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History and feminism of kate chopin
Explain how the theme of racism is discussed in the story.Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin
Racism in literature
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Racism can simply be defined as the thinking that one race is better than another. Illustrating the theme of racism throughout “Desiree’s Baby,” Kate Chopin portrays racism through the character Armand. This is evident through the harsh treatment of Armand’s slaves and how his feelings for Desiree change after he assumes the baby is of mixed ancestry. Leading to say should a person be judged because of their race, social class, or gender? In Desiree’s Baby,” Kate Chopin demonstrates gender bias and the theme of racism through Armand judging a person by their race or gender, his thought that women or inferior to men, and his assumption that Desiree is the one of mixed descent when the baby shows evidence of mixed ancestry.
In the short story, Armand is confident that he is of white ancestry, which makes him feel superior to the other races and his slaves, this allows Armand to think he can judge a person just by their race or gender. This is evident through the treatment of Armand’s slaves. “Young Aubigny’s rule was a strict one, and under it his negreos had forgotten how to be gay…”(...
Although Armand truly loved Desiree, his love wasn’t stronger than protecting his family’s status. He knew from the beginning that it was he who was not white. Hoping that his child would not come out black, he still took precautions by marrying a woman with an unknown origin to put the blame on. He hated himself for what he truly was and he was not going to let anyone know his secret and have that kind of power over him. It was never Desiree’s fault and she ended up suffering when it was really Armand’s doing.
In “Desiree Baby”, author, Chopin emphasizes racism by selecting certain words to symbolize the association between light and darkness, and the slaves on the plantation.
I see as wearing something white is like implying that someone or something is pure. The guilt that Armand had enforced into her mind made her think that she is a black person, a black soul. Then again, her wearing white made it seem like she wasn’t the one who’s at fault in the story. People who were reading the story should feel some kind sympathy for her. Especially when her mental state was taken over by the words of her husband. In the story, the passage states:
Racism is the notion that one’s own ethnic stock is superior to that of someone else’s. Most all racism is as result of ignorance. Racism can range from a simple comment to make another human being feel inferior, to complex actions that make others feel unwelcome in society because of who they are. The theme of racism can be seen throughout literature. In the murder mystery novel, Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson, many examples of wartime racism are evident.
In 'Desiree?s Baby,' Chopin illustrates her idea of the relationship between men and women by portraying Desiree as vulnerable and easily affected, whereas Armand is presented as superior and oppressive. Throughout ?Desiree?s Baby,? Kate Chopin investigates the concept of Armand's immense power over Desiree. At first, Desiree tries to conform to the traditional female role by striving to be an obedient wife. Later in the story, this conformity changes after Desiree gives birth to her part-black son.
Throughout the years many variations of the ideas on race, class, and culture have been presented based upon different factors. In earlier times people’s views were not nearly the same as they are presented today. Ideas that women belong in the kitchen or that African-American’s were an inferior race were common. Those views were very popular during the time of Kate Chopin’s book “Desiree’s Baby.” Chopin’s book explores the controversial areas of race and class as well as touching on the subject of culture. “Desiree’s Baby” shows the life of Desiree from a young child through adulthood. The young Desiree was found by a rich family alone on the streets. Even in a time where race and social class was important the wealthy, a rich couple took in young Desiree without knowing her ancestral background. Desiree lived a good life with the family. The story then switches to when Desiree was a young adult and falls in love with Armand Aubigny. Armand also comes from a wealthy background and still falls for Desiree without knowing her racial background. Eventually, the young couple has a baby but to their surprise the baby comes out with African traits. Armand is not happy and rethinks whether she has African in her background or if maybe she had an affair with a slave. Desiree’s mother offers to have her and the baby come back and stay with them but when Desiree leaves she disappears and is never seen again. Later, Armand finds out that it may not have been Desiree that carries African roots but himself, from his mother’s side. Overall, Chopin’s work looks into the controversial issues of race, class, gender and culture using ironies and the story-line to infer the views of these topics.
“Desiree Baby” by Kate Chopin is a very thought provoking short story that deals with racism, prejudice, and love. The story takes place in southern Louisiana, where Armand, a prominent landowner, marries a girl of unknown origin named Desiree. The story has a twist when their baby is born and is discovered to be of mixed race. Armand knew all along that he was OF mixed race, and I will prove it by analyzing characterization, diction, and imagery.
