THE BLUEST EYE:�Effects on Children Growing Up Surrounded by Racism�BY KATIE LEWIS
SUMMARY: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
MY THESIS: Toni Morrison’s portrayal of racism in The Bluest Eye reflects the damaging effects of systemic racism �on children in real life.
Toni Morrison is celebrated today as one of the greatest American novelists of all time. Her work highlights racial injustices within the United States, as well as evokes powerful themes about society’s flaws and features vivid casts of characters. Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, set in 1940’s Ohio, discusses the effects of racism on children, featuring an array of characters and terrible experiences that together contribute to ruining the life of a young black girl, Pecola Breedlove.
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A) How do children historically grow up with racism?
ARTICLE 1: Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology
B) What modern racist policies affect children’s worldviews?
ARTICLE 2: New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair
C) What are the long-term effects of racism on children?
ARTICLE 3: Racism has devastating effects on kids’ health, pediatricians warn
THE EXPLORATION
PART I
PART II
PART III
Part I
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A) How do children grow up surrounded by racism?�ARTICLE 1: Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology
“Having to bear these unjust costs and burdens is a core aspect of systemic racism. These include shorter life spans, limited income and wealth potential, impacted family structure as a result of mass incarceration of blacks and Latinos, limited access to educational resources and political participation, state-sanctioned killing by police and the psychological, emotional and community tolls of living with less, and being seen as "less than."”
“Long hours she sat looking in the mirror, trying to discover the secret of the ugliness, the ugliness that made her ignored or despised at school, by teachers and classmates alike.”
“The Thing to fear was the Thing that made her [Maureen Peal, a white girl] beautiful, and not us.”
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(Morrison, 45)
(Morrison, 74)
A) How do children grow up surrounded by racism?�ARTICLE 1: Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology
MY ANALYSIS
Certain keywords (highlighted on the previous slide) within Morrison’s narration of a coming-of-age story through the eyes of a group of young black girls in 1940’s Ohio indicate that the racism they experience is not due to the calculated actions of others, but to the historical anti-black influence of society as a whole. This aligns with the description of what is today known as systemic racism in the Newsela article. Morrison demonstrates through the novel that even if they cannot yet express it explicitly, Pecola, Claudia, and Frieda grow up surrounded by systemic racism, recognizing that society seems to see them as “less than:” this is why they feel “uglier” than wealthier white girls, like Maureen Peal. Coming from abusive households in low-income neighborhoods, the treatment the girls face is something that they inherit, but do not deserve.
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Part II
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B) What modern racist policies affect children’s worldviews?�ARTICLE 2: NYC just banned policies that penalize black hair
“Such complaints, along with a litany of incidents around the country in which black workers and school children have been harassed because of their hair, prompted the commission to clarify that the city's law against discrimination applies in those instances.”
“Black hair has had a symbolic potency in the USA since the 1800s and has been a stand-in for a kind of black identity that doesn't want to assimilate. ”
“All the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured.”
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(Morrison, 20)
B) What modern racist policies affect children’s worldviews?�ARTICLE 2: NYC just banned policies that penalize black hair
MY ANALYSIS
One of the major motifs Morrison explores in The Bluest Eye is the concept of beauty. Due to the impacts of systemic racism (as discussed in Part I,) many American children grow up recognizing a non-inclusive beauty standard, leaving those outside it feeling unjustly inferior, neglected, and frustrated with society’s apparent ideals. In the novel, this is how nine-year-old Claudia feels when she is told to play with dolls that never look like her. A notable difference between Claudia and her doll is their hair, a symbol of black culture and pride that in real life is often cause for discrimination, as discussed in the article. The narrative that natural hair is “uncivilized” or “unprofessional” is inherently racist, making it important for policies penalizing it to be eliminated in order to push against systemic racism and make room for non-white cultural expression and beauty standards.
