Author Michael Datcher joins The Lens of History couch for a chat about his book Americus and a wide range of issues . Find out how Michael struck a cord with Luke Herbert despite being a world away culturally and distance wise.
The author set out to tackle the issues of racism , African American culture and domestic/sexual abuse by the bull horn. I take the view that the book is aimed at speaking to current and future generations of people who may or may not be grappling with those issues. Let me explain this further to the reader.
By reaching out to people in the guise of a fictional story the author gives the reader the chance discuss issues like race and sexual abuse. Issues like race and sexual abuse can be by their nature difficult to talk about openly. Having spoken with the author I am certain that the story will reach at least one person. What I can't possible know is if the person is a part of current or future generations. The person may look to take an interest in the subject matter for the first time or identify with the book closely based on their own experiences.
Someone who is a close family member of mine suffered from server forms of abuse as a child. This is why aspects of the book struck a very uncomfortable cord with me. If the reader finds themselves in the same situation they will have to resolve their feelings within the privacy of their own mind. I will state that the reader should treat such moments with care for the sake of their own well being.
Measured by the yardsticks that I have mentioned above, the book will be a success. The book represents a radical departure from my usual focus on foreign affairs , historical events and military matters. In presenting this interview and brief written commentary my aim is the same as it as been all along. My aim to build awareness of historical events and current issues/events that are defining our time. I to seek out to explain today's world to current and future generations of people.
This author deals with issues that are normally not spoken about out loud in 21st century America. The author has high credibility having been born to a young single mother who did not planned on entering motherhood. Shifted from home to home as he grew up, he endured in person those hardships all too many people of color endure in America in 2015.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a “handle” on why so many young black men are in prison and are all too often shot by police who may not even be aware of the bias our policing operates under. Don W