Thank You Ma Am Langston Hughes Analysis

Nothing is black and white--a common saying that has found its way into modern day dialect, but it completely contradicts the very nature of our country’s perception towards people. Taking an in-depth look into society, it becomes obvious that an unnervingly large part of American culture is to look at everyone through the lens of race, more specifically, black versus white. From times of slavery to today, Americans judge others based on appearance, especially color. Around the 1970s, prominent scholars began to combat racism by attempting to transform racist beliefs and promoting social activism. Bringing attention to race, it becomes clear the role color plays in our society. In Thank You Ma’am, Langston Hughes, through the characterization
Hughes’ short story centers around a young boy, Roger, who attempts to rob Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones for her purse in order to purchase some blue suede shoes. Although not explicitly stated, the reader easily infers that the characters in the story are African-American. Throughout American history, certain stereotypes arise that pertain to large groups of people based on traits such hair color, skin tone, race, etc. Particular to this story and current American trends, stereotyping blacks finds its way into culture whether it be through literature or simple dialogue. Hughes highlights multiple prominent themes of African-American stereotypes during the description of Roger that comes to light through his interaction with Mrs. Jones.As Mrs. Jones confronts Roger about the attempted robbery, she exclaims, “Um-hum! And your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?” with which Roger
Jones and Roger speaks louder than their color does. Langston Hughes is able to influence just how people should react to each other, especially in a scenario such as this. It is no secret that racism is perpetuated constantly throughout this nation, especially towards blacks. The judicial system, in particular, has earned a reputation for oppressing African-Americans for crimes which Hughes hints at when Roger asks “You gonna take me to jail? (Hughes 26)” Disregarding the fact that Roger indeed did commit a crime, Roger’s reaction supports the stereotype that African-Americans expect to run into trouble with the law. Opposing what most women would have done, Mrs. Jones doesn’t take Roger to the police nor dial 911. Mrs. Jones drags Roger into her house to clean him up, feed him, and lecture him on right from wrong. During Roger’s brief stay at Mrs. Jones house, she explains,“I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God, if he didn’t already know,” creating a sense of relatability with Roger while also alluding to the fact that many African-Americans, women and men, have endured hardships with questionable decisions (Hughes 36). In the end of their encounter, Mrs. Jones eventually gives Roger the ten dollars he needs in order to purchase his desired shoes while warning him never to steal from anybody again. Luella’s choice of how to react is