Theme Of Racism In Song Of Solomon

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When one is confronted with a problem, we find a solution easily, but when a society is confronted with a problem, the solution tends to prolong itself. One major issue that is often discussed in today’s society that has been here for as long as we’ve known it, is racism. Racism is also a very repetitive theme in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon. Almost every character has experienced racism whether it be towards them or they are the ones giving the racism in this novel. Racism is a very controversial topic as many have different perspectives of it. In Toni’s novel, three characters that have very distinct perspectives on racism are Macon Dead, Guitar, and Dr. Foster. These characters play vital roles throughout the novel. Macon Dead is the
Foster is a character that is introduced early in the book that has a very different perspective when compared to Guitar and Macon Dead. Dr. Foster is an educated African American which was rare in the setting of this novel. He was well respected by many people. On page 71, they show his view on racism. It happens to be that Dr. Foster is a self-hating racist. He hates his own race. He goes to the extent that all he cares about when delivering his grandchildren is their skin complexion. He describes everyone else that is a part of his race to be cannibals. Macon tells Milkman that if he were Fosters son, Foster would have disowned him because of the complexion of his skin
Some people embrace racism, some go against it, and some aren’t phased by it. Tony’s novel is perfectly crafted to show this through Macon Dead, Guitar, and Dr. Foster. So how does one stand up against racism that would be considered justifiable? Guitar wasn’t able to find a different manner to do so. He was deeply affected by the racism and only one possible manner to go against it presented itself. Dr. Foster was someone who was racist. His higher educational level added to his sense of superiority. Foster was crafted in a manner that showed what racism could do to a person, making you actually even hate your own race. Macon Dead was the character that was able to overcome racism and become successful or wealthy. He didn’t stress over racism because he wasn’t as limited as the other characters were with a one track mind. All three of these characters exhibit perspectives on racism in today’s society as well. The most difficult issues that we come across are societal issues because they are based on morality and everyone has a different sense of

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