Skin
Deep
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Discussion questions for Skin Deep by Kathleen Cross
1. The novel begins with Nina, involved in an "unreal" relationship with Derrick, a Black man who previously dated only White women. Why might the author have chosen to begin the book in the middle of a "going through the motions" sexual encounter with him?
2. The author describes Nina as "genetically half-Caucasian" but "...there was little in her upbringing that could contribute to her being considered White." Discuss: How much of one's racial identity has to do with upbringing? How has "Blackness" been determined in past generations and in what ways has that changed in recent years?" (Tiger Woods, Jennifer Beale, Mariah Carey, etc.) What if Nina had been raised by her White mother and a White step-dad. What would she have been considered, racially?
3. What was the role of "Dud" in this book? What questions are raised in the mind of the reader about him, and why do you think the author included references to this character throughout the book?
4. Discuss the characterization of Monique. She almost appears as a caricature - a uni-dimensional character whose brief presence had a purpose. In what ways was Monique's view of herself and Nina as "mulitracial" useful in helping the reader better understand Nina's own racial self-concept?
5. When Nina caught Derrick cheating, she commented "Sistas deserve better than Derrick…" an implication that perhaps the White woman did deserve him. Discuss Tonya's response - "Nobody deserves a dog like that." Are there other instances in the novel where Tonya represents a more moderate, "non-ethnocentric" voice?" 6. After her initial painful encounter with Ahmad, why does Nina tell Tonya she feels like she has to "apologize for not getting enough melanin?" Why can't she "write him off as an asshole?" Though she tells Derrick she knows there are plenty of circumstances where "having White skin is an advantage," in what situations might she feel like looking White is a burden? Discuss what it might feel like to a be a Black person with no physical features that are obviously African American... how might it affect interpersonal and family relationships?
7. Discuss Ahmad's initial rejection of Nina and his attraction to Tonya, her brown-skinned friend. What effect does this have on the reader's impression of Ahmad and why?
8. Discuss Rasheed's recital of the poem, "Dignity" at the barbecue. (The dictionary definition of dignity is : honor, distinction, raised status) Why did Tonya strongly dislike the theme of the piece? Did she have a point, and/or was she oversimplifying a complex socio-political problem?
9. Mitchell Moore uttered "How could you leave me?" to Mickey in his unconscious state. How is this statement symbolic of the phenomena of "passing" and the choices some "White-looking Black folks" have made to choose to live as Whites.
10. Discuss Marlene's concern for Ebony's self-esteem. Was her objection to Nina's presence in Ebony's life understandable? Why was Ahmad so deeply effected by it? Why was he willing to let Ebony's question about God making her brown go unanswered?
11. Discuss Nina's date with Derrick. How did you feel about him after he told the story about his mother? What other characters in the book had similar childhood trauma or parental influences that effected the way they dealt with race? Does knowing they were traumatized help the reader have greater understanding of the decisions they made?
12. Discuss Nina's reaction to the truth about her father. What was the source of her pain?
13. Discuss your reaction to Tonya's claim that "sistas are sistas," and to her assertion that the historical figures Nina loved and admired "belonged to her" - regardless of what race she was.
14. What do you think the terror Nina experienced in the dream represents, and what do you think the author was trying to say when she wrote: "Nina Moore was thankful that Morris Michaels took only a photo, and left his child…that day?"
Questions prepared by the author, Kathleen Cross.