two episodes discuss the racist and discriminatory cultures that exists at universities, in the workplace, and in the media and popular culture. One example given is the discrimination and abuse faced by the first black female MP in the UK, Dianne Abbott, who anyone who follows British politics will know has been treated appallingly by the British media and beyond. Episode 4 explains how the internet has been a mixed blessing to minorities. On the one hand, the internet has made it easier find information and others like you, helping many to realise they are less alone than they grew up believing. However, the internet also allows racism and discrimination to flourish, largely unchallenged. In episode 5, Yomi Adegoke shares her own story of mental illness. She talks about the links between racism and sexism with mental illness due to the shame that is often left unspoken and internalised.
What I heard here was fantastic, and I am now convinced I need to track the book down and read it in full. I will leave it unrated and marked as DNF until then. Although, it appears the book has been written with a mainly black, British and female audience in mind, I (as a white, British woman) feel that this book should be read by many others than just this one group. If we want change, then we all need to take responsibility for it.
I forget that non-fiction books aren't really page turners, but I feel like this took me a while to finish even so. Some of the facts were interesting (and depressing!) but the language was very off-putting at times. In a book that's meant to target young black girls, there's just no need to swear, you know? The tone shifted from informal to friendly to factual to wise and it just didn't work for me. Ultimately, I didn't learn how to slay in my lane and that was the downfall of this book.
I expected this to be more fun due to the "Slay" in the title. It turned out to be more cerebral and less conversational. The "Slay" really referred to how to persevere and not underestimate yourself. I read this in January for my Mocha Girls Read book club. I respect they wanted to showcase the diverse Black female experience with all the contributing interviews. It felt like a lecture series in book form.
They explored the concept of Black women as largely invisible while also seen as the purveyors of cool. It's like people want what we have but don't want to fully recognize us on our own in many settings. I've definitely dealt with this in work and university places at times. I was surprised to discover that a Black British history course of study only existed until very recently in the UK.
Even if you're not a Black woman, this is an intriguing book. If you're curious to learn about the Black British female experience and other facets of feminism, definitely pick this book up.
They explored the concept of Black women as largely invisible while also seen as the purveyors of cool. It's like people want what we have but don't want to fully recognize us on our own in many settings. I've definitely dealt with this in work and university places at times. I was surprised to discover that a Black British history course of study only existed until very recently in the UK.
Even if you're not a Black woman, this is an intriguing book. If you're curious to learn about the Black British female experience and other facets of feminism, definitely pick this book up.
informative
medium-paced
Slay In Your Lane hits us with the facts. The hard truths of misogynoir. I learnt so much which enabled me to make real life connections of my own.
I especially appreciated Malorie Blackman's engagement and the various other leading Black Women's stories and voices that have paved the way.
I especially appreciated Malorie Blackman's engagement and the various other leading Black Women's stories and voices that have paved the way.
informative
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
I wish I had this book growing up. To me, it speaks so much truth to the Black women's experience in life. I'm surprised it is based in the UK. It talks about the lack of make-up selection for Black Women in stores. An issue that make up companies didn't take seriously until Rihanna came out with her make up line and it was highly successful. It talks about bold and overt racism, what "Becky with the good hair means", hair in general, mental health and why "praying about it" isn't always enough, how Black women are resilient. It also mention the idea of "token". This concept I'm very aware but have never read about in such a bold way. It also talks about the cultural influences and pressure that is placed on young Black girls.
This book is a big "You are Not Alone" sign to every Black Women.
This book is a big "You are Not Alone" sign to every Black Women.