Description
Book SynopsisThe infamous rise in characterizations of white women as Becky(s) is a modern phenomenon, different from past characterizations like the Miss Anne types. But just who embodies the Becky? Why is it important to understand, especially with regards to anti-racism and racial justice? Understanding that learning, even discussing, dynamics of race and gender are oftentimes met with discomfort and emotional resistance, this creative, yet theoretical book merges social science analyses with literary short stories as a way to more effectively teach about the impact of whiteness and gender. Additionally, the book includes guiding questions so that readers can critically reflect on the behaviors of Becky(s) and how they impact the hope for racial harmony. Designed specifically for both educational spaces and the larger society, the author, an educational researcher and former classroom teacher, approaches the topic of race and gender, specifically whiteness and white women, in a nuanced manner. B
Trade ReviewSurviving Beckys is revelatory in content, revolutionary in form. Contributors’ stories of white supremacy and the Becky phenomenon are powerful and nuanced—every one a gift to the consciousness and an ode to Derrick Bell’s Faces at the Bottom of the Well. Their stories, woven with Matias’s pointed and unflinching analysis, make this an engaging, invaluable read for anyone hoping to more deeply understand the accumulative ravages of racism. -- Paul Gorski, founder of the Equity Literacy Institute
Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements Section 1: Becky(s) as Colonizers Chapter 1: The Makeover not the Takeover: Surviving the Becky Coup D’Etat, Darryl A. Brice and Derrick R. Brooms Chapter 2: The Battle of the Elders: Queen Becky and the Table of Elders, Eligio Martinez Jr. Section 1: Guiding Questions Section 2: Becky(s) as Weaponized Emotionalities Chapter 3: The Ultimate Superpower: Surviving Becky’s Tears, Erica R. Wallace & Rachel Kline Chapter 4: Attack of the 50-ft Becky, Kakali Bhattacharya and Paul Maxfield Section 2: Guiding Questions Section 3: Becky(s) as Entitlement and Privilege Chapter 5: The World According to Becky: An Inverse Chronology of Humanity in a Teacher Preparation Program, Justin P. Jiménez Chapter 6: This Ain’t No “Wizard of Oz,” Becky!, G. L. Sarcedo Chapter 7: Surviving Becky in Space, Melva R. Grant Section 3: Guiding Questions Section 4: Becky(s) as Terrors Chapter 8: Nightmare on Black Magic Street: The Reality Of Staying Woke, Rebecca George and Alexanderia Smith Chapter 9: When you cross a Becky: A Monologue, Scott Farver Section 4: Guiding Questions Section 5: Becky(s) as Presumed Experts & Usurped Authority Chapter 10: Waiting to Excel, Justine Lee and Autumn A. Griffin Chapter 11: Racism: Becky’s Dance Around the Other ‘R-Word’ in Student Affairs, Nolan L. Cabrera Section 5: Guiding Questions Section 6: Becky(s) as Allies? Victims? Chapter 12: The Guilt of a Becky, Kara Mitchell Viesca Chapter 13: “Aren’t I Great!”: The Tale of a Self-Presumed Heroic Becky, Kelly E. Demers and Aubrey Scheopner Torres Chapter 14: White Lady, Korina M. Jocson Section 6: Guiding Questions Section 7: Becky(s) as Violent Chapter 15: Present tense: A Southern Gothic of Schooling, Kevin Lawrence Henry, Jr. Chapter 16: Slow Death by Becky: Cause, Asphyxiation, Shelby Dawkins-Law Section 7: Guiding Questions Section 8: Becky(s) as Manipulators and Gaslighters Chapter 17: Facing the Becky Within, Socorro Morales Chapter 18: When Mediocrity Fails to Shine: The Case of Becky the Mad Beckologist and Dejanae the Humanoid, Leta Hooper and Wyletta Gamble-Lomax Chapter 19: Who is Dr. Farsa?, Luis Fernando Macias Section 8: Guiding Questions Conclusion
