During the webinar interview with Claudia Rankine. I learned many interesting things about her. She is a very strong, creative and determined woman. I was also proud to know she’s a fellow Jamaican. Like many successful individuals Rankine had her share of negative critiques. However, she was most grateful for the  surprising mentors she came across on her journey. Persons who have aided in her success. She notes that  in her success she never knew who would have helped her in life. Therefore, she was always open and respectful to people regardless of race or gender . When  Rankine said this it reflected back to how we are grown in the Caribbean. We are taught to always treat people we meet with respect. Based on the fact that we never know if that person might be the one to save our life.

When  Rankine wrote “Don’t  Let Me  be Lonely,” she was with Grove Press. Which at the time told her they would not be publishing her work . Due to the fact that they did  not see it as  poetry.  Rankine did not let this damper her efforts. She continued to believe in her work , even after having a friend also referring to the book as terrible. I admired the fact that she never took it to heart . Rankine’s book was Later on  published and became a  major influence in people’s life. Which attest to the fact that you never know what lies a head of you on your journey to self development. In addition, how important  it is to always believe in yourself.

In September, Rankine received a letter from a publisher who also rejected her work. Stating how much he regretted not reading it. Along with the fact that he didn’t realize how wonderful it was. Rankine expressed her book was directed  towards cultural  whiteness.  Stating that everyone is a participant . However, she speaks mostly to her white audience,“Someone who’s interested in building something new.”  In addition,  her book was also a response to  moments. Based  on the fact  that history did happened and the questions that exist in society. She targeted the concept of sociology and what it really looks like.

During the process of creating her novel, Rankine interjected her most meaningful conversations . After having  them professionally analyzed by a hired psychiatrist. Rankine also took great efforts in making sure she had information from creditable sources. She did many research and use statistics along with fact checks. Which all aided as  support for her essays. Her final statement was that essays open more platform for close reading and to be taken a part.

The overall interview with Claudia Rankine was very insightful. It gave an opportunity to know more about her as an author and what really takes place in her mind when writing her books. In addition, the process in which she goes through to ensure her work is of a profound quality.

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