Unmasking Prejudice: Confronting Racism in 'Telephone Conversation'

Hypocrisy is the mother of all evil and racial prejudice is still her favorite child by Don King. Racism is still a common among the people of the world. Although, some people are indirect about admitting to be prejudice, their actions can really show otherwise. In “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka, the African experiences four conflicts: the landlady, the society himself, and the supernatural. An African man finds himself facing prejudice situations while attempting to rent an apartment. The encounters he faces at first leaves him unaware; but then he soon realizes so he talks to the landlady with ongoing sarcasm.

The first problem he experienced was with the landlady. “ARE YOU DARK OR ARE YOU VERY LIGHT” the landlady asked. The African replied, “Do you mean like plain or milk chocolate”. The landlady kept asking about his physical aspects more than his background. When the African finally gave her an answer she was dumbfounded because his sarcasm went into very deep details they didn't precisely state whether he was dark.

Get quality help now
Sweet V
Sweet V
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: Conversation

star star star star 4.9 (984)

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

Although he did mention that he head of West African sepia, she was still clueless of what that was. He said that he was facially a brunette but insisted that she should see the rest of him In the story, society take part in racism. Society is separating different races from others. Racism causes huge moral, cultural, and economic siding to a country. It negatively affects every area of life when the seeds of hatred are planted and fostered in society.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

Also, it may not be the person’s choice to be prejudice but it is the way and who brought that person up, especially if it's their culture.

The third problem the African experiences is with himself and the story the African faces problem with in himself because he seemed to be well aware as to what to say when he encounter racial issues. He is an African man so he knows what to expect from some white people but the things he safe are rather rude. He could have answered the woman s question without being so rude no matter how use he is to racist people. In conclusion, sarcastic statements cannot always get you out of situations especially when you are being rude. Racism affects many people but it is up to you whether you tolerate it or respond in a rude manner. Racism is a big problem among African Americans especially if you have to bear with it often; you will assume that racism is supposed to be that way because that’s what goes in in society everyday.

Updated: Nov 30, 2023
Cite this page

Unmasking Prejudice: Confronting Racism in 'Telephone Conversation'. (2016, May 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/telephone-conversation-essay

Unmasking Prejudice: Confronting Racism in 'Telephone Conversation' essay
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment