Elle Hill

I am teaching an online Race and Ethnicity course, and I asked my students to do the following: Do some research into the history of legalized segregation in the U.S. (Here’s one story that discusses DuBois’ failed attempt in 1905 to stay in a Whites-only hotel while he was – wait for it – forming what would become the NAACP.) Write a few sentences in the first person as an African American in 1920 or so who lives a racially segregated life. Be realistic. Certainly because I am a benevolent teacher and  not  because I simply love writing short stories and making students read them (ahem), I penned a rather lengthy example for them. Because it contained some interesting information about voting rights for Black Americans in the 1920s, I decided to share it with you all. You're welcome.  Oh and yes, I know it's problematic for a White woman to put voice to Black experiences, but in my defense, I am making this assignment first-person to get my (mostly-Whit...

If your brand of femininity doesn't involves tiaras, you may be doing it wrong. I’ve written a bunch in the past about alpha males and how I, well, don’t quite gel with them. I mean, they’re great and all. Some of my best friends are alpha males.* But, as I might have made clear in other posts, I’m not a big fan of what sociologist R.W. Connell calls hegemonic masculinity , or the pinnacle of all things manly . As a sociologist who studies social inequalities, I just… can’t. Contrarily, because I am nothing if not contrary, I maintain a fondness for pretty traditionally feminine women characters. I like femininity, or at least the femininity that I, a White, middle class woman, have access to. As I discussed in a recent conference presentation, I understand my brand of femininity is rooted in Whiteness, in middle classness, and in opposition to non-straight, non-cisgender, and fat and larger persons. So, yeah, the history of femme-y women shouldn’t remain unchallenged. Bu...

Picture this: You, lemonade, a lawn chair on the porch. The only thing missing? A good book. Luckily for you, I have the solution to your tragic booklessness.  For the next two days -- June 11 and 12 -- Hunted Dreams is FREEEEEEEE! Yep, you read it right. Free, as in no charge. Free, as in "Yay! The best book of all time can be mine with only two clicks!". Free and clear as a politician's conscience, my friends. That said, should you consume all this literally-priceless yumminess and decide you'd like to share your opinions on it, I would be eternally grateful if you'd write an Amazon and/or Goodreads review. Regardless, though, the book is free for two whole days. Come 'n get it here !