Citizen, by Claudia Rankine shows the reader what it’s like to be an outlier in society as she shares here personal experiences of what it is like to be a women of color in the world that we live in. As well she shares stories from other people who have gone through similar situations as her. All of these stories help the reader become more engaged as some of the stories are in daily situations that some people would never think twice about, but in her life and many others like her these daily situations can turn into something that’ll never be forgotten. This is simply because of society’s stereotypes that effect the daily lives of individuals. As a person born with a physical disability I personally connected to some of Rankine’s stories.
The stories she shares show how sometimes you simply cannot control every part of your life. Rankine stated “The world out there insisting on this only half concerns you. what happens to you doesn’t belong to you, only half concerns you. It’s not yours. Not yours only. (Rankine 141). Rankine is implying that what happens to you is sometimes out of your control. The important part of that quote is the word “half” meaning that yes you have control of your life such as your ambitions and goals. However the things out off your control is only because of society’s views. Another example is when Rankine states “A body in the world drowns it” (Rankine 142) meaning that what the world see’s in a body defies it’s outcomes. This is true in some cases, and not in others. The key is we do not have control of the things we are given or the things we are not. However, if your able to push past all the hurdles, are you then in control? If the answer is yes or no the world is always going to act a certain way and that is what will never be within your control. This helps explain her quote of “How to care for a injured body. The kind of body that cannot hold the content it is living in” (Rankine 143). The injured body is not physically injured. It is injured by the memories of it’s past. The memories caused by factors such as ethnicity. which it is not like we can choose our ethnicity. It is just simply given to us. Therefore we should embrace the obstacles we face as they only build our character and make us stronger human beings.
Rankine stated “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146) implying that her stories of being treated differently made her feel worse than any other thing that has happened to her. If you have ever been treated differently because of something you had no control over how would it make you feel. It obviously bothered Rankine, and had a huge impact on the life that she lived and the views she had developed. People of color face these situations and feelings commonly and it is wrong. The color of your skin only resembles how close to the equator your ancestors lived yet it leaves social impacts on millions of lives. These impacts are seen in the stories that Rankine shares, and it is heartbreaking to know that something so simple can cause these situations. Situations that are a result of people feeling more important, more valuable just because of the color of there skin. The stories shed light into a dark world, and it makes the reader realize the important aspects to apply to there own lives to overcome any obstacle they may face.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think Rankine meant by “The world out there insisting on this only half concerns you. what happens to you doesn’t belong to you, only half concerns you. It’s not yours. Not yours only.” (Rankine 141).
- Do you agree with Rankine’s statement of “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146). If you faced the same obstacles she had, how would you react? Would you stand up for yourself?
Works Cited:
Rankine, Claudia, 1963-author. Citizen : An American Lyric. Minneapolis, Minnesota : Graywolf Press, 2014.
Hello there Logan, great job on your post for today. In looking over your blog post, one aspect of it that I saw as particularly interesting was that in one Rankine quote, you explained that her referencing injury was not of the physical means, instead it is caused by past memories. It was a deep and profound connection that gave a good impression of the struggles faced by African Americans. In answer to your second question of belonging, I agree that the feeling of not belonging is the worst and one reason for this is because Rankine voiced that, “…you are still feeling if only the feeling could be known and this brings on the moment you recognize as desire” (153). In talking about belonging, the goal of this is the desire to not feel alone by grouping yourself with other like minded individuals. If I was faced with the same issues Rankine had, I feel I would respond in the same manner and not voice my opinions to the offenders in question. In most cases I would not stand up for myself because I am a smaller sized female that would fear physical violence or verbal arguments arising from confrontation.
