Stereotypes In Invisible Man

Theme: One of the themes I find present in Invisible Man, is stereotypes, and how they are a constant battle for a lot of people. In today’s society people are created from stereotypes; girls have to be feminine, wear makeup, and always look their best; where as men can slack off, and do whatever they want. It is also outside the social norm that women be successful, or bring in money to support a family. But stereotypes are not only based off gender, they are based off of race. In this book, the narrator has a lot of trouble being successful due to his race, and the limitations society sets for him. An example is when the narrator is invited to give a speech in the beginning of the book. When he arrived to the event, there was no speaking to happen, instead they put all the African American people into a ring, and let them fight each
One very nutty one had been a psychiatrist. Whenever I saw them I felt uncomfortable. They were supposed to be members of professions toward which at various times I vaguely aspired myself, and even though they never seem to me I could never believe that they were really patients.”
Pg. 74 The author uses symbolism in this paragraph to show how race can mentally ruin a person. Although the African American race was allowed to pursue any job they desired, the society pushed them out of the way and kept them from actually being good at it. The symbolism present here shows a reversal role, as all of the men present in the bar, are the patients to the bartender, even though they hold very high professions, but society causes them to go crazy and seek aide.
“Everyone is perplexed with the question of what must be done to dissolve this fear and hatred that crouched over the land like a demon waiting to spring and you know how he came and showed them the