Analysis Of The Film 'In The Red And Brown Water'

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Throughout society, African Americans have been placed in social institutions which are unfair, unjust, and demeaning. Such institutions, like stereotypes, make it difficult for African Americans to create who they want to be in a society that has already created a life for them. This life molded for African Americans consist of servitude for others, brushing off the bad that occurs, and depending on oneself. Yet many African Americans have failed in trying to embrace the conflict of how they want their lives to be versus how society demands their lives to be. This never ending battle causes African Americans to lose their sense of individuality and confidence to be who they want to be while they are against the image society has enforced on them. I can see this direct correlation of African American stereotypes through the character of Oya in the play In the Red and Brown Water as she constantly resorts to self sabotage due to the bounds she is limited under. It is clear to acknowledge that her vision of herself is much impaired because of her instability to have faith in herself, for she allows herself to be controlled by stereotypes. She lacks the confidence necessary from herself and peers to be bold and stand for who she wants to see herself as.

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