When the narrator arrives at an intersection, he is shocked to see a black policeman directing the white drivers. Seeing open opportunities the North can provide, he is determined to find a job and return back to college not knowing the North perpetuates its own racist social structures. The Liberty Paints in the North depicts false hope for blacks who want equality and justice within the nation.
In the Liberty Paints, the white paint serves as a metaphor. The white paint symbolizes America’s refusal to accept diversity among its people and its attempt to cover up the issue of racism. The message, “KEEP AMERICA PURE WITH LIBERTY PAINTS” (196) exemplifies the idea of preventing any race from coming into America. The message is implying the moral superiority of the whites. Mr. Kimbro shows the narrator the ten drops of black liquid which allows the white paint to be made into “the purest white that can be found” (202). The black liquid disappearing in the paint represents how the blacks are pushed to the corner and become invisible by whites.
The secret union meeting foreshadows the tension between the white labor union and the black workers in the factory. Some members call the narrator “fink” (219) when they learn the narrator is Mr. Brockway’s assistant. On the other hand, Mr. Brockway threatens to kill the narrator stating, “I’m liable to kill you. The Lord being my witness, I’LL KILL YOU!” (225). Feeling insecure the blacks are trying to take his job, Mr. Brockway gets into a physical fight with the narrator, escalating more segregation in the factory.
Though the North represents freedom and equal opportunities for blacks, there is still racial tension and discrimination in America. The Liberty Paints is one factor contributing to the tension in the North.
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| The picture depicts a protest from blacks in the work force for equal rights in their jobs. The blacks had shabby treatment of city union workers and a complete nonchalance of worker safety. The cruel and dangerous tasks performed by the blacks were life-threatening as multiple blacks die from machines, explosions, or in factories. |
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ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how the narrator is astounded to see a black policeman in New York City. This is very important for him because it gives him the belief he will be able to succeed in New York, just as the police officer is. However, Liberty Paints shows how black people still are suppressed in his society. Blacks can be policemen, but they cannot represent a company as successful as Liberty Paints. Instead, they are literally and metaphorically sent to the basement, like Mr. Brockway. They are ignored and treated as unimportant, even though men such as Mr. Brockway are the reason for the success of companies like Liberty Paints.
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