The Ethics Of Living Jim Crow Summary

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Jim Crow laws, a serious blemish on America’s legislative history, were measures enacted in the South to impose racial segregation. Beyond this, they were a code that allowed, and essentially encouraged, the disenfranchisement and oppression of African Americans. With such a cruel ordinance in place, African Americans had to learn to adjust their mannerisms and lifestyles accordingly in order to survive. However, this learning process was far from effortless or painless, as evidenced through Richard Wright’s work “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow”. This piece is paramount in understanding the African American personality and response during the Jim Crow laws, as well as for comparing today’s society to those especially trying times. For starters, “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow” begins with Wright as a unaware and idealistic boy in Arkansas. While he knew of the divide between African Americans and whites, it did not …show more content…

At first, Wright learned to fulfill a submissive role and not exceed his place, through lessons taught by his mother, family, and colleagues. However, Wright still got into trouble, and was dissatisfied. Therefore, as evidenced when he takes the Memphis job and in the elevator encounter, he found a new method. Specifically, “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow” became more about manipulation, so Wright could attempt to learn and salvage his pride. Although Jim Crow laws are no longer around, and race relations have improved tremendously, there is always more that can be done. This is evident in the fact that the OCC security officer did not offer the African American boy any assistance, when I know for a fact if I, with my porcelain skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair, would have asked for help, he likely would have took me to my car and helped me retrieve my

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