A Mind Spread Out On The Ground - Alicia Elliot

Essays/Memoir

Rating: 8/10

The melodic title of this collection translates from Mohawk as an apt metaphor for this dauntless and heart wrenching book. A spilling forth of one’s heart, soul and mind can be so overwhelming that it can only be truly seen when stepped away from.

The most powerful essays are those that an author frames with their own life experiences, and there is no shortage of that level of vulnerability and fearlessness here. This author displays with every personal moment that our history creates boundaries, and when we push against them, they bruise us.  They pain us. I applaud her bravery in stopping the cycle of putting away our pain for the sake of company. We either break the cycle or it breaks us.

The coverage of diversity in this book left an indelible impression on my perspective.  The author writes an amalgamation of opinions that partially distill to this; diversity is not merely about individuals that aren’t white making art that is important to them and their communities.  It is absolutely not about making sense of difference through the lens and curation of whiteness or privilege.  It is not about manufacturing a palatability for others, for their comfort.

Further food for thought is what gives anyone the license to write stories from another’s cultural perspective? Does it obstruct the way for an author with a rightful claim? Can we accept that in fiction it does no harm?

Footnote: If you are interested in reading insights into the interpretation and application of diversity do a google search on the following…diversity is a white word.