Monday, June 15, 2020

HYPHENED-NATION: Don't Check the Box


When you read a title of a book you usually decide whether you want to buy it or not. That's when you examine the cover. If they both grab your attention, chances are you'll buy the book. Today's book answers those. Written by Nicole Draffen, HYPHENED-NATION: Don't Check the Box has both. From the start, Draffen captures your attention.


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HYPHENED-NATION: Don't Check the Box Paperback – June 4, 2020

by Nicole Draffen (Author)



Hyphened-Nation was inspired by my travels overseas, and time spent living in the United Kingdom. Living abroad was an eye-opening experience; I grew to understand certain aspects of American culture better, the longer I lived overseas. This book is about my insights, and experience of being treated as a pure American, rather than as a hyphenated one. The difference was startling, and lead me on a journey to understand why The United States is one of the only, if not the only country, that hyphenates its citizens by ethnicity before nationality. Those same boxes we allow ourselves to be placed into as hyphenated-Americans, limit our economic, educational, societal, and cultural growth. This book focuses on ways the U.S. and Europe differ culturally via media, and how a bridge might be created. I hope this book inspires you to join the movement and, "Don't Check the Box". Be a catalyst for positive change. Your stories and insights will help to light everyone's path to a brighter future.



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 Nicole Draffen (Author)






Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

WHO AM I?

I am a builder, a fixer and a challenger. I love tearing things apart to understand them, and then try to prove or disprove their merit. This allows me to move through life with an air of certainty about what I know, and also what I don't know. So naturally when I lived abroad, the social and cultural consciousness of the people I met, and the things I observed inspired my natural inclination to understand and study the value of cultural norms. The more I traveled overseas, the more I grew to understand certain aspects of the American perception of culture. My journeys inspired me to write a book.

However, when I'm not making plans on how to change the world, you can find me in my garden tending to a vast variety of plants, Feng Shui-ing everything in sight, pursuing my passion of collecting old paintings, attending jazz festivals, antiquing and running. I truly believe each of us can achieve whatever we set out to do, if we are determined, and remain positive.

What inspired you to author this book?

Hyphened-Nation was inspired by my travels overseas, and time spent living in the United Kingdom. Living abroad was an eye-opening experience; I grew to understand certain aspects of American culture better, the longer I lived overseas. This book is about my insights, and experience of being treated as an American, rather than as a hyphenated one. The difference was startling, and lead me on a journey to understand why The United States is one of the only, if not the only country, that hyphenates its citizens by ethnicity before nationality. Those same boxes we allow ourselves to be placed into as hyphenated-Americans, limit our economic, educational, societal, and cultural growth. This book focuses on ways the U.S. and Europe differ culturally via media, and how a bridge might be created. I hope this book inspires you to join the movement and, "Don't Check the Box." Be a catalyst for positive change.


Where did you get the inspiration for your book's cover?

I love the patriotic feel of the cover: the waving flag, zeros in on a Hyphened-Nation.

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

The most extraordinary influence in my life has been my family. Growing up with a racially diverse family shaped the way I saw the world and myself.

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome to write this book was fear of the unknown. Although this conversation has been an ongoing one among my family and friends, bringing it into a public forum was unnerving. The need outweighed the apprehension. I am also an extremely private person, so allowing others into my private space, and experiences were very uncomfortable. However, this subject is so important; I felt I had no choice.

Tell your readers about your book.

Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Latin-Americans, and on and on. Sometimes the list seems almost endless. A significant portion of each of these groups identifies with the ethnic or religious portion of their identity, much more so than the "American" part of who they are. There is a danger and ongoing risk in this dynamic. Hyphened-Nation explores the topic in an interesting and informative way. The book is a cornerstone of the grassroots movement "Don't Check the Box," a movement that is working hard to bring Americans together – free from hyphenation and focused on unity.

"The hyphenation of your nationality minimizes your standing in the nation," "The hyphen might as well act as a minus sign. Both are represented by the same symbol and have the same consequences. Just as a minus "takes away" a numerical value, its counterpart hyphen lessens the value of your nationality."

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The movement "Don't Check the Box" encourages activists to stop checking off ethnic background boxes when applying for jobs, entering university, or taking testing of any kind. Contacting a local representative is also encouraged. My hope is to help inspire others to stand against being called a hyphenated American.

The early response for the book and work have been completely positive. Clearly, it's a message whose time has come, for many people.

Who is your target audience, and why?

I believe this is a global read because America influences the world. Nationally all Americans should read this book, but especially Americans who are forced to be hyphenated Americans.


What do you consider your greatest success in life?

I am extremely proud of this book, and movement. I still feel my greatest success is yet to come.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

This book is based on my actual experience of living in two countries as a person of color, how they differed culturally, and how I was treated based on being an American of color.
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