Latest news with #Mason
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Can We End Racism by Ending the Idea of Race Itself?
The Raceless Antiracist: Why Ending Race Is the Future of Antiracism, by Sheena Michele Mason, Pitchstone Publishing, 256 pages, $17.95 Is race real? In The Raceless Antiracist, a follow-up to her 2022 book Theory of Racelessness, Sheena Michele Mason argues not only that it isn't, but that trying to stop racism while keeping the concept of race is like fighting "a flood by pouring water on it." Mason, a literature professor at SUNY Oneonta, suggests that these futile approaches fall into two categories: "anti-racist resistance" and "color-blindness." While the first reifies race by making it the key to understanding most social phenomena, the second reifies it by treating it as a real thing that ought to be ignored, thus downplaying the reality of the racism that relies on it. The Raceless Antiracist asks us to do something very uncomfortable: to adopt a new mental model, to think in a completely different set of categories. It doesn't deserve a snap judgment. It's a book for chewing on and wrestling with. It may puzzle or even disturb you. Mason notes that our ancestors migrated at levels that most people grossly underestimate, leading to far more genetic mixing than people typically assume. She points out that our current understanding of DNA undermines a lot of assumptions that arose from observing external traits, such as skin color, nose shape, and eye shape, since such traits can arise from the same genetic allele but be inherited from entirely different people. Furthermore, thanks to the random genetic recombination that happens with every new generation, 75 percent of your genetic makeup is attributable to only 5 percent of your ancestors. A 23andMe test will tell you about only 8 percent of your ancestors, because they're the only ones left represented in your DNA today. In fact, it's possible that two dark South Africans can be more genetically divergent from one another than one of them is from a white Swede. Even if race is a biological fiction—and I think Mason makes a strong case that it is—it could be real in the sense that money is real: constructed by us but constrained in its "nature" by the purpose it serves. People treat it as real, particularly the people who created the category as a rationale for dehumanizing those they oppress; and that, one might argue, makes it a social fact. Mason rejects even this argument. We can build franchises, merchandise empires, and little girls' dreams out of princesses who create ice castles, but that does not mean those princesses themselves exist. So too, race is simply imaginary. It is racism that is the social construct: a social hierarchy based on an imagined category. Mason sees this as an important difference, because she believes that people trapped in the ideology of race are fated never to actually end racism. We cannot beat the sin by embracing its core mistake. The word trapped is instructive here. Think of how defining one's blackness as resistance to whiteness just prioritizes whiteness. What happens if the "whiteness" of Whiteness Studies programs—that is, the association of peach-colored people with legal and economic privilege—were actually to disappear? Would the meaning and purpose found in celebrating gospel music or soul food or the Civil Rights Movement disappear too? Obviously not! Those "black" things are not a celebration of race at all; they're a celebration of a culture shared by a particular ethnic group from a particular part of the U.S. who underwent a particular set of historical circumstances that shaped them in important ways. Mason calls this "translation": Once one embraces racelessness, she says, one must translate what people really mean when they talk about "race" into actual insights about culture, ethnicity, class, or other categories. Consider Denzel Washington's comment when he was asked about why it mattered that the director of Malcolm X be a black man. "It's not about color," he replied: "It's about culture." He then went on to describe how a certain group of people know how the smell of a hot iron on their woolly hair makes them think of Sunday mornings and getting ready to go to a certain kind of church service. Martin Scorsese could make a great film out of the story of Malcolm X too. Just not that film. By reifying race, thinkers like Ibram X. Kendi create a trap in which black Americans only matter as a group that's oppressed. By constantly referring to the disparate effects of this or that policy on "black and brown" people, when what we actually mean is poor people, we reinforce the false idea that black and brown people are all poor. By homing in on black men shot by police even though more white men are shot by police (here, Mason cites the work of Harvard economist Roland Fryer), the media reinforce a fear of being gunned down by police that far, far outstrips its statistical likelihood and could itself lead to dangerous consequences. Mason believes her framework will help people avoid such adverse outcomes without downplaying actual instances or effects of racism. In an environment like ours, where racial categories are