Hi Logan, good job on your blog post! Something that specifically stood out to me was when you said, “the physical body is not injured”. The body stores past experiences and this is inevitable. Although the body is not physically injured, it is hurting due to all the racist encounters it experiences daily. Regarding your second question, I do agree with Rankine’s statement that the “worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much”(Rankine 146). Unfortunately, we see that Black people are constantly experiencing racism and feeling as if they don’t belong. Rankine states “and still a world begins its furious erasure- Who do you think you are saying I to me? You nothing. You nobody” (Rankine 142). This is a very powerful line that illustrates the way Black people are treated in society. They are treated as if they don’t have an identity and are seen as worthless. Not feeling like you belong in society is the worst feeling. It is hard to get by and live a normal life when you are constantly looked down upon and disregarded as a part of society. To answer the second part of your question, If I was faced with the same issues as Rankine, I would like to say that I would stick up for myself, but I’m not entirely sure that I would. Being in this position I would feel frustrated and degraded as a human, but I would not feel so confident in voicing my opinion. There could be a chance that people would try to start physical fights or that they would not care about the way I felt.
Thanks Erin! I’m glad the quote “the physical body is not” stood out to you! I believe this is true in most instances and that our experiences in life are what hurt us. However if you have the right vision on the instances that hurt us it can help you become more determined to reach your goals. I have a similar response to your second question where I think I would be able to stick up for myself but you never really know until you’re in the situation.
Hi Logan! I really enjoyed reading your blog post and I agree with how you said that based on these stories used in the lyric it shows that you can’t control every aspect of your life. That is a good reminder for me because I know I wish that I could control all aspects of my life sometimes. Regarding your second question I do agree with the statement of “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146). Although I will never encounter the racism that people of color go through, I still believe that it is wrong and that feeling as though you don’t belong in your own world is terrible. One part of the lyric that directly goes with that quote is “I they he she we you turn only to discover the encounter, to be alien to this place” (Rankine 140). This quote that Rankine says is showing how people feel that they do not belong, and she even describes it as being an “alien”. It is such a sad thought that racism in American is making people of color feel like extra-terrestrial creatures rather than the human beings they are. If I did face the obstacles, she had I don’t think I would be as calm and collected as she seems to be during the microaggressions that were faced throughout the lyric. I want to say that I definitely would stand up for myself but as someone who has never gone through those encounters, I cannot be so sure. This is because I do not know of the emotions faced such as fear of being hurt or worse during these microaggressions .
Thanks Katerine! I’m glad you encorprated the second quote in your response! Racism would definitely make you feel alienated and it’s unimaginable of some of the things people of color would go through and I think it’s not human to be able to treat someone in that way.
Hi Logan, nice job on your post! One part of your post that stood out to me is when you say “the color of your skin only resembles how close to the equator your ancestors lived yet it leaves social impacts on millions of lives. This shows that racism is social problem and was created by society, leading to horrible consequences and years of oppression towards African Americans. Rankine describes wanting to metaphorically escape this society filled with racism and oppression, meaning forget about the past memories and move on from them, yet cannot put the memories she holds behind her. She says, “Some years there exists a wanting to escape- you, floating above a certain ache- still the ache coexists” (Rankine 139). She is saying here that there exists a time when she can choose to escape her past and forget what has happened but no matter what she does the aches caused by racism will always be with her. Touching on your second question I do agree with her statement that “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much”. African Americans have been oppressed for so long they feel inferior to the majority and not having a voice is just as bad as having one but no one listening to what you have to say. If I was in the same situation as Rankine, I too would not speak up because of the consequences Black Americans faced when they spoke up during this time.
Hi Logan! Amazing job on your post! I liked how you spoke about how in life somethings are out of your control. I definitely feel like that is true. I think we just have to sometimes go with the flow. It’s sad that so many people of color have to go through so much because of something that is out of their control. I agree with Rankine’s statement of “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much.” (Rankine 146). Honestly, if I faced the same obstacles, she had I would definitely try my best to fight for what’s right no matter what it takes. I would definitely stand up for myself because no one deserves to feel like they “don’t belong so much.” (Rankine 146). In Citizen it states, “And still a world begins its furious erasure- who do you think you are, saying I to me? You nothing. You nobody. You.” (Rankine 142). This is an example of how people of color get treated and I don’t think it’s fair for someone to feel like they don’t belong. I don’t think the color of your skin should determine your worth. Everyone is worth something. I don’t think I would let someone step over me like that. If someone doesn’t speak up then I feel like there will be no changes made to society and their views.
