The autobiography, Black Boy, by Richard Wright is written to not only tell of his personal experiences, but to teach a very important lesson as well. Wright uses the novel to explain his views on racism and how it tears apart family and friends through violence. This motif of violence enhances Richard Wright's view on racism and how it not only affects interracial relations by causing fear and hate, but also affects the comradery of blacks toward one another since they feel they cannot trust or rely on one another for support, and therefore, decide to take out their frustration on one another instead of on their white oppressors.
The racism is not only that of whites toward blacks, but now blacks begin to have the same feelings of hatred toward whites. Although the blacks despise the whites and the treatment they receive, they cannot do anything to defend themselves for fear of being killed.
Richard & Friend
the gang + Richard Dawkins
Taken and donated by Guinnog.This fear only adds to their hatred for the oppression imposed upon them. Random acts of violence by whites toward blacks are regular occurrences throughout the novel, such as the murder of Richard's uncle and friend's brother, and the blacks have no way of defending themselves without putting their own lives in danger. These acts increase Richard's feelings of hatred and continually build upon the racism present in the society ruining both interracial relationships and the comradery of blacks toward one another since they had no one else to take their frustrations out on.
Since they cannot take this anger out on their oppressors, the black people must take it out on each other. An example of this is when Richard and another boy plan to fake fight to earn money, yet end up using it as an opportunity to release some of the...