In the story of “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin, there are many literary themes that can be analyzed such as love, racism, gender inequality, and miscegenation. What this analysis will focus on is primarily on the central male character, Armand Aubigny, and on his views towards racism. More specifically, what this essay will aim to prove is that Armand Aubigny looked down upon the African race to the point where he hated them. One of the biggest driving points to aid this idea is how his family name shaped his behavior and actions according to the societal normalities of his time period. Another important aspect that will be considered is his very relationship towards his slaves in how he treated them cruelly even to the point where he is described as “having the spirit of Satan” (Chopin 3). In addition to this, the reader will also see Armand’s negative reaction to being aware of the implications of his son and wife having mixed blood in where he practically disowns them. With all this culminating to Armand finding out the ugly truth that the race he had treated so horribly is actually a part of his very own blood as well.
In “Desiree’s Baby,” Kate Chopin writes about the life of a young lady and her new family. In this short story, the fond couple lived in Louisiana before the American Civil War. Chopin illustrates the romantic atmosphere between Armand and Desiree. Chopin also describes the emotion of the parents for their new born. When the baby was born, Armand’s heart had softened on behalf of others. One afternoon, Desiree and the baby were relaxing in a room with a young boy fanning them with peacock feathers. As they were relaxing, Desiree had sniffed a threatening scent. Desiree desired Armand’s assistance as she felt faint from the odor that she could not comprehend. Armand had denied the request his wife sent. Therefore, he cried out that she nor the baby were white. Thus, Desiree took the baby and herself and walked into the bayou and they were never seen again. In this short story, Chopin illustrates the psychological abuse Desiree faces from her husband.
... be part of that race. He did not want his well looked upon family name to be ruined. He was portrayed as a man who had it all. He had a reputation to keep maintained and Armand being part black would have ruined it. He owned a plantation and was a slave master. Racism did play a major role because when Armand found out that the baby was mixed everything changed such as Armand’s mood and Desiree’s happiness. She seemed to be very jolly and happy. Armand was also content. He was pleasant to the slaves. After he saw his child growing to be mixed it changed his whole attitude. He did not love the child genuinely because love is unconditional. He was more concerned about the race of the child. This was a great short story to read and it gave me insight on the importance and seriousness of our society back then. I am glad we have overcome these terrible racial matters.
Racism is based on the belief that one’s culture is superior to that of others, and this racial superiority provides justification for discrimination. Racism begins with categorising by race, and therefore stereotyping particular cultures. A simple definition of prejudice given by St Thomas Aquinas states prejudice as “thinking ill of others without sufficient cause” (1. pg 21). Racism is a major issue in today’s society, affecting a large number of the world’s population and causing political and social turmoil. To evaluate the true meaning, effects and views concerning racism in today’s world, a number of literature sources were researched including novel, films, short stories, poetry, song lyrics, textbooks and magazine articles.
Racism is defined by Beverly Daniel Tatum as prejudice + power, allowing a system of advantage based on race. Race usually connotes to ones skin color and their perceived stereotypical behavior as assigned to a particular “race”. 9th century Darwinist conceptions of race are made up, but there are clearly and obviously racial differences among people, due to inherited biological traits.
Racism is deeply rooted in our culture and history. It is the belief that another person is less than human due to the colour of their skin, language, customs or place of birth. Racism can be seen throughout history and all around the world it has influenced wars and the forming of nations. In the novel ''The Color Purple'' by Alice Walker the author explores the theme of the cynical nature of racism and it's affect on society. In the novel, it is clearly stated that racism is used has a form of control by Caucasians over the African-Americans and other minorities. In our culture and in the novel racism is used has a form of control to dominate and oppress minorities. The oppression and domination of minorities is made possible by using certain tools such has xenophobia, the law and different branches of racism.
“Racism occurs in explicit forms…[and] is also commonly and indirectly present through prejudiced attitudes, lack of recognition of cultural diversity and culturally biased practices” (Brice). Susan stated that when she was younger there was a boy that told her she “deserved to be deaf” solely because she was black. The magnitude of a statement such as that is mind blowing. Prejudice and racism are still, embarrassingly, prevalent in today’s society. However, a symbolic interactionist view on prejudice is that if groups of people are seen as equals and are held to the same standards, then stereotyping is heavily reduced (Kendall
What is racism? Racism can be defined as – “The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.” Racism occurs when a racist group finds it necessary to put down other ethnic groups in an attempt to strengthen their own. A very strong racist comment or action might make the other group feel hurtful, degrading, humiliating. The novel, “Heart of darkness”, written by Joseph Conrad provides such instances which are racist and biased against the people living in Africa.