Editor’s Note: Read Jennifer Brown Banks reviewed this book a couple weeks ago. Be sure to read it when you get a chance.
When I saw the book title and cover (which fits perfectly for the title), Thoughts of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman, I immediately had two thoughts. First, what is a fried chicken watermelon woman? Both friend chicken and watermelon are stereotypes associated with black people, which were created by white people during post-slave days. Secondly, what is this book about? While I didn’t think it would discuss stereotypes, I did think many of the topics would touch upon “black” issues. Both questions were answered within the first few pages of the book.
Author Karen Ford explained what a fried chicken watermelon woman was, as well as what readers should expect from her book: “This is one Black Woman’s thoughts on issues of the day.” This statement is really powerful because no one ever asks black people, especially black women, their thoughts on anything. The voices of Black women are not just buried; they are muted. But with this book, Karen is saying, “You don’t have to ask my opinion because I’m giving it anyway.”
I really enjoyed Karen’s honesty, humility and humor as she shared her opinions on race, politics, sex, gender, media and other topics that she and her husband often discussed while watching and reading the news. I’m glad he challenged her to put her thoughts into writing; otherwise, we wouldn’t have this short and interesting read of 106 pages.
Most of the chapter title in the book were specific the topic, but there were a couple that were vague. However, once you read further, the meaning behind the title becomes clearer. Another cool aspect of the book is how each chapter ended. Karen either ended with a question, a bit of humor or an something to make you go “hmmm.”
Following are topics that really spoke to me as I read them.
In the chapter titled Immigration Nation, Karen pointed on that, “This country is a country of immigrants” and the United States has been inviting people in since 1886, specifically, Irish, German, French, Polish and Italian people. “When you think about all those immigrants who came here by boat, what’s the harm in allowing people to come to America by land?” She was referring to Mexicans and people of Latino descent. That’s a question I’d like the answer to, too.
One of Karen’s white friends noted that more white people than black people were working during the 2008 economic collapse and black people were unemployed for longer periods. This observation was confirmed by one of her friends who was highly qualified for a position until the hiring manager saw her black face.
As for the education system in Chicago, Karen asked some questions that make you think. What happened to the lottery money that was supposed to support the public schools? Why is school funding tied to property taxes? Why aren’t the children of politicians and city employees who live in Chicago required to attend public schools? The answers to those questions would be the length of a book. Honest answers would be a documentary.
Karen mentioned two things that irk her and they irk me, too. First, when a group of people are together and they are all looking down at their mobile devices. “Put those phones away and talk to the person next to you.” Sadly, I admit that I, too, am sometimes guilty of this.
And second, the poor treatment of people applying for unemployment benefits by staff members at the unemployment office. This ticks me off because the people waiting in that office did not choose to be unemployed. Most of them are hard workers who were dealt a bad hand. The very least staff members could do is treat them with respect and dignity. And here’s a reality: many of those staff members are probably a paycheck or two away from being on the opposite side of the counter.
There were so many topics that Karen discussed that I want to mention but I’ll end with these last two. Her homage to Black men was one of the coolest since Angie Stone crooned her love from them in her hit single, “Brother”. And the confirmation that the government was spying on us by Edward Snowden left me wondering all the ways in which this happening.
Overall, this is a short and engaging read that will make you laugh, think and start conversations. And it will give readers an idea of what goes on inside the mind of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman.
What About You?
Have you reviewed any books lately? Put the title and link in the comment box below.