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Part III
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C) What are the long-term effects of racism on children?�ARTICLE 3: Racism has devastating effects on kids’ health, pediatricians warn
“Even experienced vicariously, she found, racism can threaten a child's sense of the world as just, fair and safe and instead foster feelings of helplessness and despair — which have long-term implications for mental and physical health.”
“A little black girl years for the bluest eyes of a little white girls, and the horror at the heart of her yearning is exceeded only by the evil of fulfillment...The damage done was total.”
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(Morrison, 204)
C) What are the long-term effects of racism on children?�ARTICLE 3: Racism has devastating effects on kids’ health, pediatricians warn
MY ANALYSIS
The Bluest Eye ends tragically, as Pecola loses her baby, her relationships, her health, and finally, her sanity. She is left rejected and neglected by society and those around her. While this is an extreme case of how racism can root massive damage done to a child’s life and worldview, Morrison uses Pecola’s fate to demonstrate that children absorb their surroundings; when surrounded by nothing but guilt, hurt, pain, and discrimination, this translates into a child’s mental and physical health. Morrison explores the psychological effects of society’s efforts to slowly break down not just Pecola, but her family members and the other mentally and emotionally broken characters in the novel. While the characters are fictional, the real-life issue of racism looms frighteningly in the novel’s wake, asking for readers to be made aware of its disastrous effects on real lives.
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CONCLUSION
While Morrison’s portrayal of racism in The Bluest Eye is tragic and dramatic, it is an effective reflection of how systemic racism in real life can damage American children and their upbringing by creating a preposterously false narrative that one race is naturally “inferior” to another. Inclusivity, empathy, and respect are necessary values to end this narrative, and values that Morrison advocates for in showing a child’s world in which these are lacking.
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WORKS CITED
Cole, Nicki Lisa. “Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology.” Newsela, 31 May � 2020, https://newsela.com/read/lib-systemic-racism/id/39531/.
Jones, Charisse, and Zlati Meyer. “What’s in a hairstyle? A lot. New York City bans bias against� black hair.” Newsela, 28 Feb. 2019, � https://newsela.com/read/ban-bias-black-hair/id/49699/.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York: Vintage Books, 1998. Print.
Wan, William. “Racism has devastating effects on kids’ health, pediatricians warn.” Newsela, � 14 Aug. 2019, https://newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55147/.
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Understanding the portrayal of racism in the bluest eye
Victoria Poliak
Medicine
The 1619 Project: How false beliefs in physical racial difference still live in medicine today
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Medicine in racism
As the article outlines, there is racial bias in pain analysis and treatment suggestions, and deceptions about biological differences among blacks and whites. People of color and all the more precisely Black Americans are methodically not treated to the same degree by doctors for pain comparative with white Americans. Previously, there have been bias that have driven doctors to undertreat individuals of color when they complain of pain. There are many beliefs including: that people of color's skin is thicker than white individuals' skin, larger lung capacity, and accordingly have a higher pain resistance in view of supposed biological contrasts. Doctors, who to a degree have a racial blindspot, may utilize bias about biological differences among blacks and whites to inform medical decisions, which adds to racial inconsistencies in pain assessment and treatment. These inconsistencies include but are not restricted to underprescribing medicine, not treating pain, noncompliance with healthcare, and disparaging the pain they are encountering.
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“I hurt just like them white women...Who say them don’t have no pain?” -Pauline (Morrison, 125)
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“What’d they think? That just ‘cause I wasn’t feeling pain. What’d they think? That just ‘cause I knowed how to have a baby with no fuss that my behind wasn’t pulling and aching like theirs?” -Pauline (Morrison, 125)
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Connection to “The Bluest Eye”
In this specific part of the novel, Pauline Breedlove is remembering back to when she gave birth to Pecola and the way that she was treated by the doctors. One doctor tells a group of students that black women don't feel pain while giving birth and even compares them to horses. Polly recalls that none of the students would look into her eyes but she seemed pretty used to it due to the systemic racism that all African Americans were facing in that time period in which Toni Morrison wrote the novel in. The doctors and other medics even talked to the white women differently than Polly. As she explains, they acted sweet and caring to the other women and then went on to compare the women of color to wild animals. This comparison alone just goes to demonstrate how the medical staff, who are supposed to treat people equally despite their skin color, discriminated towards women and possibly other patients. Additionally, Polly mentions that there were students present and learning from the doctors. Because the doctors talked to their patients of color in a rude and prejudice way, that is what the younger doctors would learn and treat their patients in the future the same way. It is obvious that racism had been going on for a while when Polly is giving birth due to the racism being somewhat “normal” to her even though she shows her frustration in the two quotes provided.
