Racism in A Raisin In the Sun
-Eric Brown
In Lynn M. Domina’s critical analysis of Elaine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun,
Domina argues that the character of Mama makes economic decisions based solely on her
love for her family, rather than out of opposition to segregation and racism. Domina claims
that the family is strong because they make their own decisions and determine their own
fates, rather than just respond to the racist actions of others. I agree with Domina, and
believe that the Younger family’s ability to push through despite racism around them is
what makes them particularly strong.
In her critical analysis, Domina opens by analyzing the role of gender in the play.
However, towards the end of the analysis, Domina discusses the role that racism plays in
the play. She makes the point that Mama purchased the house in a white neighborhood
despite the fact that they were not welcome, simply because that house was cheaper than
other options. Her decision was ultimately not affected by the racism around her, says
Domina. Domina also points out that when Walter seems to concede to the racism of
America, Beneathea likens him to a “toothless rat”, suggesting that in the eyes of the author
the ultimate shame for African-Americans is to give in to their racist surroundings.
I agree entirely with this statement, as I feel that the worst failure of any oppressed
people is to submit to their oppressors. A detail that clearly demonstrates this is the plant
that Mama cares for. Despite the unforgiving and often brutal conditions that this plant
endures, it continues to live on. This demonstrates the importance of overcoming
hardships in one’s life. Also, the character of Travis helps to show that life for this family
will get better if they persist. As Walter’s child, Travis both literally and latently represents
his future. His enthusiasm and good-natured approach to things represent the hope for the
family, so long as they can endure the trouble of current times. I believe that these two
details illustrate clearly Hansberry’s intention to make the point that giving into the racism
and hardship around them would have robbed the Younger’s of their dignity and their
bright future.
Had they given into the racism that pervaded their surroundings, the Younger’s
would have sacrificed both their integrity and their promising future. This is evident in
Elaine Hansberry’s inclusion of the detail of Mama’s plant and the character of Travis. A
person is nothing unless they can first look at themselves and say that they follow their
values, no matter what those values are. One must have infinitely more respect for the
morally and integrally bound unemployed man than for the rich yet hollow man. Although
he seems to have given up on his values, Walter Younger eventually proves that he is worth
something by standing firm to what he believes in.
-Eric Brown
In Lynn M. Domina’s critical analysis of Elaine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun,
Domina argues that the character of Mama makes economic decisions based solely on her
love for her family, rather than out of opposition to segregation and racism. Domina claims
that the family is strong because they make their own decisions and determine their own
fates, rather than just respond to the racist actions of others. I agree with Domina, and
believe that the Younger family’s ability to push through despite racism around them is
what makes them particularly strong.
In her critical analysis, Domina opens by analyzing the role of gender in the play.
However, towards the end of the analysis, Domina discusses the role that racism plays in
the play. She makes the point that Mama purchased the house in a white neighborhood
despite the fact that they were not welcome, simply because that house was cheaper than
other options. Her decision was ultimately not affected by the racism around her, says
Domina. Domina also points out that when Walter seems to concede to the racism of
America, Beneathea likens him to a “toothless rat”, suggesting that in the eyes of the author
the ultimate shame for African-Americans is to give in to their racist surroundings.
I agree entirely with this statement, as I feel that the worst failure of any oppressed
people is to submit to their oppressors. A detail that clearly demonstrates this is the plant
that Mama cares for. Despite the unforgiving and often brutal conditions that this plant
endures, it continues to live on. This demonstrates the importance of overcoming
hardships in one’s life. Also, the character of Travis helps to show that life for this family
will get better if they persist. As Walter’s child, Travis both literally and latently represents
his future. His enthusiasm and good-natured approach to things represent the hope for the
family, so long as they can endure the trouble of current times. I believe that these two
details illustrate clearly Hansberry’s intention to make the point that giving into the racism
and hardship around them would have robbed the Younger’s of their dignity and their
bright future.
Had they given into the racism that pervaded their surroundings, the Younger’s
would have sacrificed both their integrity and their promising future. This is evident in
Elaine Hansberry’s inclusion of the detail of Mama’s plant and the character of Travis. A
person is nothing unless they can first look at themselves and say that they follow their
values, no matter what those values are. One must have infinitely more respect for the
morally and integrally bound unemployed man than for the rich yet hollow man. Although
he seems to have given up on his values, Walter Younger eventually proves that he is worth
something by standing firm to what he believes in.