Raising Our Native Sons Essay Example for Free

Raising Our Native Sons Essay During the modern era, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism due to the nation’s booming economy. There was a generalization that any citizen could work hard and become successful. However, this was not always the case in American society. Not everyone was given equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. This struggle was expressed in various literary works. In is novel Native Son, Richard Wright uses symbolism and irony to attack race issues and oppression in order to suggest that African Americans should have equal opportunity as whites. Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Bigger Thomas faces persecution and mistreatment simply because of the color of his skin. This racism appears early in the novel when a rat is encountered in his apartment. Bigger’s mother is disgusted by the gross creature she finds wandering in the family’s apartment. She proclaims her disgust and fear of the rat by saying, â€Å"Lord, Lord, have mercy†¦ that sonofabitch could cut your throat† (10). Through this duologue, the readers realize the harsh treatment and attitude the rat is receiving from Bigger’s family. They are scared and afraid of the rat, even though it means no harm and is merely trying to surviving with the living conditions it has been given. This demonstrates the overall racism towards blacks throughout the book as they are treated poorly and set up to fail. Like the rat, they are considered the lowest of the low who scavenge off others to survive. They are treated as a threat that only causes harm and need to be rid of. Also, Bigger faces racism head on at home. When playing with his friends, they â€Å"play white†. This game attempts to imitate the way whites act in society. During this game, Bigger and his friends unknowingly play out the white people has having superior power over the whites. This demonstrates that the racism is engraved into their heads, even at a young age. This sets them up to fail from a young age by starting them off as knowing that they are considered inferior to the white people. As the book continues, Bigger’s story becomes a point of attention in the south side of Chicago. The newspaper reporters are gathered around preparing to write an article on Bigger’s recent crime. They are collaborating with  each other in order to create the best story possible. One of the reporters says, â€Å"I’m slanting to the primitive negro who doesn’t want to be disturbed by white civilization.† The conversation continues with another reporter saying, â€Å"mention his foreign sounding name† (201). The reporters are bouncing ideas off each other in order to write the best story for the readers. They mention how they are going to purposely define Bigger as a member of the African American community. This simple dialogue represents a much larger meaning within the novel. The reporters immediately turn to race in order to demonize Bigger. They call him â€Å"primitive† and point out his name in an attempt to dissociate him from white society. This display of racism conveys the treatment of African Americans as outcasts of mainstream society. In addition to this, the media is only aiding in the continued validity of this stereotype. The more the media portrays blacks as animals and creatures, the more they are attacked by mainstream white society. As a result of this, the blacks are suppressed more and more, causing them to become more and more desperate. This vicious cycle of racism and oppression is ongoing as society feeds off the harsh portrayal of African Americans by the news outlets. Wright brings attention to the overwhelming effect that oppression can have on an individual or group. Bigger is continuously oppressed throughout his life. After attempting to escape from the police, Bigger is captured and brought down to the street from a rooftop. He was dragged down the stairs with his head banging on every step. He found himself lying on his back in the snow, pinned down by his wrists and surrounded by a circle of this faces. The angry crowd shouts at Bigger. Roars from the crowd include, â€Å"Kill ‘im†¦ Lynch ‘im†¦ Kill that ape!† (253). The crowd is angry at the black man who has caused so much trouble to the white folk. When they finally capture him, they all seem to unite as one when shouting insults as if they have has a triumph by holding down this young black man. This unity represented the overpowering superiority of white society over that of the blacks. Although each individual is their own person and saying their own comments, all Bigger sees and hears is an overbearing common force. To Bigger, he does not see the individuality in each white person; he sees them as all members of the same group all with a common goal of suppressing his dreams. In addition to seeing all whites as a blanket of oppression, he is almost shameful of himself when around them.  