Growing up, James McBride knew nothing of his mother's past. His father was black & his mother was white, but she left her previous life behind her anGrowing up, James McBride knew nothing of his mother's past. His father was black & his mother was white, but she left her previous life behind her and refused to discuss it. Finally as an adult, he convince her (Ruth McBride) to tell her story, and share it in this memoir. She grew up the daughter of a Polish rabbi in Suffolk, Virginia, and fled to the North with her African-American lover. She married twice (both husbands died) and raised mostly by herself 12 children, defying the grim odds of poverty. I thought the Color of Water was quite well-written. The chapters alternate between James' recollections of his childhood, and his mother's narrative. She is (or was?) a strong, determined woman, and a stern but loving mother. I found it interesting, for one because in my generation, interracial relationships & families are seen as no big deal for the most part. But Ruth faced stares of puzzlement and hostility as she led around her children around New York City. ...more
Wow, this book is really old! Both when it was published (early 1900s) and the particular copy I have. The introduction, history and religion chapters Wow, this book is really old! Both when it was published (early 1900s) and the particular copy I have. The introduction, history and religion chapters are outdated- there is a bit of a Noble Savage framing of the Celts and he takes seriously the fabricated "Barddas" of Iolo Morganwg that was claimed to be ancient Welsh Bardic wisdom. However the re-tellings of the myths seem like they are good. There are even a few myths that I haven't seen before, like the story of Tuan Mac Carell. The edition I have also has nice Art Noveau illustrations. Actually this is the most extensive collection of Celtic myth and legend I have seen in one book- that is the best reason to buy, borrow and read this book....more
While race is a frequent topic of discussion and activism among UU's, socio-economic class is all too often ignored. Personally I have encountered claWhile race is a frequent topic of discussion and activism among UU's, socio-economic class is all too often ignored. Personally I have encountered classist attitudes among UU's, so this was of great interest to me. Beginning with Unitarians in Britain, Harris shows that they had more humble origins as skilled workers and small merchants, who rose in status through their own efforts. After coming to America, Unitarians became a more elite group particularly in Boston. Their churches often excluded people of other classes and races. Universalists, while stereotyped as rural and working-class, actually were more economically mixed.
I was shocked by some of what I read in this book, including many Unitarian's advocacy for eugenics. At the time it was seen as progressive! All in all, I believe this is essential reading for anyone interested in Unitarian Universalism, liberal religion or the intersection of religion and class....more
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