Kennedy Plott

LSTD 3133-001: Unit 4 Essay

The Quest for Racial Equality

The frequently used mantra, “love thy neighbor”, is one of simple nature; however, the

concept of mutual respect and comradery is one lost on many individuals. Throughout history,

many have been prejudiced based superficial or financial characteristics, thus creating division

and division amongst individuals in society. Many individuals have dedicated their voice to

speaking against these unjust endeavors, fighting in the pursuit for equality among people. This

essay will analyze the ways in which black authors of the 20th century utilized their platform to

combat the racial ignorance that plagues society.

During the 20th century, the pursuit for equality was one of the most controversial

movements that characterized this time period. Known as “the most turbulent issue of the

century”, the unjust experiences endured by minority individuals helped to establish this era in

time as “the race era” (Fiero 447). Dating black to the early years of slavery, “millions of black

Americans had existed as an underprivileged minority population living within an advanced

industrial state”, deprived of the bountiful resources so easily accessed by the majority (Fiero

447). As time progressed, the concept of utilized visual and written artistic platforms to address

social issues became more and more wide spread, with works of literature and art everywhere

shining light on the reality of racism, sexism, and financial prejudice that consumed society. As

more and more individuals began to speak out in protest of the abhorrent practices, writers

became more outspoken, offering insight into the painful truths of the large racial divide

growing among people.

 Following World War I, African-Americans were provided new opportunities in

education and employment, allowing them to grow in their intellectual endeavors and giving

them a voice that speaks not only the truth, but articulates it in an informed and respectable

manner. Authors Richard Wright, Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Ellison and Alice Walker

exemplify civility and activism in their work.

Born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, arguably one of the most racists states not

only during that time period, but still in present day, Wright spent his childhood enduring racist

practices at high intensity. “Wright brought to his writings the anger of a man who had known

physical punishment and repeated injustice at the hands of white people”, allowing that anger

to fuel his work and give authenticity to his words (Fiero 449). In Wright’s critically acclaimed

work, Native Son, he utilized the tale of a poor, young black man killing his white employers

daughter to emphasize the search for identity among black individuals during that time period,

and how the oppression sustained can ultimately result in depravity and violence. In The Ethics

of Living Jim Crow, “Wright records with grim frankness the experience of growing up in the

American South” (Fiero 449). Wright’s blunt delivery and controversial content made his work

undeniable, and gave his message the clarity necessary for it to be genuinely heard.

As time persisted and wars passed, “racism remained an undeniable obstacle to

equality” among society (Fiero 451). The blatant differences in educational standard, housing,

job access and overall quality of life was undisputable, forcing black individuals to protest in

search for equal access and fair treatment between members of society. The Civil Rights

Movement is one of the most characteristics times in American history, for not only did it bring

more fairness to society, but the lessons learned and experiences endured during this time
remain an influential concept in today’s society. One of the most influential of all people to be

introduced during this time was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Dr. King’s respect for God and

peaceful nature, allowed him to articulate his message in a way that resonated with many

individuals. His famous I have a dream speech is one of the most influential pieces of literary

work, for it is not only riddled with linguistic devices and excellent syntax, but also contradicts

many other previous works regarding racism and segregation. This speech goes against the

typical method of emphasizing the truths of reality in that moment, and instead paints the

picture of a future in which society lives as a whole. He urges all members of society to imagine

a peaceful, co-existing world, one that is entirely attainable if people would set aside their

foolish preconceived notions. Dr. King conveys the urgency of this urgency of this cause in his

Letters from Birmingham Jail, where he was detained for marching without a permit in the city

of Birmingham. Throughout the entire letter, King exemplifies his philosophies, speaking with

civility and respect towards those criticizing his work. He states that “since [he] feels that [they]

are men of genuine goodwill and [their] criticisms are sincerely set forth, [he] would like to

answer [their] statement in what [he] hopes will be patient and reasonable terms” (King Lines

5-7, Fiero 451).

Ellison was very different from both King and Wright, for the way he delivered his

message was not through a sense of urgency or anger, but instead as more of a discussion of

the entire concept. He incorporates the theme of the nightmarish quality of life people were

experiencing and delivers it in a very straight-forward and direct manner.

Following Ellison, Alice Walker stands out among this group of authors, for not only did

she speak on behalf of black people, but she advocated for black women. Her famous novel,
The Color Purple, illustrated the unfair and disgusting conditions for women during this time,

articulating the sexual abuse and violence women were forced to endure. Her ability to shine

light specifically on the female perspective made her unique during this movement and offered

her work more depth and a new perspective.

The conditions forced upon minority individuals throughout history has been abhorrent

and unfair; however, many individuals have found ways to utilize their struggles and allow them

to influence masterful and meaningful work that can be shared to help influence others.

Though racism is still very relevant in society today, the works of these individuals helped pave

the way for more voices to be heard and more realities to be faced.
 Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria. Humanistic Tradition: the Early Modern World to the Present. Mcgraw-Hill

Education, 2015.