While sitting in an interview, he sits in Mr. Dalton’s office with him. Bigger enters the room and does not make eye contact. He stands in a corner with his head down, being careful not to make eye contact with Mr. Dalton. Bigger knows the role that he has in society as well as the room. He is careful to not do anything to upset the white man for fear of potential punishment. This shame is built off the fact that he has been repetitively told and taught that he is inferior. This repeated oppression leads Bigger to act differently around white people, further placing him in to the mold of a non-productive member of society. Bigger feels as if he has been able to make very few decisions for himself his entire life. This suppression was put on him right from the start. Once he realizes his fate and is sitting on his cot, he thinks back on his life. He had always lived with the premonition that he would be sentenced to the electric chair. Once this becomes a reality, Bigger feels a sense of freedom that he has never felt before. He wonders to himself why he â€Å"put himself into the shadow of the electric chair only to find out this? Had he been blind all along? But there was no way to tell now. It was too late†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (335). He realizes that he lived his entire life under the shadow of fear of the electric chair. Once he realizes that he is actually doomed for the chair, he assumes that he should live his live with complete freedom with the remaining days he has left. He concludes, however, that it is too late to live with freedom since he wasted all of his previous days under the shadow. This shadow of oppression holds him back from living freely because he knows that his skin color limits his chances to succeed in life. Furthermore, Bigger can make choices that will only dig him deeper into a hole he cannot escape from. After lashing out and committing a murder, Bigger expresses his feelings that he has a sense of power for the first time in his life. By committing this murder, he has broken away from the limitations being placed on him. Although it was negative, he could not be stopped because he was not assumed to be capable of such a crime. This demonstrates that the oppressed are subject to hostility and more likely to lash out due to the poor treatment and lack of individual freedoms. By using irony and symbolism, Richard Wright brings light to the issue of race and oppression in America. He attempts to convey that blacks and white  should be given equal opportunity to succeed. Wright believes that African Americans are placed into a mold of failure, one that they cannot escape. The title â€Å"Native Son† suggests something about the treatment of the generation of young men we are raising in our country. All of our â€Å"Native Sons†, no matter what race, should be treated equally and be given ample opportunity to succeed.

Constitutional Framers Essay -- American History, Washington D.C.

The Constitutional Framers envisioned a national government that, like Plato’s cave, would be â€Å"at a distance and out of sight† of the everyday affairs and thoughts of ordinary Americans. They had envisioned Washington D.C. to be a cultural mecca on par with the capitals of European nations, both economically and socially. The reality of the Washington Community was a disaster compared to the lofty ambitions of the founding fathers; a desolate purgatory to be endured. The socially and economically barren capital combined Spartan living conditions with isolation. High turnover was prevalent in both the house and senate; a disappointment to the Federalists who had hoped for institutional memory within congress. Instead of creating the new form of â€Å"national† and â€Å"long term† thinking by men of prominence, congressmen turned to fellow members of boarding houses for a sense of legitimacy and guidance. Boarding houses were organized along regi onal lines and served to enforce differences between geographical communities; the isolation the founders had hoped would lead to a unique national identity inadvertently strengthened regional ties. The Framers had to isolate the Washington community; removing congressmen from the outside influence of state politics would protect against corruption. â€Å"From this time until the objective was realized, it was never seriously disputed that the government ought to have a home and to wield sole authority over the environs; and when Congress at last reached its permanent abode in Washington, that body showed how dearly it prized its freedom from local interference by refusing the District’s citizenry the right of formal participation in not only national but also state government† (Young, p.96).... ...ir extra official life their constitutional separation in official life† (Young, p. 120). In the early Washington community, the framers achieved isolation but this did not produce the anticipated result of national mind set and body of thought. Rather than elevating the nation’s leaders to a place of prominence, the Washington Community provided no sense of legitimacy. Barbaric conditions and isolation reinforced regional ties; congressmen generally endured a single term before returning to the prestigious and considerably more comfortable job of state politics. Rather than motived by legacy, congressional terms seemed a hardship everyone was eventually forced endure at some point in their political career. The Constitutional Framers succeeded in some aspects but their vision was circumvented by the wasteland which served as the new nation’s capital.

