The Purpose
We created this teacher's resource for ZZ Packer's short story collection, Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, after studying it in our black women's fiction class at Michigan State University, taught by Rae Paris.
Prior to taking this course, most of our class had not read many texts by black women during middle or high school. Although this project may not completely change that for current and future students, it will hopefully be used as a way to expose young readers to a community of otherwise neglected, though talented, writers.
Black women's literature tends to talk about difficult subjects (i.e. racism and sexuality) that are important issues but seldom presented in secondary classrooms, especially from non-dominant perspectives. Of course, there are risks involved when discussing these controversial issues, so we chose to work with the short story "Brownies" because we believe its subject matter will more likely be acceptable in classrooms, with hopes that "Brownies" could serve as a gateway discussion to other heavy material. Teachers who want to introduce their classes to themes of prejudice, power relationships, and revenge should consider their students' maturity levels and use our provided materials accordingly.
Prior to taking this course, most of our class had not read many texts by black women during middle or high school. Although this project may not completely change that for current and future students, it will hopefully be used as a way to expose young readers to a community of otherwise neglected, though talented, writers.
Black women's literature tends to talk about difficult subjects (i.e. racism and sexuality) that are important issues but seldom presented in secondary classrooms, especially from non-dominant perspectives. Of course, there are risks involved when discussing these controversial issues, so we chose to work with the short story "Brownies" because we believe its subject matter will more likely be acceptable in classrooms, with hopes that "Brownies" could serve as a gateway discussion to other heavy material. Teachers who want to introduce their classes to themes of prejudice, power relationships, and revenge should consider their students' maturity levels and use our provided materials accordingly.
Thank you for all you do,
Andy Beaudoin, Lindsay Gove, and Laura Hagan
Andy Beaudoin, Lindsay Gove, and Laura Hagan