For those who may not know, Desert Island Discs (DID's) is an iconic BBC radio show where guests are invited to select 8 records to take to a fictitious desert island. It's been running for decades.
I have just been listening to a 1988 edition which featured Maya Angelou. Maya was a soft spoken and intelligent woman who chronicled institutional racism throughout the programme, it was eye-opening.
Her choice of music was mostly by black artists; other than one Sinatra song. She spoke eloquently, and without malice, about the horrific racism amongst which she was raised.
For someone like myself who was brought-up in England, that type of institutional racism is totally alien. I was quite surprised, therefore, to learn that she had married a white Welshman, Paul du Feu.
Of course racism exists here too but it has never been institutionalised, in fact racism is deemed a criminal offence. Racism in the UK is generally between individuals, gangs, or between those of different ethnic groups.
Racism is nasty in all its forms, and is not helped by certain so-called 'anti-racist' groups who perpetuate ill feeling.
Ms Angelou was an example to all who experience or spread racism. Her quiet and logical attitude should be studied by everyone. I didn't previously know a lot about her, but now I wish I had.
I hope this fictitious desert island would have electricity and record players.
ReplyDeleteA wind-up record player, but no mains supply of electricity.
DeleteSurely by now there are a couple of solar panels on the island!
DeleteIt would encourage people to have mobile phones, and call for help. Electricity is banned.
DeleteI first met Maya Angelou in 1986 in the home of mutual friends and authors who were hosting a booking reading. We sat next to each other and struck up a conversation that we carried on until her death in 2014. I was captivated by her wit and wisdom, kindness and respectfulness and a voice that was like no other. Right from our first meeting to our last we would sit close to one another while discussing anything and everything. We were not shy and spoke directly and honestly. We would grasp each others hands and transfer our feelings through touch. The firmness and yet softness of her touch spoke volumes about how she truly felt on the subject at hand being addressed. I miss her so and the richness of her voice and the softness of a whisper close by my ear. The look of her eyes into mine assured me that what she said was true and genuine. When it was time to part and go on our ways I was not said but glad because I knew that now I had a better idea of what was going on in the world and a shored up sense of courage to carry on until the next time we would meet. I would walk away feeling taller and prouder and felt much more confident that I could carry on. I think few people were aware that she was a very good cook and that if you were lucky to be invited for drinks and supper it would be an occasion you would never forget. Cro I think you would have loved her company. Conversation around her table was about the best I have ever experieced and for days and even weeks after it gave me reason for thought. She respected everyone's opinion and made sure it was heard round her table. Your mention of her here in your blog made me smile an I thank you for that gift.
ReplyDeleteThe very first thing that impressed me about her was her voice. It was a voice you listened to and respected. No shouting for Maya, just reasoned and logical thoughts. I really didn't know much about her before this broadcast, so I've since looked her up, and tried to learn more. You're right, I would loved to have met her. She sounded like my type of woman.
Delete"Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud." - Maya Angelou.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds very her!
DeleteMaya Angelou was an amazing woman, full of wisdom . She was outstanding in many fields.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to understand that. Previously she'd been 'just a name'.
DeleteI know her as a poet.
ReplyDeleteYes, me too. But her greatest oeuvre seems to be a series of autobiographies, which I know nothing of.
DeleteI was and still am a great fan - she was a wonderful role model.
ReplyDeleteShe just sounded so nice, and sensible, and reasonable, and pleasant. Obviously a very nice woman.
DeleteI know her as a poet and also an author.
ReplyDeleteIf only your comment that there is no institutional racism in the UK were true! Study after study has shown your statement to be sadly incorrect.
I've never heard of any; certainly not in my lifetime. Integration has always been government policy. The old days of 'No Blacks, no Irish, no Dogs' has long gone and was certainly not approved of by government; it was down to individuals.
DeleteYou havent heard of any - certainly not in your lifetime?
DeleteI am almost speechless. Have you not heard of Stephen Lawrence? The Macpherson Inquiry? The Casey Report? The UN report?
Institutional racism is a lot more than "no blacks, dogs or Irish"
A lovely and wise lady. I have read a couple of her books.
ReplyDeleteI must delve.
DeleteRead her books Cro. They are eye-openging, heart expanding reads.
ReplyDeleteI shall. I expect our library has them.
DeleteMA has wisdom that benefits all. She tries to make the world a better place for all people. Lovely woman.
ReplyDeleteThat's the impression I got by listening to her.
DeleteAn. astonish lady.
ReplyDeleteI only heard about 45 mins of her, but that's exactly the impression I had of her.
DeleteJust goes to show the personal can transcend politics. I'm glad you found a connection & fondness for someone whose politics you wouldn't agree with. It's how I feel about you!
ReplyDeleteI do happen to agree with her politics, it's how we achieve them I may not agree with.
DeleteI went to hear her speak at Clarion University probably 14 years ago. The auditorium was packed and noisy. When she was helped on stage and settled in a chair, she began to speak in that rich voice, the audience got so still that you almost got the feeling that no one else was there...just her speaking to you. She held the crowd transfixed for over two hours. I will never forget that evening.
ReplyDeleteEven after listening to her for just a few minutes I was also mesmerised. She certainly had presence.
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