Babe Ruth

In Baltimore, Maryland to parents George Sr. and Kate. George Jr. was one of eight children, although only he and his sister Marnie survived. George Jr. ‘s parents worked long hours. leaving little time to watch over him and his sister. The lack of parental guidance allowed George Jr. to become a bit unruly, often skipping school and causing trouble In the neighborhood. When George Jr. turned 7 years old, his parents realized he needed a stricter environment and therefore sent him to the St. Marys Industrial School forBoys, a school run by Catholic monks from an order of the Xaverian Brothers. St. Marys provided a strict and regimented environment that helped shape George Jr. ‘s future. Not only did George Jr. learn vocational skills, but he developed a passion and love for the game of baseball. Brother Matthias, one of the monks at St. Mary's, took an instant liking to George Jr. and became a positive role model and father-like figure to George Jr. while at St. Marys. Br other Matthias also happened to help George Jr. refine his baseball skills, working tirelessly with him on hitting, fielding and pitching skills.George Jr. became so good at baseball that the Brothers invited Jack Dunn, owner of the Baltimore Orioles, to come watch George Jr. play. Dunn was obviously impressed, as he offered a contract to George Jr. in February 1914 after watching him for less than an hour. Since George Jr. was only 19 at the time, Dunn had to become George's legal guardian in order to complete the contract. upon seeing George Jr. for the first time, the Orioles players referred to him as â€Å"Jack's newest babe†, and thus the most famous nickname In American sports history was born.Thereafter, George Herman Ruth Jr. was known as the Babe. The Babe performed well for Dunn and the Orioles, leading to the sale of Babe to the Boston Red Sox by Dunn. While Babe Is most known for his prodigious power as a slugger, he started his career as a pitcher, and a very go od one at that. In 1914, Babe appeared in five games for the Red Sox. pitching In four of them, He won his major league debut on July 1 1, 1914. However, due to a loaded roster, Babe was optioned to the Red Sox minor league team, the Providence Grays, where he helped lead them to he International League pennant.Babe became a permanent fixture in the Red Sox rotation In 1915, accumulating an 18-8 record with an ERA of 2. 44. He followed up his successful flrst season with a 23-12 campaign in 1916, leading the league with a 1. 75 ERA. In 1917, he went 24-13 with a 2. 01 ERA and a staggering 35 complete games in 38 starts. However, by that time, Babe had displayed enormous power In his limited plate appearances, so it was decided his bat was too good to be left out of the lineup on a dally basis. As a result. n 191 8, the transition began to turn Babe Into an everyday player.That year, he tied for the major-league lead in homeruns with 1 1, and followed that up by setting a single seas on home run record of 29 dingers in 1919. Little did he know that the 1919 season would be his last with Boston. On December 26, 1919, Babe was sold to the New York Yankees and the two teams would 1 OF2 never De tne same again. After becoming a New York Yankee, Babe's transition to a full-time outfielder became complete. Babe dominated the game, amassing numbers that had never been seen efore. He changed baseball from a grind it out style to one of power and high scoring games.He re-wrote the record books from a hitting standpoint, combining a high batting average with unbelievable power. The result was an assault on baseball's most hallowed records. In 1920, he bested the homerun record he set in 1919 by belting a staggering 54 homeruns, a season in which no other player hit more than 19 and only one team hit more than Babe did individually. But Babe wasn't done, as his 1921 season may have been the greatest in MLB history. That season, he lasted a new record of 59 homeruns, drove in 171 RBI, scored 177 runs, batted . 76 and had an unheard of . 