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Effect on Children
Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children
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Racism’s effect on children
In the article, the Washington Post explains how living in a racist environment has a negative effect on children. It has even gotten to the extent that the American Academy of Pediatrics has to implement a new policy on the dangers of racism. Throughout the article, pediatricians reflect on the negative consequences that a racist environment does to children. The aspect that they emphasize the most on is what kids see on social media because of their access to it and what they are most exposed to. They say that it can put a child at risk for feeling unsafe, helpless, despair, and sense of unfairness. The article, gives recommendations for pediatricians when their patients are experiencing the downfalls of racism. Some of the recommendations include looking at all the determinants of health, take racism into account within their own practices, be prepared to counsel families, and be as welcoming as possible. Another thing it mentions is for pediatricians to examine their own types of bias and address them.
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“They are ugly, they are weeds,” -Pecola (Morrison, 50)
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“I had only one desire: to dismember it. To see what it was made, to discover the dearness, to find the beauty, the desirability that had escaped me,” -Claudia (Morrison, 20)
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Connection to “The Bluest Eye”
In the context of the book, Pecola and Claudia are both taking out their anger and frustration of inmobile objects, Pecola on a dandelion and Claudia on a doll. Pecola calls the dandelion ugly and a weed shortly after thinking about it’s beauty a couple of days before. Claudia is on a rant about how when she receives a doll as a gift, all she wants to do is take it apart, hinting that she wants to find the hidden beauty or why everyone finds her so beautiful. Children are supposed to be the ones who are innocent and not care what others think of them but, Morrison makes it crystal clear that young girls, and possibly boys too, show the mental effects that racism does to children. No little girl should be thinking about tearing her doll apart to see why everyone finds her so beautiful. Part of this reason is because Claudia has experienced some sort of racism, directly or not, and wants to have the validation of knowing what the doll has that she doesn’t. Similarly, Pecola demonstrates throughout the book that she longs for looking like societies “standards” but despite her best efforts, she cannot change the way she looks. Her mental health is severely damaged seen through her poor mental stage at the end of the novel. Her journey and outcome is the perfect example of how children’s mental health is affected. The frustration that both Claudia and Pecola are feeling are a result from what they are indirectly experiencing.
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Standard of Beauty
In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more
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Standard of Beauty
Right from the beginning of the article, Jasmine Bauomy Al Jazeera makes it a point that in the East, the darker your skin is, the more segregation you will face. Because light skin is what society considers “good” and “normal”, people will go as far as hurting themselves to look that certain way. They do this by bleaching their skin in order to make their darker tones look lighter. The industry is so big that it brings in around $10 billion per year. More specifically, South Sudan is the country with some of the world’s darkest skin people. There is a history of discrimination towards people of color which is traced back to when Britain ruled the area. The article states that there was a fight for acceptance from Sudan which they just previously were granted in 2011 after a decade-long stuggle. Before gaining their independence, lighter skinned citizens were in control of Sudan while the darker “African-identiying citizens” were victims of deragatory statements and segregation. Towards the middle of the article, it is explained that often dark skin is associated with slavery. Because of this, people often say they feel like second-class citizens and face discrimination everday. Because of the systemic racism that these citizens are enduring, they are influenced to change their skin color and change the way that they look to fit some standard which society has set for them since the day they were born.
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“...those of round moronic eyes, the pancake face, and orangeworms hair.”