Hi Logan! Good job on your blog post for today. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on The Citizen. I particularly liked how you made one of your main points about how life is not fully under your control. I also appreciated how you connected her life with yours. I have a hard time accepting that I can’t control every part of my life. I believe this is related to Rankine because she is talking about how life can throw things at you and all you can do is overcome them or embrace these events. Responding to your discussion question, “The world out there insisting on this only half concerns you. What happens to you doesn’t belong to you, only half concerns you. It’s not yours. Not yours only” (Rankine 141), I believe that Rankine is saying, your ethnicity, your hair color, your disability, is only one part of you and not your whole self. You are aware of your skin color and/or whatever else may affect a person and how someone views you, is out of your control. You are more than a disability, you are human like everyone else. “Not yours only,” means that there is more to someone. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. You can fuel your determination with negative comments made about you or the way you were treated to pursue your goals.
Thanks Sydnie! I think it’s true for all of us when it’s hard to accept that you cannot be in control of everything, but that also makes life interesting and fun. I liked how you said that whatever your race, disability is only part of you and not your whole self. Only you know the person on the inside and if it means something that to you then you should show the world who that person is no matter what stands in your path.
Hi Logan! I really enjoyed reading your blog post and thought you gave some great examples on Rankine describing different situations where the main protagonist felt like they didn’t belong. Throughout Citizen, Rankine talks about situations where the main protagonist consistently describes the feeling of questioning themself, their worth, and feeling like an outcast through different racial bias’ and interactions. Rankine rights from the main protagonists point of view, “to be alien in this place” (Rankine, 140). Rankine tells us through this quote that the main protagonist doesn’t feel like they belong in the world that they live in and they feel like an outcast. People feel like outcasts for many different reasons, but in this lyric, Rankine highlights feeling like an outcast through racial and gender bias’. It makes us think back to the title of this book, Citizen, and how not everyone may feel like a citizen based on their race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and many other reasons which Rankine highlights throughout this lyric.
Hey Logan, I really loved your blog post, u brought up great themes and ideas that coincide with Rankine’s book. I definitely think these are things that need to be brought up especially through books such as this one, these obstacles certain people face are avoidable as long as the world is aware and not ignorant to them. To answer your second blog comment I do agree with the statement that Rankine made- “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146). Though I have not personally endured the hardships that people of color face specifically, the feeling of not belonging is this empty pit that you cannot seem to escape. Everyone feels like they don’t belong at some point in some way, and for Rankine to be put in this position where she doesn’t feel she belong due to the color of her skin is horrible. My mom would always tell me people’s opinions of us are not our business but that does not make these perceptions or opinions hurt any less. A powerful example of how people of color get treated is when Rankine states “And Still a world begins its furious erasure- Who do you think you are, sang I to me? You nothing You nobody You (Rankine 142). I do not believe anybody should have to endure hardships based off of things that are out of there control. Who is to say who is superior and who isn’t? We gave us the right to judge people based off of something so arbitrary as skin color. If I was in Rankine’s position, I would want to promote awareness of this issue. You can’t change something you aren’t consciously aware of. Even people who don’t mean to be hurtful can say hurtful things not because they necessarily believe in these stereotypes, but they are still aware of them subconsciously. This isn’t to say that promoting this awareness will end these obstacles overnight, but it is the first step in resolving them.