846 slugging percentage. Babe was officially a superstar and enjoyed a popularity never seen before in professional baseball. With Babe leading the way, the Yankees became the most recognizable and dominant team in baseball, setting attendance records along the way. When the Yankees moved to a new stadium in 1923, it was appropriately dubbed â€Å"The House that Ruth Built†. Babe's mythical stature grew even more in 1927 when, as a member of â€Å"Murderer's ROW', he set a new homerun record of 60, a record that would stand for 34 years.During his time with the Yankees, Babe ignited the greatest dynasty in all of American sport. Prior to his arrival, the Yankees had never won a title of any kind. After Joining the Yankees prior to the 1920 season, Babe helped the Yankees capture seven pennants and four World Series titles. The 1927 team is still considered by many to be the greatest in baseball history. Upon re tiring from the Boston Braves in 1935, Babe held an astonishing 56 major league records at the time, including the ost revered record in baseball†¦ 714 homeruns.In 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame was inaugurated and Babe was elected as one of its first five inductees. During the fall of 1946, it was discovered that Babe had a malignant tumor on his neck, and his health began to deteriorate quickly. On June 13, 1948, his Jersey number â€Å"3† was retired by the Yankees during his last appearance at Yankee Stadium. Babe lost his battle with cancer on August 16, 1948. His body lay in repose in Yankee Stadium, with his funeral two days later at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. In all, over 100,000 people lined up and paid their respects to the Babe.Despite passing over 60 years ago, Babe still remains the greatest figure in major league baseball, and one of the true icons in American history. The Babe helped save baseball from the ugly Black Sox scandal, and gave hope t o millions during The Great Depression. He impacted the game in a way never seen before, or since. He continues to be the benchmark by which all other players are measured. Despite last playing nearly 75 years ago, Babe is still widely considered the greatest player in Major League Baseball history.

Homosexuality and Ignorance Essay - 2509 Words

Ignorance about a subject can cause people to be against the subject. Not knowing about a subject can make people to feel hesitant, uncomfortable and obviously unsure. Throughout history there are many examples of people who are ignorant about a subject and react violently or inappropriately towards others. Homosexuality is definitely one of the most common subjects people are ignorant about. It causes children to be shunned, disowned, and embarrassed mainly due to parents and peers who do not choose to educate themselves but remain ignorant. There are some Americans who choose to stay ignorant and lack tolerance to diversity and eventually affect individuals like David Piden, young closeted homosexuals too afraid to truly show themselves.†¦show more content†¦We left school as usual and traveled to Lilburn, Ga to play Parkview High for the Playoff game. We lost the game that night, but like usual we got on the bus and headed back. The guys started to play around snatching e ach others phone and going through it, looking for anything embarrassing to pick about. I dozed off like usual and they ended up with my phone. I must have forgotten to lock it back, because I woke up to them calling me names.† The attorney interrupted â€Å"What names Mr. Piden?† David continued â€Å"Names like ‘Faget’, ‘Queer’,’Fudge Packer’ I kept asking them why they were calling me those things; I realized why when one of them shoved my phone in lap. The screen was on a conversation I was having with my boyfriend Robert. The coach made them stop. When we got back to the school I turned in my pads and started to walk home. None of the other players ever walked home so I knew something was going to happen when I saw half the defensive line walking behind me. They kept calling me names and throwing sticks and rocks over my head. They blamed me for the game saying â€Å"We didn’t win because we had a faget as a quarterback†. Then .. they caught up to me. I knew they wouldn’t approve of me and Robert; I planned on telling the guys after I signed my football contract with Auburn University the very next week. I just thought they would stop talking to me, maybe even purposely sack me a few times during practice. I would have never imagine they put me in aShow MoreRelatedThe Film On Being Gay1480 Words   |  6 Pagesoverall topic of homophobia within the context of American society, and have also learned a bit more about myself as well. Brian McNaught brought the conversation of homosexuality to a personal level. He explained how being gay has impacted his life, and how he had to hide who he was and act like a straight man out due to his own ignorance of his sexuality and fear of being rejected for being gay. When he did finally come to terms with himself and begin to reveal himself to others, his fear that he wouldRead More Beliefs Taken to the Extremes Essay1623 Words   |  7 Pagesinnocent people. The agenda of the Religious Right is most definitely Anti-Family.