Racism in Black Boy Essay

The Light in the Darkness:

Giving Meaning to your Life

People often feel as if they are against all odds and cannot achieve a sense of accomplishment. In Black Boy by Richard Wright this hardship can be seen through the life of a young black man in the early 1900s. Through racism and a one-sided society, Richard Wright realizes he could make his meaningful through many things. Racism, the battle between an individual and society, and art are just a few.

Racism was the very fabric of society. In the novel Olin and Pease, two white southerners, play a role in hatred, fear, and oppression. These acts of racism were rooted deep into the American culture. It was so deep people began to doubt if these roots could be destroyed, without destroying the culture itself. In the novel we can see Richards desire to reflect on racism. He becomes very observant of his surroundings. Richard sees that not only does racism affect black relationships but white ones also.

Growing up Richard was very independent. He wanted to join society on his own terms. Society should not force him into being in a category that does not define himself. There is a constant struggle in a white culture seen in the North and South. Richard also witnesses this struggle in his own culture as well. Neither culture knew how to handle a good black person. Richard had the choice to either conform to this culture or wilt, neither made him feel satisfied. In result Richard chooses the middle path takes aspects of each society and combines them into one. He denies conforming to these two paths at his Grannys and at school. Later on Richard gets stuck because in the Communist Party your either are in or out.

Art is also a gateway to making a life meaningful. The portrait Bluebeard and His 7 Wives gave him an emotional response. The painting was an eye-opener and aided his comprehension of life. His life felt structure through art. In result Richard decided to use his own form of art, writing to advance the Communist Party. He relate his favorite author H.L. Mencken because they both shared similar experiences. Life became meaningful through creative attempts. This became the basis of philosophy.

Through racism and a one-sided society, Richard Wright realizes you can make your life meaningful in many ways. Writing became a refuge for Richard. Do what makes life meaningful no matter the circumstance. In doing this people will begin to take more control of their lives. Majority of the people who did significant things in history did this such thing.