Racism is being prejudiced towards another group of people who are distinguished differently to you. The most common way to spot the differences between to races is by the colour of the skin. The story “After You My Dear Alphonse” is written by Shirley Jackson. They story shows us how in the 1940’s racist attitudes were influenced by children’s parents, and how stereotypical their view was regarding and towards African American’s.
The setting of “After you, my dear Alphonse” is purely submissive. They story takes place in The Wilson’s house. We don’t know which country or city that the story takes place, but we can assume that the story takes place in a small –town community.
Johnny is a happy boy, whose goal is to have as much as possible, which is relevant since he is only a child. Jonny and Boyd have a really good relationship and they love to play together. Johnny view upon Boyd is really innocent and he doesn’t view Boyd as a poor black boy, but as a human being, as himself. Johnny does not share the prejudices and the narrow-minded view that his mother has towards African American people. For him Boyd is a really good friend and the colour of the skin doesn’t matter at all. Johnny does not ask questions about Boyd’s family like his mother, because in his opinion there are no differences in the family situation. When Boyd refuses the clothes offer from Mrs Wilson and is told, “Don’t think I’m angry Boyd. I’m just disappointed in you that’s all” (l. 97 p. 3), he is confused and doesn’t understand that he did to upset her. This implies that at a really young age, Boyd and Johnny had not yet conformed to the society’s way of thinking and stereotypical negative way of life. Their main interest is being good friend with each other and having fun. This demonstrates and suggests that racism is not something you are born with but something that you are taught. It’s an idea passed down and brainwashed by your parents and