Raisin In The Sun Racism
A Raisin in the Sun: The play that changed a generation
If you've ever thought about black history, chances are you may have heard of A Raisin in
the Sun. Set in the south side of Chicago the story of Walter Younger and his family Ruth,
Travis, and Lena. This story has many connections to the events that was happening at the time
of the 1950’s. The author Lorraine B, thought this story would not be successful, But instead a
deep look at society "all art including theater, is related to the society in which it is produced.
Lorraine felt this was important to writing a play especially with society hanging off the heels of
the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This story had many influences from events during the 1950s
including the struggle of racism, the difficulty of being a woman, and the issues of being a black
man.
Initially, racism has been a difficult subject for many years. It's been especially rampant
in the workforce. Whether it is a white employee getting a helping hand in a mixed workforce or
a black man being released just for the color of his skin, the evil of racism has always been a thorn in the side of the society. The 1950s and 60s played important roles in shining the light on the horrors of discrimination. From Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL, you …show more content…
would find black people discriminated against. Lorraine B took note of this in her play. For example, moments such as the people in white in the neighborhoods trying to get black men and women to move out, was a sure sign of the times. Even though the Montgomery boycott was just starting to go into effect the fight for equality was just gaining momentum.
Second, the problems women faced in the 1950’s was minute when compared to the respect they had to fight for years before. Many women have always been taught into a mentality of submission and discreetness. Being seen as objects, was difficult for women to ever be noticed in a male dominated society.
Today, many women have taken to careers and doing great things such as becoming successful as doctors, lawyers, etc...
Beneta is proof of this with her character in the story representing the struggle women had to go through for the right to be accepted. Ruth and Mama in the story were examples of submission by pushing Beneta to marry a rich man. unfortunately Beneta had to deal with the storm of life before triumphantly overcoming the torments of rich men who only saw her as an object. Luckily she was able to meet a rich man named Asigian, who showed her that men, especially black men, can be gentlemen and gracious when they come into some
money.
Finally, the stigma of being a strong man who provides for his family has been an issue as in olden times. Many men would give up everything just for a shot at a few riches, whether it's for themselves or their loved ones. Walter is someone who embodies both of these concepts, being the typical African American male of the times, of the 1950s, and struggling to provide for his family, As well as seeking out his own self-respect.
While many successful white men were enjoying the luxuries of the day like cars, clubs, and money, Black men struggled just to put food on the table. Black men would come up with many get rich schemes just to get by or make it rich. Walter believed taking the remains of his families’ investment and open a liquor store, would be a great idea to make a lot of money for his himself and his family. Unfortunately this plan goes awry when his friend runs off with his investments. This goes to show that any plan can go horribly wrong when you make a deal with the wrong people that you thought you could trust.
In conclusion the life of an African American can be summed up in one word, “unpredictable”. Whether is dealing with those who don’t like you because of the skin you’re in, or don't respect you because you're a woman, or just because you’re a human being without a lot of resources. Lorraine B understood this and wanted to show the world what the black men and women of America had to endure for so long, as they fought for self-esteem and self-respect.
While Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was well into his campaign for equality and justice, with Rosa parks stroking the flames of change, it would still be some time to come before things began to change in America. Though we still deal with racism and sexism today, hopefully with a little
If you've ever thought about black history, chances are you may have heard of A Raisin in
the Sun. Set in the south side of Chicago the story of Walter Younger and his family Ruth,
Travis, and Lena. This story has many connections to the events that was happening at the time
of the 1950’s. The author Lorraine B, thought this story would not be successful, But instead a
deep look at society "all art including theater, is related to the society in which it is produced.
Lorraine felt this was important to writing a play especially with society hanging off the heels of
the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This story had many influences from events during the 1950s
including the struggle of racism, the difficulty of being a woman, and the issues of being a black
man.
Initially, racism has been a difficult subject for many years. It's been especially rampant
in the workforce. Whether it is a white employee getting a helping hand in a mixed workforce or
a black man being released just for the color of his skin, the evil of racism has always been a thorn in the side of the society. The 1950s and 60s played important roles in shining the light on the horrors of discrimination. From Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL, you …show more content…
would find black people discriminated against. Lorraine B took note of this in her play. For example, moments such as the people in white in the neighborhoods trying to get black men and women to move out, was a sure sign of the times. Even though the Montgomery boycott was just starting to go into effect the fight for equality was just gaining momentum.
Second, the problems women faced in the 1950’s was minute when compared to the respect they had to fight for years before. Many women have always been taught into a mentality of submission and discreetness. Being seen as objects, was difficult for women to ever be noticed in a male dominated society.
Today, many women have taken to careers and doing great things such as becoming successful as doctors, lawyers, etc...
Beneta is proof of this with her character in the story representing the struggle women had to go through for the right to be accepted. Ruth and Mama in the story were examples of submission by pushing Beneta to marry a rich man. unfortunately Beneta had to deal with the storm of life before triumphantly overcoming the torments of rich men who only saw her as an object. Luckily she was able to meet a rich man named Asigian, who showed her that men, especially black men, can be gentlemen and gracious when they come into some
money.
Finally, the stigma of being a strong man who provides for his family has been an issue as in olden times. Many men would give up everything just for a shot at a few riches, whether it's for themselves or their loved ones. Walter is someone who embodies both of these concepts, being the typical African American male of the times, of the 1950s, and struggling to provide for his family, As well as seeking out his own self-respect.
While many successful white men were enjoying the luxuries of the day like cars, clubs, and money, Black men struggled just to put food on the table. Black men would come up with many get rich schemes just to get by or make it rich. Walter believed taking the remains of his families’ investment and open a liquor store, would be a great idea to make a lot of money for his himself and his family. Unfortunately this plan goes awry when his friend runs off with his investments. This goes to show that any plan can go horribly wrong when you make a deal with the wrong people that you thought you could trust.
In conclusion the life of an African American can be summed up in one word, “unpredictable”. Whether is dealing with those who don’t like you because of the skin you’re in, or don't respect you because you're a woman, or just because you’re a human being without a lot of resources. Lorraine B understood this and wanted to show the world what the black men and women of America had to endure for so long, as they fought for self-esteem and self-respect.
While Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was well into his campaign for equality and justice, with Rosa parks stroking the flames of change, it would still be some time to come before things began to change in America. Though we still deal with racism and sexism today, hopefully with a little