Self-perception is one of the most influential forms that lead to outward actions. Cultural factors are similarly susceptible in shaping personal image because of the ideal figure one is set on trying to become. The most common form of harmful self-perception is the through racial prejudice and pressure on having specific physical/mental features that society deems ‘invalid’ or lesser than others. Following the theme of this text, it’s almost as if the voices and faces of those who do not bow down to the white man are unheard and unseen, or invisible.
When the narrator attacks the blonde man walking past him whom he bumps and in return the man calls him a derogatory name, the lashing out seems to be more of a call to be heard and not a true act of violence. Similarly, today the same issue is paralleled in the black community. Prejudice and unlawful acts of violence towards black people go wholly unnoticed and unwarranted because they are viewed with lesser importance. “...I thought with sincere compassion, mugged by an invisible man!” (pg. 4) it's almost upsetting that he views himself with such absence.
Real world connections through this piece of literature are most evident and relevant because of their applicability to today. There are still the evident “...ache...to convince yourself that you do exist in the real world…” (pg. 4) feelings of discomfort and hate that black people and other people of color are faced with every single day and are condemned for bringing awareness to. Gratification from attention is always pleasing and accepting but self-perception needs to be influenced by people of support and not those of assimilation.
When the narrator attacks the blonde man walking past him whom he bumps and in return the man calls him a derogatory name, the lashing out seems to be more of a call to be heard and not a true act of violence. Similarly, today the same issue is paralleled in the black community. Prejudice and unlawful acts of violence towards black people go wholly unnoticed and unwarranted because they are viewed with lesser importance. “...I thought with sincere compassion, mugged by an invisible man!” (pg. 4) it's almost upsetting that he views himself with such absence.
Real world connections through this piece of literature are most evident and relevant because of their applicability to today. There are still the evident “...ache...to convince yourself that you do exist in the real world…” (pg. 4) feelings of discomfort and hate that black people and other people of color are faced with every single day and are condemned for bringing awareness to. Gratification from attention is always pleasing and accepting but self-perception needs to be influenced by people of support and not those of assimilation.
I love how you said, "the voices and faces of those who do not bow down to the white man are unheard and unseen". I strongly agree that he didn't attack the man for being rude, he just wanted to get a reaction out of him and prove to himself and the white man that he exists. It definitely seems like a cry to be heard (evident from your quote in the last paragraph which was also a good connection).
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ReplyDeleteThe "cry for help" within the black community is definitely still relevant today, especially with all of the riots and police brutality. I agree, that it is utterly upsetting that the narrator feels the need to refer to himself as an invisible man based on society's prejudice views. It seems as though no matter what anyone says for does, the narrator will still see himself as nothing more than a defect in society.
ReplyDeleteThe analysis on self-perception was superb. The constant harmful accounts of racial prejudice the narrator has endured has turned him into the invisible man he has become, and you conveyed that quite well. You used a great connection to modern society, and I liked how you mentioned "self-perception needs to be influenced by people of support and not those of assimilation."
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ReplyDeleteYour statement of the narrator's reaction to the bump on the street as "a call to be heard and not a true act of violence" is an interesting way to look at this part of the novel. I agree with you and everyone above that this particular analysis still relates to the state of American society today. This begs the question: is an act of violence that serves as a call to be heard and effective way to create change?
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