Racism in Black Boy

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Racism in Black Boy Black Boy is a denunciation of racism and his conservative, austere family. As a child growing up in the South, Richard Wright faced constant pressure to submit to white authority, as well as to his family’s violence. However, even from an early age, Richard had a spirit of rebellion. His refusal of punishments earned him harder beatings. Had he been weaker amidst the racist South, he would not have succeeded as a writer. In many ways, his own family and the black community fiercely opposed his aspiration and courage. Richard’s first discovery of literature ended in the eviction of Ella, the schoolteacher, who had introduced him to Bluebeard and His Seven Wives. Margaret Bolton Wilson, Richard’s maternal grandmother wrought obedience into everyone. She was a stringent Seventh Day Adventist, one who praised God on the Sabbath, and ran the household according to her religious values. “I simply can’t feel religion.” Richard, an atheist, was unclear about religion. From his hard adolescent life, he neglected religion. This often ignited clashes wi...

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