Discrimination In A Lesson Before Dying

“White people don’t like to believe that they practice identity politics. The defining part of being white in America is the assumption that, as a white person, you are a regular, individual human being. Other demographic groups set themselves apart, to pursue their distinctive identities and interests and agendas. Whiteness, to white people, is the American default” (Tom Scocca.) On that note the black community is not considered “American,” which is why they experience an immense amount of discrimination. It’s now become a habit for black men to be constantly cautious of their actions and words around others due to their fear of confirming negative stereotypes against blacks. In many areas, black males are being victimized by neighbors, …show more content…
In the book A Lesson Before Dying, Ernest J. Gaines mentions a black male named Jefferson being mistaken as a criminal in an unfortunate situation. Gaines demonstrates to the readers a scene from when Jefferson was in court. Jefferson speaks about the prosecutor's perspective of Jefferson's situation as if he had “gone there with the full intention of robbing the old man and then killing him so that he could not identify them. When the old man and the other two robbers were all dead, this one—it proved the kind of animal he really was” (Gaines). Society is not the only one who views black men as criminals, but the law and government also view black men this way. The law did not take the black man situation seriously; they didn’t bother to find any proper evidence nor did any of the 12 jury members sit down and discuss in full depth to defend a black man on the verge of life and …show more content…
Staples writes of a white woman walking down the streets whom has just “cast back a worried glance. To her, the youngish black man--a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair, both hands shoved into the pockets of a bulky military jacket--seemed menacingly close. After a few more quick glimpses, she picked up her pace and was soon running in earnest.” The fear within the lady's actions represent the ignorance of people when they listen to stereotypes. Her actions reflect society's views on black males solely based off of an outer appearance. Although judging others is inevitable, but the way one reacts can change an outcome. For example when a black male is running towards you most people would move aside or hold their possessions closer to them, however if a white male was running most people wouldn’t bother to take