Racism In How To Date A Browngirl

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Racial discrimination has been and still is a recurring problem in the world, and in literature specifically. Beginning with the story Raisin in the sun all the way to the story “How to date a Browngirl….” similar concepts are still displayed from each time period in literature. Throughout this paper I will not only explain racism, but will also show the racism displayed in the two stories that we have read, Raisins in the sun, and “How to date a Browngirl…”. Comparing the similar displayed racism in each story.
Racial discrimination has been around for many years, but many have a very elementary understanding of it. What exactly is racism? Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. Racism, existing for over 500-1000 years has made a huge mark throughout the years. In addition there are also many types of racism. One of the most common in practice is institutional racism. Institutional Racism, defined by merriam dictionary is as being a pattern of social institutions — such as governmental organizations, schools, banks, and courts of law — giving negative treatment to a group of people based on their race. This was much more prevalent in the early 1900’s before schools, workplaces, and restaurants were integrated. You can also see many examples of institutional racism in literature of that time period. Being consistent throughout the years, the racism display throughout the time period began to be reflected throughout literature. Racism in literature is described as it using degrading language describing African Americans or other races which go beyond satire. It treats them as objects, and not as human beings who a...

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...y African-Americans are portrayed in the media today, it appears that his ideologies are still in effect. It’s a sad and unfortunate truth, but this just goes to show the power of literature.
Although these two stories may contrast in a major way, they are extremely similar in ways of racism and discrimination. For an example in the same quote I listed above, in Raisins In the Sun, when the Lindor tries to convince the Hansberry family not to move into their new house because of their race. They are stereotyping the entire family, because of their race. This is much like the overall story “How To date a browngirl…”. The one boy describe how each of his actions for each girl of the different race is different, because he is stereotyping each girl based upon their color.
Despite the change over time, racism still exists and is still expressed throughout literature.

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