Racism by definition is the belief that one race is superior to that of another. Throughout history, the story behind the lives of people of color has been recognized as a tough, ongoing battle. The fine line between white and black has been the core reason behind prejudiced beliefs; beliefs that had led to misconceptions about them as individuals. In the 1800’s, racism was stronger than it is now due to enslavement and general mistreatment. During that time period Americans identified African Americans as inferior and were similarly categorized as minorities. Kate Chopin is an author who often wrote about subjects relating to those previously mentioned, that were particularly sensitive during her lifetime; many of which are still present today.
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It is here that this short story describes just how powerful social class can be. As much as Armand accuses Desiree of being black, it is him that is guilty of pertaining to the African American race. Armand’s mother writes in a letter he found after separating from Desiree that says “ I thank the good God… Armand will never know that his mother… belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery" (Chopin, 6). Social acceptance was a necessity even before Armand’s birth, signifying that it was extremely important that Armand was never to find out that his mother was African American; knowing that would cause permanent damage to his reputation as a “white” …show more content…
Yet at the same time it was completely in the norm for white males to be intimate with black women, as the child would be born into slavery. Some children born on behalf of these relationships however, are born with a light skin complexion giving them an opportunity to blend with the white community. “ ... his father brought him home from Paris, a boy of eight, after his mother died there,” Armand was one of the few who experienced such luck which is why his parents agreed to never reveal the truth about his background (Chopin, 1). Generally, most people either fell on one side of that fine line previously mentioned and others were on the border of social acceptability. Because of this, Desiree’s baby who is partially black, was in no position to serve his white father due to his skin tone. Armand’s son was destined to one job, his duty was to be a slave and a slave only.
Racism is a strong factor that has been around for years. Although the intensity of racism has decreased, it is not entirely vanished. For this reason, I believe “Desiree’s Baby” is one the many stories that exemplifies the cruelty of racism. Love is powerful, but is it powerful enough to cause one to rebel against the beliefs of society? In Armand’s case, the mistreatment towards Desiree occurs because the secret Armand is confronted with about his culture doesn’t
It is here that this short story describes just how powerful social class can be. As much as Armand accuses Desiree of being black, it is him that is guilty of pertaining to the African American race. Armand’s mother writes in a letter he found after separating from Desiree that says “ I thank the good God… Armand will never know that his mother… belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery" (Chopin, 6). Social acceptance was a necessity even before Armand’s birth, signifying that it was extremely important that Armand was never to find out that his mother was African American; knowing that would cause permanent damage to his reputation as a “white” …show more content…
Yet at the same time it was completely in the norm for white males to be intimate with black women, as the child would be born into slavery. Some children born on behalf of these relationships however, are born with a light skin complexion giving them an opportunity to blend with the white community. “ ... his father brought him home from Paris, a boy of eight, after his mother died there,” Armand was one of the few who experienced such luck which is why his parents agreed to never reveal the truth about his background (Chopin, 1). Generally, most people either fell on one side of that fine line previously mentioned and others were on the border of social acceptability. Because of this, Desiree’s baby who is partially black, was in no position to serve his white father due to his skin tone. Armand’s son was destined to one job, his duty was to be a slave and a slave only.
Racism is a strong factor that has been around for years. Although the intensity of racism has decreased, it is not entirely vanished. For this reason, I believe “Desiree’s Baby” is one the many stories that exemplifies the cruelty of racism. Love is powerful, but is it powerful enough to cause one to rebel against the beliefs of society? In Armand’s case, the mistreatment towards Desiree occurs because the secret Armand is confronted with about his culture doesn’t