Impact of Rasicm on Idenity in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man

1281 Words3 Pages

In society, there are many misconceptions in terms of racism. According to the merriam-webster dictionary, racism is define the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others . Many people would agree with that definition. What is racism? The normal person if asked will simply reply, not liking someone for the color of their skin. Racism from my attitude which is substantiated by historical events is a system of power .Therefore is a system of power that is used to control the world and its people. Racism was employed by Europeans to subjugate and discriminate against other groups, in particular Africans/black people. It is also a power which ran through a systemic way to hinder and sabotage other groups. The system is so elaborate that it almost seems nonexistent on a systematic level. Hence, this is why many people do not think it exists anymore. Racism is pervasive in society and remains a silent code which has a profound effect society. Ralph Ellison author of the award¬-winning novel, Invisible Man deals with racism and how it effect an individual . I would analyze racism and display how it effect ones identity .

Vocabulary, defines identity as an individual characteristic by which a thing or person is recognized or known. In other words it is how one views, look, sees and defines themselves. Many people identity are influenced by religion, environment, parents, culture, gender, teachers and textbooks. Media also can play a role in shaping one’s identity. This can include internet, news, movies, radio and etc. One’s identity can be shaped by many different things or experiences. The things that shaped my identity are family, race, ...

... middle of paper ...

...anMarkmann. New York Grove, 1967.

The Book Black Skin, White Masks looks at what goes through the minds of blacks and whites under the conditions of white rule and the strange effects that has, especially on black people. Thus, it’s the study of the black psyche in a white world.

"Frantz Fanon Black Skin White Mask." YouTube. YouTube, 27 Feb. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.

Documentary on Frantz Black Skin White Mask

Sabloff, Nicholas. "Obama Opposes Slavery Reparations." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 02 Aug. 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.

Barack Obama self-deals with Double Consciousness in White America

Welsing, Frances Cress. The Isis (Yssis) papers: The Keys to the Colors. Washington, DC: C.W. Publishing, 2004. Print.

The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors, presented a bold psychoanalysis of the system of racism/White supremacy.

More about Impact of Rasicm on Idenity in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man

Open Document