Abuse In Richard Wright's Black Boy

Outcome of Abuse
Richard Wright provides us insight to the reality of the South’s customs post Civil War where abuse and racism has yet to diminish in the South. The memoir Black Boy, by Richard Wright, explores the theme of abuse that was prevalent throughout the Jim Crow South. Richard’s story begins when he was about four years old and continues to when he becomes an adult; he includes the most important details and incidents that greatly shaped his life and personality. Incidents that were most impactful on Richard often included abuse or consequently lead to abuse. Throughout his childhood, Richard faces various forms abuse which ironically benefit him in molding him into a young man who eventually escapes his oppressors.
A wedge

is formed between Richard and his family due to the recurring theme of physical abuse. Abuse first occurs when “[Richard] was lashed so hard and long that [he] lost consciousness” (7) during his father’s attempt to teach him right from wrong. The beating forced Richard to remember his mistake so he would not repeat it; therefore, shaping Richard into a better person. After white boys once again steal Richard’s money for groceries, “a stinging slap came on [his] jaw” (18) from Richard’s mother when he returned home. This event supports the reoccurring theme of abuse from a family member. This example of tough love teaches Richard to stand up for himself which becomes a valuable life skill. Richard uses this lesson when telling Aunt Addie, “‘you’re not going to beat me again’” (107) showing that Richard reaches a point where he will not tolerate the abuse any longer. However, this strains the relationships between him and other family members. Even when Richard avoids the abuse, he is still being molded into a different person by learning great qualities such as standing up for himself and what he believes is right. In conclusion, Richard faces physical abuse from his family but this abuse consequently shapes Richard into a better person even at the cost of Richard's relationship with family members.
Richard struggles to ignore the mental abuse presented by whites that he receives because of the racism in the South.

Richard “felt that [he] had been slapped out of the human race”(190) when he was oppressed by whites and there was nothing he could do about if he wanted to spare his life. These emotions allow Richard to realize that he must leave the South in order to become free of the abuse. Not only does Richard face mental abuse from whites, but also from his friends. Richard felt that “if [he] wanted to associate with [his friends] [he] would have to join” (151) the church. Richard realizes he can not be friends with his classmates if he does not share the same religious views as them. Therefore, there is the pressure that Richard must join the church in order to fit into society. Lastly, Richard experiences mental abuse when his mother was sick. Richard felt “the half-friendly world the [he] had known had turned cold and hostile” (86) allowing Richard to better understand the cruelty of the world. Although no one is to blame for the illness of Richard’s mother, Richard was abused because he now has to think of what he will do without his mother who was the rock in his life. Each of these incidents challenged Richard in a different way, but they all molded him into a stronger

person.
Richard struggles to cope with emotional abuse as he tries to shape into a better person. Richard faces emotional abuse through racism as he must deal with being oppressed due to his skin color. Richard’s emotions were damaged when he was told “You’ll never be a writer” (147). This caused Richard to question his identity and who he really was. He learned to ignore others opinions and to follow his own path. Again, Richards emotions were hurt by abuse when the principal of his school said “listen, boy, you’re going to speak to both white and colored people that night...you have no experience” (174) making Richard question his ability to perform and write a speech thus, allowing him to question his identity. This incident allowed Richard to learn how to come back after being oppressed. Lastly, Richard overheard Uncle Tom telling Maggie “‘Didn’t I tell you to stay away from [Richard]’” (173) which caused harm to Richards emotions. The lack of support and trust Richard received from family members allowed him to learn how to be independent. The emotional abuse that Richard faced allowed Richard to become stronger by learning to be independent, and ignore those who were not supportive of Richard.
Some of the issues that Richard faced are still present in America today. In some places there is still racial segregation but, many communities are very diverse. Also, the oppression and abuse that Richard faced in the Jim Crow South is today almost nonexistence. In conclusion, although abuse had a positive effect on Richard this form of teaching is no longer used to mold children today due the brutality involved in abuse.