English 169, Lecture 1
With Prof. Schaub, Spring 2007
Teaching Assistant: Emily S. Yu

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Has our society made progress?

Native Son is obviously a social commentary on racial tensions, prejudice, and economic systems of the 1930s. Wright's novel indictes white society, and calls for radical social progression, in order to prevent the creation of more 'Biggers'. Concerning the inequality of capitalism, white supremacy, and current racial tensions (not just with African Americans), how has this country progressed or improved since the 1930s, if it has at all?

2 comments:

Kristine said...

Althought this country has made obvious strides, it is still behind the times in many ways. School integration and civil rights laws have improved the quality of life for many but because of poverty, there are still many areas that have fewer opportunities than those surrounding it. There are no longer laws keeping people in those areas but it is still difficult to escape those situations without extreme perseverance. They are receiving little help. There is also an extreme language barrier preventing communication between those that speak english and those new to the country that creates an unfair disadvantage.

abilgri said...

I believe that the country was farther ahead than it was about ten years ago. Statistics show increasing segregation in schools and residences, not less. Things tend to move in cycles with a general upward trend, just like how blacks had comparatively high representation in government and more rights immediately after the Civil War than they did during the 30's, now they are worse off than they were 15 years ago. When things start improving fewer people care about the issue and it can slip back.