Emotions And Abuse In Paul Lawrence Dunbar's They Wear The Mask

Abuse is Never Acceptable Emotions and abuse play a big part in abuse. By putting on a false mask, the pain is hidden from prying eyes. The woman with the black eye for not having dinner ready when the man of the house arrived home. The child with the bruises because of the irritation to the parent because of a sleepless night. The woman down the block who can’t associate with the neighbors, who is locked in a prison by day. The emotions are masked with a false face to hide what truly is hurting them. In We Wear the Mask, by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the slaves hide their feelings and emotions behind a mask of false grins and lies to shelter themselves from disgrace and shame. Although the slaves are unhappy, they hide their feelings and emotions and wear a façade of a smile. They don’t want to share their shame and humiliation with anyone, for this could cause repercussions with their owners. Women and men hide behind their …show more content…
(Dunbar)
Like women who endure male dominance who are given implicit if not explicit support to control women through intimidation, threats, physical beatings, rape, and sexual violence. Half of women in mental health hospitals were exposed to physical or sexual abuse. Women are more likely to sustain abuse than men. Men react to abuse with aggression, while women are likely to use self-destructive measures such as mutilation or suicidal attempts. Abuse should never be accepted in society. With the help of family and friends we can get loved ones out of situations where there is continued abuse. If they need to get away from their tormentors use everything in your power to help them do