ubiquitous, this constant work of translation will require a toolbox—something Mason calls the togetherness wayfinder. Here, Mason's tone shifts from a prominently philosophical one to a literary one. She leans heavily on writers, from the African-American novelist Toni Morrison to the Chinese-American author Maxine Hong Kingston, from the Jim Crow–era black conservative George Schuyler to the 19th century poet Walt Whitman, as she offers ways to break out of false dichotomies, to refuse assigned categories, and to remember how complex and storied our identities really are. Mason also argues, I think rightly, that many of our struggles with questions of identity, uniqueness, and belonging are grounded in our ability to receive and give love. In a deeply moving section, she relates her experience of being beaten with a broomstick handle by her adoptive mother, as well as being rejected emotionally and called a devil, despite her constant attempts to please through perfect grades and acts of service to her parents. I found it interesting that Mason does not relate whether her adoptive parents are white or black (or, as she would say, "racialized as white or black"). The experience of being abused and rejected by one's parents is, sadly, found in every society, every class, and every ethnicity. But it can undermine one's ability to love oneself in ways that send one searching for something to identify with, to be proud of, and to fight for. Much of that comes out as hatred—from racists, from anti-racists, from anti-anti-racists. It can be conquered by love, but only through an internal healing that every person must pursue for themselves. I can quibble with much in this book. While Mason is politically independent and draws on a number of heterodox thinkers, she is ultimately a leftist and I a classical liberal; when she calls for fighting hierarchical oppression, she isn't necessarily imagining the same hierarchies that I do. But she is vague enough in those concerns that they have little effect on how I respond to her theory of racelessness. If she's right about the ways the concept of race traps us into multiple iterations of the same boring, and ultimately despairing, conversations, then it's worth working together to "translate" that race talk into something more precise—into insights about economic circumstances, ethnic heritage, or culture—and to jettison the rest. After that, the arguments we might have about economics and public policy can look to what's actually happening rather than what we merely imagine. The post Can We End Racism by Ending the Idea of Race Itself? appeared first on
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
South Holland health center pushes for mobile clinic to target maternal health disparities
With Black women more than three times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women, South Holland's The Link and Option Center is pushing for a mobile health clinic to provide culturally sensitive care for women where they're at. 'It's crucial that we, as a community, work closely with our government agencies to address the fact that a significant percentage of pregnancy related deaths in Illinois are considered potentially preventable,' said Twin Green, president and CEO of The Link and Option Center. 'This fact should ignite a sense of urgency and responsibility in all of us.' Variation in quality health care and chronic underlying conditions are among the reasons for racial disparities in maternal health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Illinois, an average of 88 women die per year during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Green called this a red flag that needs to be addressed by public officials. Green said at a news conference Monday that she founded The Link and Option Center in 1995 to educate and provide support to young adults, especially in regards to mental health care. She said mobile clinic is crucial to the health center's mission to uplift Black communities by encouraging positive health outcomes. On Chicago's South Side and in the south suburbs, transportation is a major barrier for women to receive the care needed for healthy pregnancies, which the mobile clinic would address, Green said. 'The mobile maternal care clinic is the option that Illinois must take to save lives and build healthier communities that will save our state billions of dollars in the future,' Green said. The mobile clinic has received support from state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, who said he is pushing for state funding. The Link and Option Center seeks about $700,000 to purchase and implement the clinic, which would provide prenatal and postnatal screenings, mental health referrals, crisis intervention, chronic illness management and teen pregnancy support. Akua Mason attended the news conference with her 4-month-old son, Noah. She said working with a doula who provided dedicated support throughout her pregnancy was game changing as a Black woman living in Matteson. 'She's a Black woman as well, so she was able to connect on that level,' Mason said. 'Those services are super important, because a lot of times moms don't have the language to communicate with providers or even know what's wrong.' Mason said she's hopeful about a mobile health center in the south suburbs, believing it would help many women who struggle with getting to appointments ahead of birth. 'They may not be able to get there because of transportation,' Mason said. 'So this would eliminate that barrier.' ostevens@