Hi Logan, I really liked your blog post! I liked that you made note of your own experience and how you could relate to Rankine. In regards to your second question, I do agree with Rankine’s statement about not belonging. I personally have never encountered a racist remark or discimination, but I am sure it is a very upsetting thing to go through. I think that if I was facing those same obstacles, I would feel very angry. I like to think that I would be able to stand up for myself if society was treating me unfairly. I think in reality, if society was discriminating against me just for being who I am, I would probably just stay quiet about it out of fear. “Yes, and this is how you are a citizen: Come on. Let it go. Move on” (Rankine 151). I think that this quote shows that there are many people like Rankine that are told by society just to move on from the discrimination. Because of this, many people would also be afraid to speak against it, even if they get very angry about what they have faced.
Hi Logan, great post!
If I’m being completely honest, I have no idea how I react if I were in Rankine’s shoes. As much as I’d love to say that I would undoubtedly stand up for myself, I don’t think I would, ever. It’s easier to say things than to actually act on them. It’s easier to judge someone when they’re in a certain position than it is to be where they are. This idea of not belonging in the world is something Rankine calls a “feeling,” but she also says “The worst injury is feeling you don’t belong so much/to you–” (146). It’s interesting that she feels as though she doesn’t belong to herself or the world, but she considers one an injury and the other simply a feeling. The implication seems to be that no matter her feelings she does belong to the world and at least she’s whole. But the implication of the injury that keeps her from belonging to herself implies that not only is it painful, but it also leaves some part of her close to broken. Rankine, by using the words “feeling” and “injury” is stressing the importance of being able to belong to oneself over belonging to the world. She’s even going as far as to say that the injury of belonging to oneself must be healed before the feeling of not belonging to the world can evolve into a feeling of belonging.
Hi Logan great blog post I feel like this is a concept told through the whole book. In regards to your second discussion question I feel like I would be someone who wouldn’t stand up for myself if put into situations described in the book. One explanation for that is when Rankine says “You are you even before you grow into understanding you” (139). To me this is saying that no matter what you do in your life you can’t change the color of your skin according to Rankine. So, if I was a person of color, I wouldn’t put up a fight because no matter what I would be seen as only a skin color. I understand that what has been and is happening to people of color is terrible but I personally wouldn’t stand up for myself because sadly that is how they have been treated and the American society doesn’t seem to change their minds quickly.
Good job with this comment, Scott. It seems like all of us should be fighting to create a more just and equitable society so that people of color aren’t put in positions where they have to stand up for themselves.
Score: 5 out of 5
Hi Logan, I enjoyed reading your blog post. When Rankine says, “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146) I feel that all the encounters she has described in the book led up to this feel of not belonging. In regards to your second question I agree that it is hurtful and a horrible feeling to be treated like you dont belong in society. When Rankine states “What happens to you dosent belong to you, only half concerns you” (Rankine 141) I feel that she is explaining that all the encounters she’s had where shes had to experience microaggressions and discrimination are things out of her control. If I were in Rankines postion Im not entirely sure what I would do. I would like to think that I would stand up for myself, however its a hard thing to do and I might stay quiet out of fear.
Hey Logan!! I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I personally feel you made some great points and I loved how you connected with the speaker of Citizen. I appreciated how you mentioned that sometimes throughout life things feel like they can be out of our control. I personally agree with your remark and we must try our hardest to remain strong and positive at all times. All throughout Citizen, Rankine goes into depth about situations where the speaker felt alone and judged due to being a person or color. It is not fair that the speaker had to continuously judge their purpose and worth. “… Can feelings be a hazard, a warning sign, a disturbance, distaste, the disgrace? Don’t feel like you are mistaken. It’s not that (is it not that?) you are over sensitive or misunderstanding” (Rankine 142). This quote is very powerful as it resembles the speaker’s true feelings of confusion and isolation. The speaker feels lost and out of control as she is unable to have a definite answer on why people treat her the way they do. She feels misunderstood since people only judge her through her physical appearance and not from within. The speaker continuously feels like an outcast due to individuals’ implicit bias and racist remarks. Although life consists of struggles and sometimes it feels hard to remain calm and positive, we must try our hardest because it is up to this generation to be a good people in this world and make a change.
