Examples Of Racism In The Heat Of The Night
In The Heat Of The Night
Racism and inequality between nationalities was a major part of the late 1800s and early 1900s. This ignorance has lead to many problems including slavery, segregation and modern racism. In The Heat Of The Night, a novel written by John Ball, explores the world of Sam Wood. Sam wood has been taught racism his entire life and when a murder occurs and an African American man could possibly be the culprit, he jumps to conclusions. Throughout the novel, Sam Wood learns and develops a new view on society. He becomes a less racist,less prejudiced,more socially aware character.
In the beginning of the novel, Sam Wood was very prejudiced and strongly believed in segregating blacks from whites. Having lived in the south of the United States, Sam Wood grew up small minded with ignorant views on black Americans. “They don’t feel it when they get hit the way you or I would. They’re like animals…” (p.05). This proves the inhumane treatment black people received emphasizing Sam’s beliefs on how black people shouldn’t be considered human. He is unaware of his racist ways. “Up on your feet black boy” (p.11) said Sam …show more content…
Wood when he found Virgil Tibbs in the train station the night of the murder. This shows that Sam Wood made assumptions based on stereotypes and that he was thoughtless and quick to judge. Sam Wood was stuck in the racist mind-frame of the south, but he was about to be surprised by Virgil Tibbs. It is evident that Sam develops into a less racist and more open-minded character in the way that he starts to respect and admire Virgil. “It therefore confused him for a moment when he found within himself a stab of admiration for the slender man who stood beside him.” (p. 20) This shows that Sam is slowly beginning to overcome his racist beliefs and that he is becoming more open-minded. At the beginning of the novel, Sam did not even regard black people as human and he would have never held admiration for a negroe. He is constantly being surprised by Virgil’s competence and intelligence and how he defies all the stereotypes of black people. Sam agrees with Pete that Virgil is “the smartest black [he] ever saw,” and that “he oughta been a white man.” (p. 81) Although Sam still holds some racist beliefs, this is a significant step forward in Sam’s perception of black people.
Near the end of the book, Sam’s mild respect for Virgil Tibbs blossoms into compassion.
After Sam’s full transformation he believes that racism isn't always right, “Virgil isn't a n*****. He's coloured,he's black and he's a negro, but he isn't a n*****. I've known a lot of white men who aren't as smart as he is” (p.160). Even though they might not be the best of friends, this is amazing considering Sam’s ignorance earlier.
From the beginning to the end of the novel In The Heat Of The Night by John Ball, Sam Wood undergoes some significant and life-altering changes. From a racist, prejudiced and close-minded cop, he transforms into the opposite. He learns from his experiences with Virgil Tibbs, a black detective working in the town of Wells, Carolina. His perception of race and equality changes significantly and so does his
life.
Racism and inequality between nationalities was a major part of the late 1800s and early 1900s. This ignorance has lead to many problems including slavery, segregation and modern racism. In The Heat Of The Night, a novel written by John Ball, explores the world of Sam Wood. Sam wood has been taught racism his entire life and when a murder occurs and an African American man could possibly be the culprit, he jumps to conclusions. Throughout the novel, Sam Wood learns and develops a new view on society. He becomes a less racist,less prejudiced,more socially aware character.
In the beginning of the novel, Sam Wood was very prejudiced and strongly believed in segregating blacks from whites. Having lived in the south of the United States, Sam Wood grew up small minded with ignorant views on black Americans. “They don’t feel it when they get hit the way you or I would. They’re like animals…” (p.05). This proves the inhumane treatment black people received emphasizing Sam’s beliefs on how black people shouldn’t be considered human. He is unaware of his racist ways. “Up on your feet black boy” (p.11) said Sam …show more content…
Wood when he found Virgil Tibbs in the train station the night of the murder. This shows that Sam Wood made assumptions based on stereotypes and that he was thoughtless and quick to judge. Sam Wood was stuck in the racist mind-frame of the south, but he was about to be surprised by Virgil Tibbs. It is evident that Sam develops into a less racist and more open-minded character in the way that he starts to respect and admire Virgil. “It therefore confused him for a moment when he found within himself a stab of admiration for the slender man who stood beside him.” (p. 20) This shows that Sam is slowly beginning to overcome his racist beliefs and that he is becoming more open-minded. At the beginning of the novel, Sam did not even regard black people as human and he would have never held admiration for a negroe. He is constantly being surprised by Virgil’s competence and intelligence and how he defies all the stereotypes of black people. Sam agrees with Pete that Virgil is “the smartest black [he] ever saw,” and that “he oughta been a white man.” (p. 81) Although Sam still holds some racist beliefs, this is a significant step forward in Sam’s perception of black people.
Near the end of the book, Sam’s mild respect for Virgil Tibbs blossoms into compassion.
After Sam’s full transformation he believes that racism isn't always right, “Virgil isn't a n*****. He's coloured,he's black and he's a negro, but he isn't a n*****. I've known a lot of white men who aren't as smart as he is” (p.160). Even though they might not be the best of friends, this is amazing considering Sam’s ignorance earlier.
From the beginning to the end of the novel In The Heat Of The Night by John Ball, Sam Wood undergoes some significant and life-altering changes. From a racist, prejudiced and close-minded cop, he transforms into the opposite. He learns from his experiences with Virgil Tibbs, a black detective working in the town of Wells, Carolina. His perception of race and equality changes significantly and so does his
life.