ROSALIE (1st year)

“I constantly try to question my views about the world through contemporary books, which I use to relate to everyday life. I truly believe that they can inform me better about modern debates. Indeed, as a white, western, and cis woman, there are many issues that I don’t know anything about. And I think that trying to understand my privilege and taking a step back through learning about other people’s stories allows me to better understand how to advocate for equality. The books “The Hate that U Give” and “All American boys” really taught me a lot about marginalized communities, and I now feel that I can use my white privilege to represent them when they are being silenced while being careful not to speak over those whose voice matters most. At the moment, I am reading “Ernest Hemingway is gecanceld” which offers the perspective of a middle-aged white man who has to find his new place in this changing world, and who is sometimes rightfully and sometimes wrongfully being silenced. I find it really interesting because it comes from a different perspective, and questions stereotypes in society, for instance, are we being fair in the making of the stereotype of a white man? I also relate it to the debates I usually have with my grandparents, and this learning-process makes me rethink how to react. Should I immediately jump on what they say and call them racist? Is it the right way to deal with racism? To be politically active? What is the best way to improve this point of view? Overall, I try to understand my role and I constantly try to revalue what I think through books that act as a reflection of society.” (Rosalie, 1st year, The Hague)