Throughout Lorraine Hansberry’s life …show more content…
During the 50’s and 60’s, even though blacks and white racism was the main issue, women 's segregation was a leading topic. Growing up in the Hansberry Household, her parents stressed the need to have pride to be a woman, and to be an educated woman at that. Lorraine Hansberry speaks about her influential teachers as well as her mother and their advice on being an independent woman during this time. Because of the black and white racism and segregation, many women were being looked down upon. Hansberry speaks about the identity of a strong black woman by stating, “A woman who is willing to be herself and pursue her own potential runs not so much the risk of loneliness, as the challenge of exposure to more interesting men - and people in general” (Hansberry). Quoted by Lorraine Hansberry regarding her views on women 's rights. Lorraine Hansberry believed that women should have proud of their gender, and not succumbing to the stereotypes of women during the civil rights era. In A Raisin in the Sun, Walter degrades his sister, Beneatha about her career. Beneatha; as mentioned earlier, is a young, free-spirited young adult, in medical school attempting to become one of the few female doctors. As an older male, Walter Younger believed that Beneatha should be a “normal” woman and either be a nurse, or a mother. Throught Lorraine Hansberry’s career many people; just as Walter, questions if Lorraine should be a in the theater and writing industry. Walter speaking to his younger sister Beneatha says, “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people - then go be a nurse like other women - or just get married and be quiet...” (Hansberry, 12-13) Spoken by Walter too Beneatha, he expresses his feelings regarding