A Raisin In The Sun By Lorraine Hansberry

In the American society of the 1950s, prevalence of discrimination strongly existed against colored people and women. To speak of this injustice, Lorraine Hansberry wrote a drama which revolved around characters whose such views plagued the lives of others. In the drama, A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry exposes the presence of oppression and white supremacy through the characters of George Murchison, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Linder.
Although George Murchison is depicted as a colored man, Hansberry still utilizes him to show the prevalence of white supremacy and oppression in the black community through his support of assimilation and his contempt for other blacks. During a conversation between her and her mother, Beneatha Younger states,

Johnson, Hansberry reveals the major theme of white supremacy through segregation and oppression and discouragement of the Younger family’s dreams. As Beneatha strolled into the apartment and speaks only a few words to Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson voices, “[S]ometimes she [Beneatha] acts like ain’t got time to pass the time of day with nobody ain’t been to college . . . you know how some of our young people gets when they get a little education” (Hansberry II. ii). Through responses like these, Mrs. Johnson displays herself as hypocritical. Though she states that she is not criticizing Beneatha, other statements from her indeed support that she is critiquing Beneatha. Above all, Mrs. Johnson oppresses Beneatha’s dream to be successful and also discourages Beneatha’s pride in being educated. In addition, Mrs. Johnson voices that colored people should not aim for something higher in life. During her conversation with the Youngers, Mrs. Johnson criticizes them once again by saying they were “one proud-acting bunch of colored folks” and then supports her argument by quoting Booker T. Washington who once stated, “‘Education has spoiled many a good plow hand’” (Hansberry II. ii). By her statements, Mrs. Johnson shows her insincerity for the feelings of others. For instance, she insults Beneatha’s desire to become educated and insists that Walter having the job of a chauffeur monitors Booker T. Washington’s knowledge that only few colored people should become educated. When talking to the Youngers, Mrs. Johnson exclaims, “Lord—I bet this time next month y’all’s names will have been in the papers plenty—‘NEGROES INVADE CLYBOURNE PARK—BOMBED!’” (Hansberry II. ii). To further emphasize the prevalence of racial tension in society, Mrs. Johnson warns the Youngers of the consequences that could come when the family moves into the white neighborhood. Moreover, she supports her claim that colored people should