1.From the censoring of his graduation speech, Richard begins to feel the direct oppression of Jim Crow laws and the corresponding intense discrimination. What does he learn about the power of words? His realization of the depth of the hate for Blacks progresses as he works toward leaving the South. How do these experience change Richard both intra and interpersonally? What good and bad traits does he develop? How are these changes expressed through his use of words as he navigates the treacherous road out of the South in body, mind, and soul?
- In order to fund his trip to the North, Richard engages in criminal activity. What are his justifications and are they valid? How is he able to overcome his misgivings: what process must he go through? What emotional price does he pay? Do you believe that there will be long-term consequences? Explain.
3.After fighting with Harrison for five dollars, Richard writes “I felt that I had done something unclean, something for which I could never properly atone” (243). What is the “something”? How does it relate to the “shame and anger we felt for having allowed ourselves to be duped”? (243). How/why do Richard and other characters allow themselves to be duped? (Use examples from throughout Part 1.) Do you believe this “something” still exists in modern day African-American society? Why or why not? Provide examples. What arguments might some African-Americans have against your claims? If the “something” is still present, what is the effect on the socio-economic progress of African-Americans?
4.Read the last paragraph on page 272. Richard writes that “color hate” exists because America “insists upon seeing the world in terms of good and bad, the holy and the evil, the high and the low, the white and the black” (272). He believes that this fear of ambiguity or, the craving of safety in shallow certainties through false dichotomies, has served as the impetus for our country’s fundamental beliefs. Do you agree? Richard understands the tension, fear, and anxiety that comes with ambiguity because he has fought to withstand the easy out of “kick me and let me feel at home, let me have peace!” (266). He does not believe that America has the perspective even to acknowledge that our social laws, and more important actions, are based on fear and hate, let alone the strength to change them. Through what distractions, do most of the white people of Chicago avoid having to see the injustice? (Hint: see second paragraph page 281) Do we do the same today? In light of the Civil Rights Act, do you still agree with Richard?