A Raisin In The Sun Identity Analysis

White slave owners in the American South during the 18th and 19th centuries often attempted to make their slaves lose their identity through a variety of means. They did this to empower themselves over the blacks, as the blacks would no longer feel like a real person with a unique and individual identity. Although the patterns of white dominance over blacks have not disappeared over time, they have changed in this regard. In the 1900s, blacks were finally express their own identity, and were not held back by whites. The play “A Raisin in the Sun,” by Lorraine Hansberry, exemplifies this. The play only provides a glimpse into the life of the Younger family and those they interact with, as it takes place over a short period of time. However,
This can be seen in a scene in which she dances while in African dress to tribal music given to her by Joseph. Though her family scorns her for it, it is only because they don't sense her passion and longing to express her true identity. Though both her and Joseph are no longer in Africa, they both seek to express their true identity – their African identity. The following quotes both illustrate this. In one scene, Beneatha says, “People have to express themselves in one way or another.” When questioned as to what she is trying to express, she proudly says “me!” Similarly, Joseph tells Beneatha, “I’d like to talk to you about Africa because it’s part of my identity!” Beneatha’s attitude towards individuals expressing their unique identity can be seen in another example. After her nephew Travis buys a present for his grandmother, his family is taken aback by the weird hat he gives her. However, Beneatha explains that it’s not weird, as “it’s different, it’s expressive, and he picked it out himself.” Travis doesn't feel bound to “fit in” as to what’s considered the norm, and his aunt picks up on this and encourages him to live his life like