Citizen: An American Lyric - A Hybrid Book that Explores Racism in Contemporary Society
Citizen: An American Lyric - A Powerful Book on Race and Racism
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a person of color in America? Have you ever experienced or witnessed racial microaggressions, slights, or insults in your daily life? Have you ever wanted to learn more about the history and culture of black people in the US?
citizen an american lyric epub format
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read Citizen: An American Lyric, a book by Claudia Rankine that explores the individual and collective effects of racism in our contemporary society. In this article, we will tell you what this book is about, why you should read it, and how you can get it in epub format.
What is Citizen: An American Lyric?
Citizen: An American Lyric is a book by Claudia Rankine, a Jamaican-born American poet, essayist, and professor. It was published in 2014 by Graywolf Press and won several awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry, the PEN Open Book Award, and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
The author and her background
Claudia Rankine was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1963 and moved to the US when she was seven years old. She grew up in New York City and attended Williams College and Columbia University. She has taught at various universities, including Yale University, where she is currently a professor of poetry.
Rankine is also the co-founder of the Racial Imaginary Institute, a cultural organization that promotes dialogue and art on issues of race. She has written five collections of poetry, two plays, and several essays. She is known for her innovative and experimental style that blends poetry, prose, images, and multimedia.
The genre and format of the book
Citizen: An American Lyric is not a conventional book. It defies easy categorization and classification. It is a hybrid of poetry, essay, memoir, art, and social commentary. It is divided into seven sections that vary in length, tone, and form. Some sections are composed of short lyric poems that describe personal experiences or observations of racism. Some sections are written in prose that analyze historical events or cultural figures related to race. Some sections include images or artworks that complement or contrast with the text. Some sections are interactive or collaborative, inviting the reader to participate or respond.
The book also uses different perspectives and voices. Some parts are written in the first person singular ("I"), some in the second person singular ("you"), some in the first person plural ("we"), some in the third person singular ("he" or "she"), and some in the third person plural ("they"). The use of pronouns creates a sense of intimacy or distance, inclusion or exclusion, identification or alienation between the speaker, the listener, and the subject.
The main themes and topics of the book
The main theme of Citizen: An American Lyric is race and racism, especially in the US. The book explores how racism manifests itself in various ways, from subtle to overt, from individual to institutional, from personal to political. The book also examines how racism affects the lives, emotions, and identities of people of color, as well as their relationships with white people and with each other.
Some of the topics that the book covers are: - The impact of racial microaggressions, such as being mistaken for a service worker, being ignored or dismissed, being questioned or challenged, being stereotyped or exoticized, being harassed or threatened, etc. - The role of the media and the internet in perpetuating or challenging racial stereotypes, biases, and violence, such as the cases of Trayvon Martin, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama, Serena Williams, Zinedine Zidane, etc. - The history and legacy of slavery, segregation, lynching, civil rights, and other forms of racial oppression and resistance in the US. - The expression and representation of black culture and identity in art, literature, music, sports, etc. - The connection and contrast between the US and other countries or regions that have experienced or are experiencing racial conflicts or issues, such as Jamaica, Haiti, South Africa, Europe, etc.
Why should you read Citizen: An American Lyric?
There are many reasons why you should read Citizen: An American Lyric. Here are some of them:
The book is a critical and popular success
Citizen: An American Lyric is not only a literary masterpiece but also a cultural phenomenon. It has received rave reviews from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its originality, creativity, honesty, courage, and urgency. It has been called "a dazzling expression of the painful double consciousness of black life in America" by The Washington Post, "a powerful testament to the individual and collective effects of racism in our contemporary society" by The Guardian, and "one of the most important books of the decade" by Literary Hub.
The book has also sold more than 300,000 copies and has been translated into several languages. It has been featured in various media outlets and platforms. It has been adopted by many schools and colleges as a required or recommended reading. It has inspired many discussions and debates among scholars, activists, artists, and ordinary people. It has influenced many other works of art and literature.
The book is relevant and timely in today's society
Citizen: An American Lyric is not only a reflection of the past but also a commentary on the present and a vision for the future. It addresses some of the most pressing and controversial issues that we face today as a nation and as a world. It challenges us to confront the reality and complexity of race and racism in our everyday lives. It invites us to question our assumptions and expectations of citizenship and belonging. It urges us to acknowledge our complicity and responsibility in creating or changing the status quo.
The book is especially relevant and timely in light of the recent events that have sparked protests and movements for racial justice and equality across the US and beyond. The book resonates with the experiences and demands of millions of people who are fighting against systemic racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression and discrimination. The book also offers hope and inspiration for those who are seeking to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The book is engaging and creative in its presentation
Citizen: An American Lyric is not only a informative and insightful book but also a captivating and enjoyable one. It is written in a clear and accessible language that appeals to a wide range of readers. It is structured in a flexible and dynamic way that allows for multiple readings and interpretations. It is enhanced by stunning visuals that add to its aesthetic appeal.
The book is also interactive and collaborative in its approach. It encourages the reader to participate in the creation of meaning and understanding. It invites the reader to share their own stories or opinions on race and racism. It prompts the reader to reflect on their own positionality and perspective on these issues. It stimulates the reader to engage in dialogue with others who may have different views or experiences on these issues.
How can you get Citizen: An American Lyric in epub format?
, or EPUBReader.
Conclusion
Citizen: An American Lyric is a book that you should not miss. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and act. It is a book that will challenge you, inspire you, and empower you. It is a book that will teach you, entertain you, and enlighten you.
If you want to read this book in epub format, you can download it, buy it, or borrow it from various online sources. You can also read it on different devices using different apps or software. However you choose to read it, we hope that you will enjoy it and learn from it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Citizen: An American Lyric and epub format:
What is the difference between epub and pdf format?
How can I create my own epub file?
How can I edit or modify an epub file?
How can I share or distribute an epub file?
How can I protect or secure an epub file?
Here are the answers to these questions:
Epub and pdf are both digital file formats for e-books. However, they have some differences. Epub is more flexible and adaptable to different screen sizes and orientations. Pdf is more fixed and consistent in its layout and appearance. Epub is more customizable and interactive in its features and functions. Pdf is more simple and straightforward in its presentation and navigation.
You can create your own epub file using various tools and methods. You can use an online converter that can turn your word document, web page, or other file into an epub file. You can use a desktop software that can help you design and format your e-book as an epub file. You can use a web-based platform that can help you publish and distribute your e-book as an epub file.
You can edit or modify an epub file using various tools and methods. You can use a text editor that can open and edit the xml files that make up an epub file. You can use a zip utility that can extract and compress the files that make up an epub file. You can use an e-book editor that can help you change the content and metadata of an epub file.
You can share or distribute an epub file using various tools and methods. You can use an e-mail service that can attach and send your epub file to your recipients. You can use a cloud storage service that can upload and store your epub file online. You can use a file-sharing service that can generate a link or a QR code for your epub file.
You can protect or secure an epub file using various tools and methods. You can use a DRM (digital rights management) system that can encrypt and restrict access to your epub file. You can use a watermarking system that can embed your name or logo into your epub file. You can use a password system that can lock and unlock your epub file.
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