NON-AFRICAN PROSE
RICHARD WRIGHT: Black Boy
Comment on the theme of racism in the novel.
Explanation
Racism is predominant in Black Boy. The treatment of the blacks by the whites is primarily determined by the colour of their skin. This defines all relationship between whites and blacks in the novel. Blacks are regarded as no better than second class citizens in the society.
There are many instances of racism in the novel. Richard’s grandfather serves in the army during the civil war b is denied his pension till he dies. It is clear from the novel that had he been white, he would not have been treated that way.
Richard himself suffers because of the practice of racism. One day when he is at work, he is bitten by a dog Instead of taking him to a doctor for treatment, his white boss dismisses his complaint with the statement that a dog bite does not hurt a ‘nigger’. Richard’s treatment when he is working at the optician’s and his fight with Harrison on tf. instigation of the whites, for their own pleasure, are examples of racism as it affects Richard.
Blacks are deprived of equal educational opportunities. They are denied the pleasure of reading books, and access to health facilities and good jobs. Even where they achieve success through sheer hard work and make laudable achievements, they are not allowed to reap the benefits of their labour. Thus Uncle Hoskins is brutally murdered mere because he is prosperous. His family is even denied the opportunity to bury his corpse honourably.
When a black woman inadvertently trespasses on white property she is mercilessly beaten up. Whites do hesitate to brutalize blacks for not addressing them ‘sir’ when talking with them.
Other instances of racism abound in the novel, such as the different queues for blacks and whites in the tra station and the killing of Ned’s brother, Bob.
The dominant impression in the novel is that blacks are dehumanized because of the racist attitude of whites.