Theme Of Racism In The Bluest Eye - 924 Words

Racism, a word once used sparingly, has today become a part of colloquial speech. Although racism is an epidemic, so is same-race discrimination. In the novel â€Å"The Bluest Eye,† written by Toni Morrison, this idea of same-race discrimination is given the limelight throughout. The novel focuses on the African American community within Lorain, Ohio and the complexities of physical beauty and social status that lean over its residents. A character emphasized for her entitlement and being one who practices same-race discrimination, Geraldine has become even more despised than the incestuous and bibulous character of Cholly Breedlove. Through her obsession for cleanliness and social status, Geraldine symbolizes disconnection and same-race†¦show more content†¦She is â€Å"sugar brown,† exuberating with self confidence, has had higher education - and most importantly practices cleanliness religiously. Her job is more than taking care of her family, her job, or in this case passion is to achieve what most blacks can not, life as closely resembling that of a white family. Her home is like an illustration out of the Dick and Jane storybook: exquisitely organized, decorated with â€Å"a big red-and-gold bible[,] paper flower frame[s][,] [and] [l]ace doilies everywhere,†(Morrison89). Her home may seem organized, but her family is dysfunctional. Her love for cleanliness and social status go so far as to making her insusceptible to any emotional connection with her son Junior. Although Geraldine provides to all of Juniors physical needs, those being having him â€Å"brushed, bathed, oiled and shod,† she does very little to help raise him (Morrison 86). Junior, being a black boy, wants to converse and communicate with others who look as he does. But his mother always pushes him to be friends with the white children. So due to this he has developed a sense of entitlement. Soon, Junior’s entitlement leads him to victimize Pecola Breedlove. Inviting her into his home to show her kittens -he attacks her. Upon returning home, Geraldine, instead of scolding Junior, looks at Pecola’s uncombed hair, â€Å"torn dress [being pinned up by a] safety pin, [and her] muddy shoes,† right before cursing at her and kicking her out of her homeShow MoreRelatedThe Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison Essay1314 Words   |  6 PagesThe Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, encompasses the themes of youth, gender, and race. The African American Civil Rights Movement had recently ended at the time the novel was written. In the book, Morrison utilizes a first-person story to convey her views on racial inequality. The protagonist and her friends find themselves in moments where they are filled with embarrassment and have a wish to flee such events. Since they are female African Americans, they are humiliated in society. 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