Sexism In The Color Purple

Racism and sexism have been reoccurring issues from the start of time, especially in America. Protests, strikes, movements, deaths, and success have been a product of the fight to end these two social issues. Many pieces of literature have been published, specifically in America arguing for or against either of these causes. One of the most famous books written that considers both issues is The Color Purple by Alice Walker. In the incredible story, a girl named Celie endures a terrible life, but learns how to stand up for herself in the end. This story line has been, and continues to be very controversial, but the book inspired a fantastic movie to further portray the messages which Alice Walker sought to spread. The Color Purple is full …show more content…
From the opening scene of the film, to the very end, friendships are constantly featured as a primary comfort. During Celie’s early years, she is comforted by the presence of her best friend and sister, Nettie. Of course, Nettie is forced to disappear, leaving Celie lonely and helpless in the hands of Mister. However, Shug Avery enters the picture, and becomes one of Celie’s closest friends, and biggest motivators to enjoy a better life. By the end of the film, Celie is surrounded by a congregation of friends who truly make her feel at home. Friendships drive the film through the course of the plot, and are present during all happy moments. Celie reaches her success and happiness through the influence and aid of her true friends. The power of friendship is a huge message from this film, suggesting that a friend is the most powerful weapon you can have in your arsenal. Friends support you, care for you, push you, and help you get through your life, as you do for them. Friendship is thoroughly supported through the ideas of this …show more content…
Perseverance is highlighted as a tool necessary to survive the life we are given to live, and Celie proves this through her ability to survive. Also, pride in one’s self is featured as entirely necessary to live the best life possible. Finally, friendship is shown as one of the most important things to have during your life time. Without these three things, Celie would have ceased to healthily exist in her chaotic world. Perseverance guided her through each and every day, while self-pride allowed her to transcend her dreary situation to be surrounded by mass amounts of friendship. In the end, friends grant her a magnificent life by allowing her mind to ease and rest in a place of supreme happiness. This story and film serve to impact any who experiences it; it teaches true lessons about human nature, life, and the pursuit of happiness. It would have been simple for Celie to stay unhappy her whole life; the challenging part of it all was attempting happiness. This attempt for happiness sends many messages to people of all genders, races, and origins, and will continue to do so in the oncoming