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
South Holland health center pushes for mobile clinic to target maternal health disparities
With Black women more than three times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women, South Holland's The Link and Option Center is pushing for a mobile health clinic to provide culturally sensitive care for women where they're at. 'It's crucial that we, as a community, work closely with our government agencies to address the fact that a significant percentage of pregnancy related deaths in Illinois are considered potentially preventable,' said Twin Green, president and CEO of The Link and Option Center. 'This fact should ignite a sense of urgency and responsibility in all of us.'Variation in quality health care and chronic underlying conditions are among the reasons for racial disparities in maternal health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Illinois, an average of 88 women die per year during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Green called this a red flag that needs to be addressed by public officials. Green said at a news conference Monday that she founded The Link and Option Center in 1995 to educate and provide support to young adults, especially in regards to mental health care. She said mobile clinic is crucial to the health center's mission to uplift Black communities by encouraging positive health outcomes. On Chicago's South Side and in the south suburbs, transportation is a major barrier for women to receive the care needed for healthy pregnancies, which the mobile clinic would address, Green said. 'The mobile maternal care clinic is the option that Illinois must take to save lives and build healthier communities that will save our state billions of dollars in the future,' Green said. The mobile clinic has received support from state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, who said he is pushing for state funding. The Link and Option Center seeks about $700,000 to purchase and implement the clinic, which would provide prenatal and postnatal screenings, mental health referrals, crisis intervention, chronic illness management and teen pregnancy support. Akua Mason attended the news conference with her 4-month-old son, Noah. She said working with a doula who provided dedicated support throughout her pregnancy was game changing as a Black woman living in Matteson. 'She's a Black woman as well, so she was able to connect on that level,' Mason said. 'Those services are super important, because a lot of times moms don't have the language to communicate with providers or even know what's wrong.' Mason said she's hopeful about a mobile health center in the south suburbs, believing it would help many women who struggle with getting to appointments ahead of birth. 'They may not be able to get there because of transportation,' Mason said. 'So this would eliminate that barrier.'
Refinery29
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Summer's 9 Hottest Pedicure Colours Are Surprisingly Versatile
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Year in and year out, the most popular summer nail colours have one thing in common — they're bold. I get it. The arrival of sunshine season means that from our mood to our outfit choices, everything tends to get a whole lot brighter. And here in the UK especially, where the chances to get our toes out are few and far between, it makes sense to opt for a pedicure colour that's pleasingly vibrant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) But for summer 2025, it seems like the tides are turning. Sure, there are still some eye-catching brights and more unexpected tones that are set to prove popular for the season ahead, but the dominating feel is a whole lot more subtle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) From milky finishes to barely-there blushes, all of the nail experts that I spoke to seemed to point to a preference for calm, clean and quiet shades that make for a pleasingly versatile base for both glamorous beach getaways and chilled summer afternoons in the city. Pastel French View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland) A fresh and playful twist on the classic French, pedicure master Milly Mason predicts that switching white tips for pastel hues will be huge this summer. 'It's so fun but chic at the same time,' says Mason. Opt for shades like mint, lilac and baby blue like Mason's sorbet-inspired pedicure here. Almond Milk View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danae Gooch (@danaegooch_) Creamy whites and translucent neutrals — think almond milk — are dominating for summer. 'Milky pedicures are my go-to and I'm seeing them everywhere on my feed for summer '25,' explains global manicurist and Bio Sculpture nail technician Julia Diogo. To recreate something like this polished pedi by Elim UK, Diogo suggests seeking out a 'sheer, creamy white as opposed to a harsh one', like Bio Sculpture's Seafoam Polish, £15.50. