Mr. Head's Argumentative Essay

Baldwin talks about the fear a child (colored or white) will face in challenging the ideals that are created in favoritism of a white racist world. That in attempting to go against the normalized perceptions of this America, would only put the child on the path of destruction (Baldwin 27). Which is significant concept in the story, because of how Nelson addresses the first African American he perceives; simply as another man. Which contrasts to the language of his grandfather, when he questions Nelson about this individual on the train, when he asks, “what was that” (O’Connor 111). Problematically, Mr. Head identifies the individual not as a man, but as the other. This statement can be seen how he brings to life the innocent view that is the

Head’s statement of Nelsons equivalent status to those in the ghetto. Because Mr. Head’s position of quality of life is equivalent, if not worst then the homes of the ghetto. This is evidence in the structure of his room that he shares with Nelson. For the minor detail of how his broken clock sits on an overturned bucket (104). Rather a nightstand, or possessing a functioning clock. That he uses his inflated pride to defend why he does not need the object to function. “Sixty years had not dulled his responses; his physical reactions, like his moral ones, were guided by his will and strong character.” The narration that describes Mr. Head’s perception of himself and his reified pride. That his pride, and rhetorical innocence goes together. Whereas Nelson (the young America), is equivocated to a slop jar. The ironic detail that Mr. Head still uses a slop jar in their sleeping quarter signifies they don't possess proper plumbing, nor proper methods to dispose of human waste. Which is demonstrated with Mr. Head introducing Nelson to the idea of a washroom, (113) and in the city drainage system (117). However, introducing concepts to Nelson, who grew up with his grandfather means Mr. Heads standard of living is comparable to the Negros in the ghetto, if not worst. Nelson’s introduction to sewer system in Atlanta is another piece of evidence that Mr. Head’s quality of life is worst then the individuals of the ghetto. “let me show you something you’ve never seen before”. In his attempt to de-escalate Nelsons fascination with the city when he explains the purpose, and dangers of the sewer system, which is an indication that human waste disposal is a new concept to nelson, which means proper sewage it is absent in Mr. Heads lifestyle. For the individuals in Atlanta’s ghetto may have access to a functioning washroom, whereas Mr. Head does not. However, the significance in the representation of his room further characterizes Mr.