The Native Son

In the early 1900’s, African Americans were primarily the target of most racist acts. Not only were African Americans discriminated against, but also many of the oriental groups were treated the same way. These groups consisted of Native Americans, Asian Americans, Mexican American, Irish Americans, Jews, Italian, and other immigrant groups. Nevertheless, White Americans still had a better life than the minorities even though the Great Depression significantly affected them as well. Wright in his novel, Native Son, conveys Bigger not as a role model for blacks, but as an upset and troubled man created by ignorance and racism that affected both the main character as well as the author. Wright presents white readers with a perspective of a black man’s life in poverty without an education nor positive role model.

Despite the rights that blacks were supposed to have, they were still in the struggle for gaining civil rights. Attempts were often made to intimidate African Americans to suppress their rights. For example, it was considered illegal for blacks to use the same resources as whites, so this resulted to segregation in bathrooms, restaurants, water-fountains, etc. Despite these struggles there were still a few individuals who perservered to make a change in society.

Richard Wright was one of the few. He is famous during his era for being one of the first African American to be recognized as a productive writer. He was born September 4, 1908 on a plantation in Mississippi. Richard Wright is credited for being the author of 20 books and many articles, one of which is called Native Son, it is this book that made him famous. In the story of Native Son, the character Bigger Thomas portrays the main theme of this novel which is the effect of racism on African Americans.

Bigger plays the role of a 20-year-old black man that has to live in a society full of misperception based on the color of his skin, living to hate and fear white people throughout his entire life. Bigger is limited because he lives in poverty with his family, and he only completed the eighth grade. Additionally, he is targeted to endless perception from a culture that portrays whites as superior beings and blacks as inferior people.

Racism severely affects Bigger Thomas and Richard Wright which causes them to react. Wright reacted by rejecting racism in order to help bring change for equality. He broke away from the culture of the Deep South and was influenced by education, mentorship and a desire that was beyond measure. Because he could read and write, he was able to think, and often contemplate on a higher level. Conversely, Bigger becomes empowered by becoming a stereotype contributing to the racism in America. Throughout this novel, he tries hard to keep himself from being overwhelmed by feelings that he is forced to deal with due to discrimination in the culture