Joseph Ucci
Blog Post 11/27/15
When the
narrator returns to his college in chapter nine, Mr. Emerson reveals the letter
written to him by Dr. Bledsoe. In the letter, Dr. Bledsoe tells Mr. Emerson
that the narrator is to never be
allowed back into the campus community again. Dr. Bledsoe says that the man
“has been expelled for a most serious defection from our strictest rules of
deportment.” (190) He is referring to the incident with Mr. Norton. Because the
narrator did something that many of the blacks didn’t agree with—bring a
wealthy white man to black environments where he wasn’t really accepted—Dr.
Bledsoe refused to have such a man in his college. When the narrator hears of
the news that he is no longer welcomed, he seems very confused. He didn’t see
any wrong for taking care of a man when “he became ill.” (191) Unfortunately
for the narrator, Dr. Bledsoe didn’t like what he did. Instead of keeping a
good man at his school, Dr. Bledsoe was more interested in his school’s
reputation. He didn’t want to upset the others at the school, or prospective
students interested in attending so he took away the narrator’s privilege.
As president of the college, Dr. Bledsoe should have a desire to help his students succeed. He does not. He is self-absorbed. As Joey wrote, Dr. Bledsoe is merely concerned with the appearance of himself and the school. He expels the narrator without a second thought. Dr. Bledsoe then stresses how beneficial his letters of recommendation will be. Yet again, he doesn't care about the narrator's future.
ReplyDeleteInstead of expulsion, Mr. Bledsoe should have done a lighter punishment such as suspension. Mr. Bledsoe's decision to expel the narrator shows him as a selfish and a deceiving person. He is supposed to be a father figure for all the African American students -- guide the students to the right path and help them with any problems -- but his commitment to his race is a sham. I agree with what you said with Mr. Bledsoe believing in his and the school's reputation rather than his students. He tells the narrator, "You're nobody, son. You don't exist -- can't you see that?" (143) and gets rid of him by sending him off to New York.
ReplyDeleteThis "perfect image" problem is something people like politicians face even today. If you are in charge, your every move is under a microscope. A lot of times, because of this, things are done to make the people in charge happy rather than for the better of the institution- whatever this may be. This exemplifies just another never ending struggle American leaders are forced to battle with.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to fathom the situation Dr. Bledsoe works in. He is a black man in a lofty position who only strives to keep his power. He keeps this power by creating a "perfect image", referenced by Briana before me. This false image of identity conflicts with the racial struggles of the narrator. Who is there to support the narrator? Blacks? Whites? As a young man with no role models, and no foothold in society, it is easy to imagine why becoming invisible would be preferable.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to fathom the situation Dr. Bledsoe works in. He is a black man in a lofty position who only strives to keep his power. He keeps this power by creating a "perfect image", referenced by Briana before me. This false image of identity conflicts with the racial struggles of the narrator. Who is there to support the narrator? Blacks? Whites? As a young man with no role models, and no foothold in society, it is easy to imagine why becoming invisible would be preferable.
ReplyDeleteYour use of Tweed Boss directly correlates with Dr.Bledsoe. Both seem to have that desire to always have a sense of power and wealth. It makes me wonder how people could literally do anything to achieve and maintain power with disregard to others. Dr.Bledsoe expelling the narrator only shows how selfish he is. It shows that he cares for his own reputation than the lives of others.
ReplyDelete