Hi Logan! Great job on you blog for for today! I like the quotes you used, especially the last one. To answer your second question, I honestly don’t know if I would stand up for myself or not because I am a very introverted person and don’t like to talk unless I have to. I guess for me it depends on the situation because I am more extroverted when it comes to family and friends but even then, I don’t know of I would stand up for myself if I was put in the same situations as Rankine. I think that some of the reason why people think they don’t belong is because they think something is missing. Rankine says “You are afraid there is something you are missing, something obvious. A feeling that feelings might be irrelevant if they point to one’s irrelevance pulls you in” (152). I think that people think their feelings are irrelevant or don’t matter when they feel like they don’t belong so they don’t say or do anything to fix the situation for themselves, to make them feel like they belong. Ultimately, I think that if people knew they belonged, they would feel a sense of relief and their feelings wouldn’t make them feel irrelevant.
Hi Logan! I really enjoyed your blog post and thought you brought up some really interesting points on the idea of control in the book. In regards to your first discussion question I think that the quote means that for a black person living in the United States, they are, like you said, never in control of themselves. I don’t ever want to put words into black people’s mouths but for my own interpretation it seems like it might be that the United States government has always been against the rights of the black community. That from the very start blacks were unable to succeed in the way white people were. So, in a way, it could be saying that the government owns black people. That all of their decisions are either made based on the fear of white people or their decisions that are made are judged by the white people. This idea seems to take a negative effect on the black community as well. The speaker says, “Don’t say I if it means so little, holds the little forming no one. You are not sick, you are injured- you ache for the rest of life … you’re not sick you’re not angry, not sad- It’s just this, you’re injured” (Rankine 143-145). In this part of the book, it describes the amount of energy life takes on a black person. Black people must act a certain way around white people. They have to say things and behave in ways that are accepted by white people. This creates a wound in them that festers for all eternity. The important thing in this passage is the fact that it says “you ache for the rest of life” because it doesn’t use the words “the rest of your life”. By removing the “your” it is implying that all of this occurs for the entire community. This goes along with the idea that Rankine says “Don’t say I if it means so little” because it could mean that white people don’t view the black community as individuals but as a whole group. That their individual lives aren’t important enough for white people. This could be what creates the wound and that racism allows for it to fester.
Logan, I really enjoyed the title of your blog post. This title “Are you in control, or does the world control you?” Is a very interesting idea to think about when connecting it to Claudia Rankine’s ‘Citizen’. Rankine discusses a lot of her personal experiences growing up/ life events that had pushed her back from others. While reading about these experiences, the reader notices that she has been held back all of her life. I also really enjoyed how you started off your blog post talking about the idea of being an outlier in society. This was a great segway into explaining how Rankine has lived her life in the shadows. The text states, “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146). To answer your second guiding question I do believe that this is one of the worst feelings because it is uncomefotable. When you have a sense of feeling misplaced, you do not feel as if you should say or do anything because you do not belong. If I faced the same obstacles as her I would probably do the same thing and not stand up for myself because I would not feel as if I had any right to.
Hi Logan! I loved your post. Your second discussion question really intrigued me. I do agree with Rankine’s statement that “The worst feeling is the feeling that you don’t belong so much” (Rankine 146). This statement sums up how people feel very concerned with fitting in. When people don’t fit in, they feel like they don’t belong. Feeling as if you don’t belong in Rankine’s main character’s position is more extreme than not wearing the right clothes or being trendy with what words people use. The main character feels judged by the world and discriminated against for being different. Rankine writes that the main protagonist feels “to be alien to this place” (Rankine, 140). The main character cannot control the reason that she is different because she cannot change the color of her skin. If I had faced the same obstacles the character had in the past, I would be furious that I was being treated differently. However, I would keep that to myself because at that time the consequences for speaking out were much more extreme. I would not stand up for myself for that very reason.