Silvia Enriquez
Professor Van Dyck
English 101
October 24, 2016
Essay #2
The 1960’s in the United States of America were interesting times, President John F. Kennedy was in office towards the beginning of the decade and there were a lot of big issues the country faced. Many believed they were at the dawn of the golden age; plenty of Americans had achieved much success from the period after the great depression leading to the 1950’s where the country saw the largest middle class population in its entire history. This golden age of course was not the case for the large majority of the African American population, during the 1960’s this was a time of struggle and empowerment. The mystery novel Little Scarlet by author Walter Mosley illustrates …show more content…
LAPD officer, Detective Suggs demands that main character Easy Rawlins to come with him or face arrest for practicing sleuthing without a license, not that a Negro would be granted such a permit in the 1960’s. Though Rawlins felt way-in over his head with his main experience of work as a custodian at a High school, he knows that he has no choice but to comply with the cop. This type of hopelessness towards law enforcement was a common experience within the black community during this time, and there many instances in the story where this type of racism in shown. For example, when Suggs and Rawlins were riding in the car after Rawlins was threatened by Suggs, Rawlins was clueless as to where they were headed and their first course of action. Rawlins simply asked Detective Suggs a few questions about what was going on and where they were going. Suggs, in a condescending manner, ignored all of Rawlins questions. Keeping Rawlins in the dark about his grand scheme, he would not answer Rawlins’ questions. Suggs would just continue says, “you will know when we get there”; as if Rawlins were a child. Suggs’s boss, Captain Fleck, shows hints of his disdain towards Rawlins “Captain Fleck turned towards the doctor’s chair, but I was closer. I cut him off, taking the padded swivel chair for myself. Fleck stood over me and stared down, waiting for me to …show more content…
They protested the materialism, consumerism, and mania for success that drove American society. One of the biggest challenges Americans faced during this time was the battle for Civil Rights for all citizens. Through the characters Detective Suggs, Mouse, and Honey May it is apparent that there was much disparity when it comes to how Negro citizens were being treated in the 1960’s. The Watts Riot was a brief moment in history where blacks rebelled against oppression and took a stand against the corrupt institutions that did not generally appeal to them. This rebellion, though violent, was driven by the same ideals of those in the Civil Rights Movement. A movement that wanted to bring all Americans together in unity; understanding the equal value that all people have, regardless of prejudice and discrimination. ‘“The only thing we have in common is what we hate about each other. “ I said. “I don’t hate you, Rawlins. I like you. I like you so much that I recommended to the chief that we give you an investigator’s license. So the next time you’re out there hustling, nobody will be able to say you have no right to be there.” ’(Mosley 303). This quote towards the end how the novel shows a positive outlook on the social climate, Jordan, a police office is speaking with Rawlins and commending him on his good work. He affirms that he understands his situation and was willing to help him
Professor Van Dyck
English 101
October 24, 2016
Essay #2
The 1960’s in the United States of America were interesting times, President John F. Kennedy was in office towards the beginning of the decade and there were a lot of big issues the country faced. Many believed they were at the dawn of the golden age; plenty of Americans had achieved much success from the period after the great depression leading to the 1950’s where the country saw the largest middle class population in its entire history. This golden age of course was not the case for the large majority of the African American population, during the 1960’s this was a time of struggle and empowerment. The mystery novel Little Scarlet by author Walter Mosley illustrates …show more content…
LAPD officer, Detective Suggs demands that main character Easy Rawlins to come with him or face arrest for practicing sleuthing without a license, not that a Negro would be granted such a permit in the 1960’s. Though Rawlins felt way-in over his head with his main experience of work as a custodian at a High school, he knows that he has no choice but to comply with the cop. This type of hopelessness towards law enforcement was a common experience within the black community during this time, and there many instances in the story where this type of racism in shown. For example, when Suggs and Rawlins were riding in the car after Rawlins was threatened by Suggs, Rawlins was clueless as to where they were headed and their first course of action. Rawlins simply asked Detective Suggs a few questions about what was going on and where they were going. Suggs, in a condescending manner, ignored all of Rawlins questions. Keeping Rawlins in the dark about his grand scheme, he would not answer Rawlins’ questions. Suggs would just continue says, “you will know when we get there”; as if Rawlins were a child. Suggs’s boss, Captain Fleck, shows hints of his disdain towards Rawlins “Captain Fleck turned towards the doctor’s chair, but I was closer. I cut him off, taking the padded swivel chair for myself. Fleck stood over me and stared down, waiting for me to …show more content…
They protested the materialism, consumerism, and mania for success that drove American society. One of the biggest challenges Americans faced during this time was the battle for Civil Rights for all citizens. Through the characters Detective Suggs, Mouse, and Honey May it is apparent that there was much disparity when it comes to how Negro citizens were being treated in the 1960’s. The Watts Riot was a brief moment in history where blacks rebelled against oppression and took a stand against the corrupt institutions that did not generally appeal to them. This rebellion, though violent, was driven by the same ideals of those in the Civil Rights Movement. A movement that wanted to bring all Americans together in unity; understanding the equal value that all people have, regardless of prejudice and discrimination. ‘“The only thing we have in common is what we hate about each other. “ I said. “I don’t hate you, Rawlins. I like you. I like you so much that I recommended to the chief that we give you an investigator’s license. So the next time you’re out there hustling, nobody will be able to say you have no right to be there.” ’(Mosley 303). This quote towards the end how the novel shows a positive outlook on the social climate, Jordan, a police office is speaking with Rawlins and commending him on his good work. He affirms that he understands his situation and was willing to help him