In his autobiography, Black like Me, John Howard Griffin writes of his tale of altering races and his experience of living life in a racist society through the eyes of a black man. Griffin’s experiences show that when racism is the cause of oppression, not only do the victims suffer, but also the oppressors, which can be seen through the destruction of morals, finances, and humanity.
Firstly, oppressors are ruined morally as a result of racial oppression. For example, politeness and kindness are lost through the racist humiliation of others. This loss is shown when Griffin encounters an elderly woman on a bus who chooses to stand rather than sitting in the empty seat beside him. When Griffin courteously indicates that the seat is available, …show more content…
For example, many store owners refused to do business with customers of another race, and, consequently, lost sales. Such a case was demonstrated when Griffin needed to cash a traveler’s cheque, in order to buy a train ticket, “but one store after the other […] refused” even when he offered “to buy a few things” (49). Their refusal indicates that they want no association with black people, even if it results in a financial loss. Thus, racial oppression causes financial downfall for the business and Griffin, the societally oppressed, suffers, as well. Additionally, businesses refused to hire black employees even for menial jobs, and were harmed economically as a result. For instance, Griffin asked a manager at a plant if they had any openings, even offering to be “paid less than a white man,” and the employer replied in a racist fashion by saying, “we don’t want you people” (100). Griffin, as a result, was oppressed in that he felt depressed and unwanted, and the employer damaged in that he would eventually need to pay someone more money for the same amount of work; neither of the races benefit from this racial oppression. To sum …show more content…
For example, by relentlessly oppressing a group of people, it is only a matter of time before they lash out in frustration because of this mistreatment. This occurred as “an explosion” of “open conflict” where the blacks would chant “Take ten!” meaning, since “this country was moving toward the destruction of black people,” they would “take ten white lives for every black life taken by white men” (183). The oppressors are suffering in this case, as their abuse to the black community is causing the demise of their own race. Their oppressive actions are having a reverse effect and the chaotic conflicts that result, are preventing society as a whole from furthering itself. Furthermore, the academic community is suffering from the oppression of the blacks, as they are losing numerous great minds that could contribute to society. Black students are forced to attend schools specifically designed for their race. However, the do not let this oppression hold them back and instead choose to value their “learning [as] an almost sacred privilege” and use it as a “way out of the morass” (127). Instead of using the knowledge intellect blacks possess for profound advancements in science, technology, and other subjects, they are segregating and oppressing them. Thus, causing both races and humanity to suffer. Moreover,
Firstly, oppressors are ruined morally as a result of racial oppression. For example, politeness and kindness are lost through the racist humiliation of others. This loss is shown when Griffin encounters an elderly woman on a bus who chooses to stand rather than sitting in the empty seat beside him. When Griffin courteously indicates that the seat is available, …show more content…
For example, many store owners refused to do business with customers of another race, and, consequently, lost sales. Such a case was demonstrated when Griffin needed to cash a traveler’s cheque, in order to buy a train ticket, “but one store after the other […] refused” even when he offered “to buy a few things” (49). Their refusal indicates that they want no association with black people, even if it results in a financial loss. Thus, racial oppression causes financial downfall for the business and Griffin, the societally oppressed, suffers, as well. Additionally, businesses refused to hire black employees even for menial jobs, and were harmed economically as a result. For instance, Griffin asked a manager at a plant if they had any openings, even offering to be “paid less than a white man,” and the employer replied in a racist fashion by saying, “we don’t want you people” (100). Griffin, as a result, was oppressed in that he felt depressed and unwanted, and the employer damaged in that he would eventually need to pay someone more money for the same amount of work; neither of the races benefit from this racial oppression. To sum …show more content…
For example, by relentlessly oppressing a group of people, it is only a matter of time before they lash out in frustration because of this mistreatment. This occurred as “an explosion” of “open conflict” where the blacks would chant “Take ten!” meaning, since “this country was moving toward the destruction of black people,” they would “take ten white lives for every black life taken by white men” (183). The oppressors are suffering in this case, as their abuse to the black community is causing the demise of their own race. Their oppressive actions are having a reverse effect and the chaotic conflicts that result, are preventing society as a whole from furthering itself. Furthermore, the academic community is suffering from the oppression of the blacks, as they are losing numerous great minds that could contribute to society. Black students are forced to attend schools specifically designed for their race. However, the do not let this oppression hold them back and instead choose to value their “learning [as] an almost sacred privilege” and use it as a “way out of the morass” (127). Instead of using the knowledge intellect blacks possess for profound advancements in science, technology, and other subjects, they are segregating and oppressing them. Thus, causing both races and humanity to suffer. Moreover,