Racial Dynamics in Short Stories and Poetry

'Blackout' by Roger Mais, 'Telephone Conversation' by Wole Soyinka, and 'Harlem' by Langston Hughes are literary pieces that delve into the complexities of racial dynamics. These works, set in different contexts and employing various literary devices, provide profound insights into the societal attitudes and prejudices prevalent during their respective times.

Blackout

'Blackout' unfolds in the atmospheric backdrop of a city engulfed in darkness, where racial tensions intensify the unease. Mais skillfully builds suspense by describing the blackout as a wave of panic, setting the stage for the encounter between an American woman and a black man at a bus stop.

The woman's racist thoughts become apparent when she flicks away a cigarette touched by the black man, leading to an uncomfortable conversation about gender and race.

As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that the woman might be seeking adventure, yet the man dismisses her as not his type. The story masterfully weaves the theme of racism into the fabric of the conversation, culminating in the woman's internal struggle to challenge her prejudices as she leaves on a bus, symbolizing the broader societal reluctance to confront racial biases.

Get quality help now

Doctor Jennifer

Verified writer

Proficient in: Apology

5 (893)

“ Thank you so much for accepting my assignment the night before it was due. I look forward to working with you moving forward ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Moreover, the use of a blackout as a backdrop is symbolic. The darkness not only conceals the physical features of the characters but also serves as a metaphor for the societal blindness to racial issues. Mais employs vivid descriptions, such as "bands of hooligans roaming the streets after dark," to underscore the ominous atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of menace throughout the narrative.

This atmospheric tension adds depth to the exploration of racial dynamics, making 'Blackout' a compelling commentary on societal prejudices.

Furthermore, the narrative structure of 'Blackout' mirrors the fragmented nature of racial relationships during the time it was written. The uneasy pauses and unspoken tension between the characters reflect the broader societal challenges of communication across racial lines. Mais skillfully uses these elements to emphasize the complexities of racial dynamics, portraying it as a nuanced interplay of emotions and societal expectations.

Additionally, Mais introduces the element of gender into the racial discourse, highlighting the intersectionality of prejudice. The woman's discomfort not only stems from the man's race but also intertwines with her perception of gender roles. This layer adds a richer dimension to the exploration of prejudice, illustrating how societal biases often intersect and compound, creating a more intricate web of discrimination.

Telephone Conversation

Wole Soyinka's 'Telephone Conversation' delves into the subtleties of racial discrimination in a seemingly mundane interaction. The African man, negotiating a house rental, faces an abrupt silence when he discloses his race to the landlady. Soyinka skillfully portrays the man's internal turmoil, imagining himself reduced to a mere button on the phone.

The landlady's insensitive query about the darkness of the man's skin adds layers to the racial tension. The man, with sarcastic wit, responds by defining his color as "West African sepia." The poem vividly captures the dehumanizing impact of racial prejudice, emphasizing the absurdity of judging a person's worth based on skin color.

Furthermore, Soyinka explores the power dynamics inherent in racial interactions. The man's attempt to maintain codes of formality and politeness breaks loose when confronted with the landlady's insensitivity. This rupture in decorum highlights the profound effect of racial discrimination on an individual's psyche, breaking down societal norms and exposing the raw emotions beneath.

Soyinka also utilizes the metaphor of the telephone as a barrier, emphasizing the distance and disconnect imposed by racial bias. The man's desperate plea for the landlady to physically see him underscores the dehumanization experienced when reduced to a mere voice on the phone. This metaphorical barrier becomes a powerful symbol of the systemic challenges faced by individuals subjected to racial discrimination.

Harlem

'Harlem' by Langston Hughes encapsulates the post-World War II sentiments of African Americans, addressing the deferred dreams of freedom, equality, and success. Hughes employs a rhetorical structure, posing questions about the consequences of dreams postponed. The poem underscores the unfulfilled promises of an indiscriminate society despite legal and social efforts to abolish apartheid.

The speaker explores the metaphor of dreams exploding, symbolizing the potential for societal transformation once the deferred dreams reach a breaking point. The images of dreams drying up like raisins, festering like sores, and stinking like rotten meat evoke a sense of decay and despair, illustrating the emotional toll of deferred aspirations.

Moreover, 'Harlem' reflects the broader social context of the time, with the end of the Great Depression and World War II. Despite these historical shifts, African Americans continued to grapple with the lingering effects of systemic racism. Hughes, through the poem's disunity, captures the internal conflicts within the African American community, highlighting the diversity of dreams and aspirations that remained unfulfilled.

Through a closer reading, it becomes apparent that 'Harlem' is not just an individual's reflection but a collective voice expressing the frustrations of an entire community. The poem resonates with the multifaceted struggles faced by African Americans, making it a timeless piece that extends beyond its immediate post-war context.

Additionally, Hughes utilizes vivid imagery to evoke the visceral impact of deferred dreams. The simile comparing a deferred dream to a raisin conveys a sense of shrinking and withering, emphasizing the loss of vitality and potential. The metaphor of a sore festering suggests not only the personal pain of unfulfilled aspirations but also the societal infection that arises from systemic discrimination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Blackout,' 'Telephone Conversation,' and 'Harlem' provide nuanced explorations of racial dynamics, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals in confronting prejudice. These literary works serve as powerful reflections of the societal attitudes prevalent during their respective periods, urging readers to critically examine and challenge ingrained biases.