Composting: A Writing Practice of Wellness for Academics of Color. (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moses, Michael W.
• Is Part Of: Multicultural perspectives. Volume 24:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Multicultural education -- Periodicals; Multiculturalism -- Periodicals; 370.11705
• DOI: 10.1080/15210960.2022.2127399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-0960

Abstract

Abstract : Despite documented accounts from academics of color, literature about academic writing often overlooks their experiences as racially minoritized writers. This article addresses this limitation by situating Natalie Goldberg's (2016 ) composting as a writing practice of wellness. I begin by defining composting as an active process of leveraging patience and trusting time writers of color can use to liberate themselves from the academy's hyper-competitive and racialized standards. I then describe my personal journey with composting as an illustrative case to consider how the practice aligns with the needs of writers of color. Thereafter, I name three practical approaches to composting designed to push a writer's work forward and simultaneously care for their wellness. I conclude with a discussion of composting's significance for not only academics of color but also understandings of academic writing more broadly.