Discussion Points for Friday, August 6th at 12:30pm: Chapters 6-7

 

Please forgive me, but there are so many discussions possible and necessary with these two chapters!  See you Friday!

1. On page 128 Lemon talks of how we grew up with what we considered "normal". That norm is now being challenged in many ways, personally and societally. What is most obvious to you? What is hardest for you to accept? What parts of your early-life's "normal" are you still coming to terms with or afraid to accept as once having been your truth?

2. What are your thoughts about Isabel Wilkerson's take on the "caste" vs. "racism"? MLK, Jr. realized "segregation was just another word for caste." Do you agree?  Wilkerson goes on to say, "We need new language in the era of upheaval that we live in now." How will a new language help elicit the necessary changes?

3. "Changing hearts and minds is a noble ambition, but I'm more interested in changing behaviors." Lemon describes advertisers' awareness of the economic benefits of changing their ways to accommodate the masses. Do you believe the shifts he highlights could make a difference? "The most civilized way to wage our uncivil war is to make it clear that a price will be paid for racism - and for the perception of racism - as it pervades the culture in which we hope to do business with each other." What are you willing to do or give up in order to make an economic statement against racism? 

4. In chapter 7 Lemon tells us that anger, solidarity, compassion and vision make change happen. Do you think any one is best at creating long-lasting change? Can you think of any other attributes to change?

5. Some general thinkers: 

    Do you talk to your friends about racism? If yes, what are some surprising things you've learned? If not, why do you think that is?

    Lemon makes a clear argument that we didn't get here by accident. What White supremacist structures are still currently in place preventing equity and equality for all Americans in this country?

    What purposeful actions are you taking after reading this book? What personal next steps do you anticipate?

Discussion Points for Thursday, July 29th (1:30pm)

This week we will discuss Chapters 3, 4 and 5, pages 55-124. These pages are filled with challenging information in terms of calling racism out in various ways, with staggering statistical evidence and disturbing stories. 

1. Don Lemon tells us about his interview with Stevante Clark following the death of his brother, Stephon at the hands of police officers who thought he had a gun when he merely held his cell phone. You can watch the interview here. (STEVANTE CLARK INTERVIEW) The story and subsequent interview provide a disturbing example of the inexorable frustration of the families of these young Black victims. What questions fill your mind as you read about the tragic death of Stephon and his brother's interview on pages 61-69? When you watch the interview, what thoughts and feelings flood your mind and heart?
2. On page 76 Lemon highlights the ubiquitous saying as "Black. Lives. Matter".  He cautions us that "the next tragic headline isn't happening on television. It's happening all around us at this very moment. Real lives....Real people, who deserve equal opportunities to breathe and be heard, to work and to prosper, to learn from mistakes, contribute to the greater good, and thrive in an atmosphere of security, peace and dignity." What are we doing at LMS to create this atmosphere for all staff and students? What do we need to continue to do? What do we need to create? What do we need to change? 
3. Chapter 4 begins with an explanation of what is truly meant by "Defund the Police". Later with the story of Ras Baraka (page 92), additional light is shed on the process. Were you reminded of anything or did you learn anything new from this section that you can remind the rest of the group about? How can we help our students understand the implications of the true meaning of this statement? How can we help them to not fall prey to the incorrect notions that are often created in the media and political venues?
4. Stories like the one about Dave Chappelle on page 117 can create confusion. Lemon spends chapter 5 talking about the celebration of Confederate soldiers through monuments and how demoralizing such celebration of White supremacy is for everyone, but especially to our Black Americans. On page 118 he says, "Whatever the young people in my life are consuming, I don't want them to consume it in isolation." Yes!  How can we create spaces for us to talk not only with our peers, but with our young people about what they are "consuming" in terms of points of view and information?

Discussion Points for Friday, July 23rd: Chapters 1-2

 

In the first two chapters, Don Lemon brings us into a better understanding of the situation in which we find ourselves as Americans. Please consider these points and questions. Comment below to get the conversation going and to give us talking points for our in-person meeting on Friday.

1. Don Lemon referenced The Fire Next Time written by James Baldwin in 1963. He begins his book as Baldwin did, with a letter to his nephew. After a short explanation, Lemon makes the statement, "This IS the Fire" (pages 20-21). Do some research to see what you find. Why did he use this statement as a title for the book? How would you define "the Fire"? How long have we as a country been in "the Fire"?

1. Lemon says, "It's time to have a point of view, not just an opinion." What do you think he means by this? What is the difference between a point of view and an opinion? What is something you have an opinion about? Why do you think he is stressing the difference as it pertains to racism? Have you considered your opinion? How about your point of view?

1. Lemon talks about forgotten events and locations in Black history in Louisiana and Long Island. Can you find similarly forgotten settlements or points of conflict near your current home or where you grew up as a child? Do you know if there were Black towns in your area in the past?

1. On page 44 Lemon discusses the "Black box" in which he put himself as a child. What are the implications of the "Black box" at LMS?

This is a Video Tour of the Cape Coast Castle that Lemon references on pages 45-49. I highly suggest you watch it.(Here it is on YOUTUBE if you prefer.)  I am not even sure what to discuss after having viewed it, but it is a powerful tool to help us all appreciate the history Lemon and his mother came to understand on their trip. 

Introduction: This Is The Fire by Don Lemon

Greetings!  Welcome to the LMS Summer Book Discussion of Don Lemon's This Is the Fire. We will meet three times over the coming weeks. 

• Friday, July 23rd at 10:00am (Chapters 1-2, pages 3-53)
• Thursday, July 29th at 1:30pm (Chapters 3-5, pages 55-124)
• Friday, August 6th at 10:00am (Chapters 6-7, pages 125-196)

One week prior to each session please expect to see discussion Points to Ponder. They will be published on this site along with supplemental materials for reading, listening and watching. Those interested will be able to leave comments and discussions for each post, so be sure to check back frequently in order to be part of the ongoing dialogue. If you have any materials you feel might benefit the group, please post them as well!

A cautionary, empathetic note about the book. Don Lemon is unapologetic about his political views, especially those regarding current-day politicians. THIS BOOK DISCUSSION IS NOT ABOUT ANY OF THAT! We will be using his book to spark discussion about race, the history of racism and our role as educators here in the midst of the fire. As you prepare for our discussions, please check and pack away any and all commentary regarding those political views that are not shared by all...that is all of them! We are not coming together to debate people or politics. We are coming together to discuss racism, how it got to this point, and what we can actively do to eradicate it.

Finally, since the middle school is closed we will be meeting on Zoom. A link will be sent as we approach our first meeting time.

We can't wait to share discussions with you about the important points made in this book!

Donna and Eileen