Otherness in today’s society is more apparent today than ever. Otherness is, according to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, “the quality or state of being other or different” (Merriam-Webster, 2011). In reviewing the poem, “White House,” by Claude McKay, otherness is represented by his personal view of otherness and his struggle with being a small part of a large institution. In the following analysis you will see many representations of McKay’s belief in otherness. He believed that the working class was oppressed and otherness was unjustly forced upon them. They were not allowed to use “white” parks, drinking fountains, or public restrooms. At the same time, they worked for rich white people. They cooked, cleaned, cared for their children,
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They are excluded and made to feel different or strange. The government is perceived as a large unfeeling institution. The author’s use of language like, “Your door is shut against my tightened face,” lets the reader feel his frustration. To have a door shut in your face is disrespectful. It is clear that he feels that many people are not given the respect that they deserve as citizens, of not just our country, but of the world. McKay relays his feeling of anger when he says, “sharp as steel with discontent.” The author leaves the reader with an impression that he is representing a portion of society that is oppressed. He talks of his own “courage and grace,” and, “potent poison for your hate.” His aim is to ultimately affect a change with dignity and respect. These are very strong opinions that address that portion of our country that includes the minorities, the disadvantaged and the …show more content…
It is as relevant today as it was then. He wants us to know that there are people in our society that feel isolated and abandoned by our government. Although McKay wasn’t born in the United States, with this poem, he uses his courage and grace to stand up and let others know that they can be heard also. He wants the reader to know that, even though they are not represented by the majority, the people are there and they matter, live and contribute the American way of life (McKay, 2011).
Otherness in the classroom is readily identified by the student that just doesn’t fit in. Many times students will withdraw themselves from interacting with other students. They choose to play alone or work by themselves. Other times, students will be forced into otherness by their peers. They may not fit the same mold as their classmates. They may be poor or have a learning, or physical
They are excluded and made to feel different or strange. The government is perceived as a large unfeeling institution. The author’s use of language like, “Your door is shut against my tightened face,” lets the reader feel his frustration. To have a door shut in your face is disrespectful. It is clear that he feels that many people are not given the respect that they deserve as citizens, of not just our country, but of the world. McKay relays his feeling of anger when he says, “sharp as steel with discontent.” The author leaves the reader with an impression that he is representing a portion of society that is oppressed. He talks of his own “courage and grace,” and, “potent poison for your hate.” His aim is to ultimately affect a change with dignity and respect. These are very strong opinions that address that portion of our country that includes the minorities, the disadvantaged and the …show more content…
It is as relevant today as it was then. He wants us to know that there are people in our society that feel isolated and abandoned by our government. Although McKay wasn’t born in the United States, with this poem, he uses his courage and grace to stand up and let others know that they can be heard also. He wants the reader to know that, even though they are not represented by the majority, the people are there and they matter, live and contribute the American way of life (McKay, 2011).
Otherness in the classroom is readily identified by the student that just doesn’t fit in. Many times students will withdraw themselves from interacting with other students. They choose to play alone or work by themselves. Other times, students will be forced into otherness by their peers. They may not fit the same mold as their classmates. They may be poor or have a learning, or physical