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In its proselytizing of its views the Religious Right has decided to promote ignorance in many forms. This ignorance leads to many family problems but this is not a concern of Religious Right leaders. Some of the form of ignorance promoted by the Religious Right is the censorship of books in libraries, denying needed sexual education for children, and not teaching vital principles reducing childrensRead MoreThe Church s Responsibility Of Persons With Same Sex Attraction828 Words   |  4 Pagesalso affected the individuals who were are affected and all those who are around them, either by the shame that this entails, or simply by the ignorance that exists among many who did not want to accept this terrible reality. Now, when is talk about that there is ignorance in this type of situation, it is necessary to take into account that this ignorance came from the type of action that many usually takes when the they know about this issue in certain individuals who are facing this issue, andRead MoreHow Has Homophobia Become a Witch Hunt? Essay1092 Words   |  5 PagesDictionary, homophobia is the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. Much like a witch hunt, homophobia targets and seeks out individuals, gay or straight, and persecutes them based on ignorance, and further more if one cannot provide solid proof of his or her innocence. (Hughes) It is the fuel behind many hate crimes and discrimination. Some claim that homosexuality is a disease. If this statement is true, couldn’t we all simply begin to call in â€Å"queer†Read MoreMain Theme Of Giovannis Room1219 Words   |  5 Pagestip of the controversial iceberg, but for the author it was his way of letting out his civil rights politics and opinions. In Giovanni’s Room, the material sheds light on social adversity and alienation regarding homosexuality and race. The primary theme of Giovanni’s Room is homosexuality and the psychology behind the protagonist’s experience, the perception of society, and the spectrum of shame. David, the character of focus, becomes intimately enmeshed with a boy named Joey. Their commencing relationshipRead MoreHomophobia. A Word That Has Been Thrown Around For A While,1464 Words   |  6 Pageswebsite used or seen by many people, â€Å"homophobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).†, and yet to Merriam-Webster, a highly accredited online dictionary website, homophobia is the â€Å"irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.† There are many definitions and perceptions of homophobia, all varying by mind set and culturalRead MoreReligion And Politics And Religion926 Words   |  4 Pagesof violence, hatred and exclusion. A main reason for these emotions of such negatively is due to the incapability of individuals’ to be understanding of the beliefs of others, and the ignorance that surrounds what religions consist of. The essence of religion is classified as faith, which ultimately leads to ignorance on the behalf of the one with faith and on society as a whole, due to lack of evidence and a preconceived notion to whom ‘God’ truly is. Understanding religion means understanding theRead MoreHomosexuality: Nature or Nurture811 Words   |  3 Pagesrelated with development across the human lifespan is the theory of â€Å"Nature versus Nurture†. It is an unsolved debate that has been around for centuries. It covers a broad spectrum of topics from intelligence to emotions, or in this case homosexuality. Although homosexuality is often thought of as a trait that is â€Å"genetically determined†, many others disagree and argue that it is rather a learned behavior (Lathe, pg. 20) Is it nature or nurture that causes this so-called â€Å"abnormality†? Or does it dependRead MoreHomosexualiy and the Catholic Church Essay1568 Words   |  7 PagesFor us in Scotland homosexuality is one of the most prominent issues in Church and society today. Gay-rights advocates and activists are pushing a strong political agenda from the left#8212;job benefits for domestic partners, civil recognition for gay marriages, the right to bear ones own children via reproductive technologies, equal access to adoption, anti-discrimination statutes. At the same time, the government has changed legislation regarding the teaching about homosexuality in Schools. SirRead MoreIn Langston Hughes’ Poem â€Å"Harlem†, He Asks Whether The1076 Words   |  5 Pagesthe character of Joseph Porter Pitt as he struggles to cope with his suppressed, but surfacing homosexuality while also balancing societal and religious perspectives with his own. Joseph’s relationships are full of bandages that cover up pieces to his own true American dream that has been hidden from existence since he was a child. Being a raised a Mormon, Joseph was conditioned to believe that homosexuality is a violation and that it is not accepted. Consequently, Joseph’s dreams have been repressed