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒𝐱𝐁𝐘𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀 🧚 Nail Artist Cyprus (@nailsxbymilena) Pastels are definitely reigning supreme ahead of summer, but this delicate and dreamy shade of purple is going to be especially popular. 'Soft shades like lavender always complement sun-kissed skin and really capture the fresh, playful energy of the season while still looking contemporary,' says session manicurist Ami Streets. This glazed pedi by manicurist @nailsxbymilena is the perfect example. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glaize | The Cure to the Manicure (@ Much like the white T-shirt of pedicure colours, a soft pink is effortless and looks good on everyone. 'Something like Essie Ballet Slippers, £8.99, is so soft and elegant and works perfectly for those who like a minimalist look,' says nail artist Iram Shelton. Aqua Splash View this post on Instagram A post shared by the nail atelier (@ Consider this the wild card colour for summer. While matcha and pistachio greens have been huge for spring, things are getting punchier for the season ahead. Aquamarine, cyan blue and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier. Black Gloss View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) Black might sound like an unexpected choice for summer, but trust me, it's the coolest pedicure of the season. 'An ultra-glossy black pedicure pairs perfectly with a colourful sandal and is a year-round favourite of mine,' says Mason. Recreate her stylish colour block pedicure at home using OPI Infinite Shine Lady In Black Nail Polish, £18. Fiery Red View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bombnailz Bay Area (@b0mbnailz) 'You can't escape summer without a vibrant red on your toes,' says Shelton, and tomato red is the shade of the season. 'It's bold, fiery and looks incredible against sun-kissed skin.' Recreate this crimson pedi by Bombnailz Bay Area at home using a high-shine shade like Essie Gel Couture in Rock The Runway, £10.99. Iridescent Glow View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camilla Ellinor (@ Soft shimmers, opalescent finishes and pearly chromes are having a moment for summer — and we can't get enough. 'They give a luminous, barely-there glow that catches the light beautifully and makes a great choice for those who prefer a more low-key pedicure,' explains Streets. Manucurist Active Plump, £16, adds a pearlescent sheen to nails while hydrating and plumping. Butter Yellow View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nails journal | (@ Light, bright and instantly cheerful, butter yellow is like sunshine in a bottle. If you want to dip your toe into a colourful pedi, but aren't a fan of summer neons, then this makes a great alternative. Try Gucci Nail Polish in 218 Cecilia Ivory, £27, to recreate the subtle golden warmth of this pedicure by
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Snubbed sports presenter Roz Kelly quits Nine two months after Danika Mason beat her to plum Today gig
Weekend sports presenter Roz Kelly has resigned from the Nine network, just two months after she missed out on a major gig. Former Nine rugby league sideline reporter Danika Mason has been installed as the new sports presenter on the Today show after Kelly was overlooked for the position, has reported. Kelly has now quit the network, and it is understood she does not have another job to go to. According to the website, sources close to her have revealed she is now tossing up moving her family to South Africa, which is the country of birth of her cricketer husband Morne Morkel. Ms Mason's Today Show appointment came after former jobholder Alex Cullen was stood down in January for accepting a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire Adrian Portelli. Mr Portelli had called out to be branded 'McLaren man' instead of 'Lambo guy', and Mr Cullen took the opportunity during a live-cross from the Australian Open in Melbourne. Portelli responded saying "we have a winner, well played sir" on social media, and posted a screenshot of what appeared to show a bank transfer of $50,000 to the sports reader. The Nine network then glossed over Ms Kelly as his replacement, instead choosing Mason, who is understood to have got the job after an endorsement from Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys, reported. Nine, which is yet to report the news of Kelly's resignation, has overlooked her for other positions in the past. She had previously switched from Nine to Ten, before returning to the network four years ago, and has covered Olympics, Paralympics and Wimbledon events in her time on the airwaves. Kelly's social media accounts have been quiet following the revelation of her departure. Danika has become a familiar face on the network and her CV includes performing reporting duties during Nine's NRL coverage out of Las Vegas earlier this year. She is currently in a relationship with ex-Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs player Liam Knight, having cancelled her wedding to personal Trainer Todd Liubinskas in September 2023.
