America was on the trajectory towards cultivating the life of its citizens in the 1960s. Civil right movements were progressing and the government took an interest in providing assistance to those living in poverty. African Americans were benefitting the most from these tremendous amendments. In her memoir, Unafraid of the Dark, Rosemary L. Bray describes in great detail how these changes shaped her adolescent years. Born and raised in Chicago, Bray’s life was molded by being a product of the Roman Catholic Church, a member of the welfare system, and the advancement of the civil rights crusade. In recounting her life story, Bray implores the themes of selflessness, change, and gender.
Bray highlights many instances of selflessness throughout her life. In the beginning of the account, the reader is introduced to Mary Love, mother of five, including Bray. Mary would always put her four kids, whom lived with her and her husband, before herself. When the boiler went out in the …show more content…
Mary Love was the mistress of the house, meanwhile her father was responsible for putting money on the table other than that provided by welfare. Gender roles were something her father valued. He favored Bray’s younger sister because she preferred to play with dolls, whereas Bray wanted a chemistry set. After reading a book on sisterhood and doing some serious reflection, Bray felt the needed to exert her growing awareness of being a female. “I felt something in me growing broader and deeper, and I liked it” (pg. 102). Bray felt it was important to take an active role in feminism. She took a no dresses and skirts stance, much to her father’s dislike. However, Bray felt powerful embracing her role in society as female. Haplessly, when she tried to take a stance on feminism at work, in her writings, it was often frowned upon. This exposes how undervalued women are in society. That was a true statement then, and it still stands
Bray highlights many instances of selflessness throughout her life. In the beginning of the account, the reader is introduced to Mary Love, mother of five, including Bray. Mary would always put her four kids, whom lived with her and her husband, before herself. When the boiler went out in the …show more content…
Mary Love was the mistress of the house, meanwhile her father was responsible for putting money on the table other than that provided by welfare. Gender roles were something her father valued. He favored Bray’s younger sister because she preferred to play with dolls, whereas Bray wanted a chemistry set. After reading a book on sisterhood and doing some serious reflection, Bray felt the needed to exert her growing awareness of being a female. “I felt something in me growing broader and deeper, and I liked it” (pg. 102). Bray felt it was important to take an active role in feminism. She took a no dresses and skirts stance, much to her father’s dislike. However, Bray felt powerful embracing her role in society as female. Haplessly, when she tried to take a stance on feminism at work, in her writings, it was often frowned upon. This exposes how undervalued women are in society. That was a true statement then, and it still stands