Stereotypes In Fences

Racism and segregation are the essential principles of the dramatic tragedy, Fences. Social inequality is the underlying basis of the play. In the mid-twentieth century, a century after the Emancipation Proclamation, every African American anticipated “an offer of a partnership limited only by his talent, his guile, and his willingness, and capacity for hard work;” however, they “were offered no such welcome or participation” (Wilson 1053). After the Civil War, the blacks were deceived into believing they had equal opportunities as the whites in attaining the American Dream. While the whites could acquire any job due to their superior intellect, the blacks were discerned as incompetent and inept to thrive in the conservative society. In Fences, …show more content…
Wilson claims that blacks have limited options in society. The primary job of an African American was to entertain the whites. The blacks were offered two professions that led to success: entertainment or sports. The only way African Americans could achieve real wealth was through sports and entertainment. The whites had a few requirements for employment; nevertheless, “it was rough out there [for the African Americans], jobs were scarce” (Wilson 1100). The African Americans were not given any other fields to expand their interests. They were restricted by the stereotypes that were set by the white domination. Blacks had less of a chance to acquire a job than whites. They “just wasn't the right color” (Wilson 1076). Whites were considered disciplined, smart, and hardworking. The blacks, on the other hand, were deemed as amateur and inept of learning. They were marginalized and subjugated by the whites. The African Americans could not be engineers, doctors, professors, mathematicians, and other scholarly positions. They were viewed as unintelligent and irrational. Moreover, racism existed in opportunities they were given for the betterment of their life. In sports, “the colored guy got to be twice as good before he get on the team” (Wilson 1073). The black’s position on the hierarchy was at the bottom as depicted in Fences. The entire social system was corrupted and based on discrimination.

In conclusion, the author accentuates the white oppression of the minority class. Wilson displays symbolism to show the struggle and barriers of the African Americans and the stereotypes that limited them. Throughout the play, Troy attempts to combat racism and