Fences: A Devastating Impact On The Maxson Family

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Racism in Fences: A Devastating Impact on the Maxson Family
In centuries leading to the 1950 and 1960s, racism in America was rampant. The years of slavery and segregation in America made it difficult for many African Americans to achieve their dreams and the Maxson family felt the effects of the racism that was negatively impacting America. For readers and viewers of Fences, it would have been a major disappointment if one could not follow his or her dreams because of the race or color of one’s skin. Inevitably, racism has had a devastating impact on the Maxson family as it has crushed their aspirations and taken over their lives.
The Maxson family has been definitely been impacted by racism, especially Troy Maxson. He was marked from the …show more content…

In fact, Troy tells Cory that “the white man aint ganna let you get nowhere with that football no way” as an attempt to steer him away from playing professional football (1.3.157). Cory does not want to go against what he chooses to focus on even though his father wants him to settle for something that anyone can do, like become a carpenter or auto mechanic. Given his role as a father, one would assume that Troy should be encouraging or supportive even if he may not agree. However, because of Troy’s reluctance to change, he confuses Cory and makes him feel unloved, as Cory asks “how come you aint never liked me?” (1.3. 200). Troy’s experience with racism does not allow him to move on and gives him a hard time supporting his son in his quest to play professional football. The pressure of having one’s family trying to decide one’s path is alarming. One should not renounce one’s personal identity, passion, and aspirations because of another person’s past negative experiences. Given that negative norms change and racism in the 1950s was phasing out for a more equal American society, Troy’s stubbornness and fright was unhealthy for himself and his family. Everyone’s experience is different and Cory’s dedication and intelligence in school earned him a football college scholarship, which not everyone can earn. Thus, whoever gets this opportunity must enjoy it and appreciate

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