Aiken-raised author brings up topic of race

Opening a discussion on racism and stereotypes is often avoided.

However, Aiken County-raised author Corey Washington didn't back down; instead, he took the issues head-on and has opened a dialogue in his new book "Plain Talk (Everything You Ever and Never Wanted to Know About Racism and Stereotypes) Volume 1."

The book begins with an introduction to the topic by the author.

"I'm not an expert on race. Well, nobody is ... The truth of the matter is everyone's experience with racism is different," writes Washington. "All we can do is open an honest and sincere dialogue to learn from one another. Mantra: Everyone is an expert on race and race relations. This book is designed to open honest conversations about race and stereotypes ... I want to talk to people in the most common vernacular in order to reach the most people. I want a wide range of age groups to get involved in this discussion. That is why I included examples from a wide range of time periods, like for instance, from Elvis to Miley Cyrus."

The idea for the book came to Washington as he watched current events unfold earlier this year.

"The climate, the time is right for a new dialogue on race," said Washington. "The research had been building for years and events like the Beer Summit inspired me to put it together."

The book came from Washington's own questioning. He found himself pondering the origin of stereotypes in his own life. He asked himself the questions such as: Where did that idea come from? What do I really know about these people? What is reality? How do we see each other between races?

The goal became to show how stereotypes play a part in how people see things.

"I didn't think of stereotypes and racism the way I do after writing the book," said Washington. "I hope it will be educational for people reading the book and that they will take it to heart and it will affect people. I cover a wide range of races, and I think there is something for everybody ... The goal is to get it into the hands of as many people as possible."

A former student of East Aiken Elementary School, Schofield Middle, Midland Valley and Butler high schools, Washington is a middle school teacher in Augusta.

"I am a product of the educational system of this area, and when I write, I represent this education system," Washington said.

"Plain Talk" is available online at www.plaintalk2010.com. The self-published book is also available for order through local bookstores or online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.