Each person has a distinctive story based on who they are and what they have been through. Often, it stems from their origin and experiences. It is a tale that is grounded in its beginning, which serves as a first introduction to others- “Where do you come from?” is usually one of the first questions people ask and react to. While our origin and race bring many defining characters to a personality, they are only the start. Self-identity grows further with the actions and responses of those around us, whether positive or negative. The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride displays the possible struggles of finding one’s sense of self, as well as coming to terms with it. The essence of who we are derives from a part, or parts, that are fixed, but then is shaped by our loved ones, peers, and society.
Our origins serve as point A in our journey. In the novel, the main characters- both James McBride and his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan- strained in their relationship with their beginnings. Ruth was constantly running from her childhood upbringings as a Jewish immigrant, with a sexually abusive father and a crippled mother. She understandably feared her past, evading any questions from her children. Her ambiguous nature on this topic affected her kids, specifically James McBride. With …show more content…
Ruth fought against this, creating a judgment that skin color does not matter- what does is faith and education. Her son eventually came to the same conclusion after having more experience later on in his life. The questions that race brings up can be ignored, but they shouldn’t. I believe that the only way they are uncomfortable is in the fact that racism exists. There needs to be a distinct recognition of the issues with the way society handles race, and the more people who are aware and pro-active, the
Our origins serve as point A in our journey. In the novel, the main characters- both James McBride and his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan- strained in their relationship with their beginnings. Ruth was constantly running from her childhood upbringings as a Jewish immigrant, with a sexually abusive father and a crippled mother. She understandably feared her past, evading any questions from her children. Her ambiguous nature on this topic affected her kids, specifically James McBride. With …show more content…
Ruth fought against this, creating a judgment that skin color does not matter- what does is faith and education. Her son eventually came to the same conclusion after having more experience later on in his life. The questions that race brings up can be ignored, but they shouldn’t. I believe that the only way they are uncomfortable is in the fact that racism exists. There needs to be a distinct recognition of the issues with the way society handles race, and the more people who are aware and pro-active, the