Mother's defiance of societal norms from "summary" of The Color of Water by James McBride
Ruth McBride Jordan, my mother, defied societal norms in ways that were both subtle and profound. She was a white woman who chose to marry a Black man at a time when interracial relationships were not only frowned upon, but outright illegal in many places. Despite the disapproval and discrimination she faced, my mother never wavered in her love for my father or her commitment to their marriage. She refused to conform to the expectations of those around her, choosing instead to follow her heart and live according to her own beliefs. In addition to her interracial marriage, my mother also defied societal norms in her decision to raise her children in a housing project in Brooklyn. While many white families in the 1950s and 60s were moving to the suburbs in search of better schools and safer neighborhoods, my mother chose to remain in the city, determined to provide her children with a diverse and culturally rich upbringing. Despite the challenges she faced as a single mother of 12 children, my mother never wavered in her commitment to our education and well-being. She worked tirelessly to provide for us, often taking on multiple jobs to make ends meet. She instilled in us a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in our heritage, teaching us to embrace our identities and stand up for what we believe in. My mother's defiance of societal norms was not limited to her personal life. As a teacher, she fought against the racism and prejudice that pervaded the education system, advocating for equal opportunities for all students regardless of their background. She encouraged her students to think critically, question authority, and challenge the status quo, instilling in them a sense of empowerment and self-worth. In all aspects of her life, my mother's refusal to conform to societal expectations was driven by a deep sense of integrity and a fierce determination to live according to her own principles. She was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a true inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught us and the example she set, reminding us that it is possible to change the world by simply refusing to accept it as it is.
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