-Claudia (Morrison, 20)
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“Blond hair in a gentle disarray, blue eyes looking at her of a world of clean comfort...To Pecola they are simply pretty.”
-Pecola (Morrison, 50)
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Connection to “The Bluest Eye”
Throughout, “The Bluest Eye”, Morrison points out the standard of beauty and society’s norms for girls. At this point of history, society preferred blonde hair and blue eyes. Both Pecola and Claudia talk a lot about Shirley Temple and Mary Jane who were popular figures that little girls looked up to. Because of their fame, many idolized them and wanted to look like them, therefore setting the standard of beauty. Shirley Temple and Mary Jane were both white with blue eyes which is why little girls including the protagonists in the novel considered them beautiful. Even on page 83, Morrison talks about how they hate anything about themselves that’s considered black such as the edges of their hair. On the same note, they even straighten their hair with Dixie Peach giving the implication that things associated with whiteness is better. Back to standard of beauty, Pecola represents everything she doesn’t want to be as she prays and wishes to have blue eyes. Children are influenced at a young age by the media and in this case celebrities. Because she looks up to a figure like Shirley Temple seen through how many times she drinks milk out of the cup with her face on it, she wants to look like her. Specifically, Pecola goes through extraordinary lengths to make herself have blue eyes and it results in her going mentally insane. This proves how trying to change yourself to fit a standard could lead to severe consequences.
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Works cited
Bauomy/Al Jazeera, Jasmin. "In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skint maters more." Newsela, newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Holt McDougal, 1970.
The New York Times. "The 1619 Project: How false beliefs in physical racial difference still live in medicine today." The New York Times, 2019. Newsela, newsela.com/read/nyt-1619-racial-differences-doctors/id/2000000228/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.
Washington Post. "Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children." Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2019. Newsela, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/.
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Racism in
The Bluest
Eye
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by: Eileen Wei
Racism in
Black
Communities
The article “In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more,” highlights how there is still "hatred and discrimination against dark people.” Oftentimes having darker skin is seen as ugly and linked to slavery. To combat this, many people will turn to skin bleaching agents which are harmful to their health.
"From the moment we're born, we open our eyes and we know that everything Black is bad.”
–Jemma
A similar notion is seen in The Bluest Eye in the difference of treatment between Maureen Peel, a mixed student, and Pecola Breedlove, a black student. Pecola notes that “When teachers called on her, they smiled encouragingly. Black boys didn’t trip her… White boys didn’t stone her, white girls didn’t suck their teeth when she was assigned to be their work partners…” (62, Morrison) There is a clear difference in treatment between the two girls because of their skin colors.
Race & Beauty
The article “Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair,” discusses how the army issued new rules on how women can wear their hair. These new rules included banning twists, deadlocks, and large cornrow braids which are favored by black women. This new rule is particularly insensitive as it openly favors a white hair standard, which is often pushed on black women.
In The Bluest Eye, there are a group of women who are particularly obsessed with cleanliness, which is a symbol of whiteness in the book. Among many of the things they do to become across as more white, “They straighten their hair with Dixie Peach, and part it on the side.”(82, Morrison) Even the son of one of these clean women, Junior, has his hair “cut as close to his scalp as possible to avoid any suggestion of wool.” Both Junior and his mother try their best to conform to a white hair standard in
order to become more
white.
"We have been told for so long and from so many sources that our hair is not good enough and that it must be straight and long,"
– Tarshia Stanley
Systemic
Racism
“Systemic racism is
all around us and
within
us.”
– Nicki Cole
The article “Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology” names the wealth gap and racist ideology, among other things. Systemic racism is often a driving factor as to why people of color are less wealthy than white people. And systemic racism also perpetuates racist beliefs such as the idea that whites are biologically superior to blacks.
In the book, it is especially interesting how only characters who are perceived as whiter than others are wealthier. Maureen Peel, a mixed child; Geraldine who is a “clean” woman; and the wealthy white family Mrs. Breedlove works for. This clearly represents the consequences of systemic racism which the article points out. The book also presents the stereotype that black women feel less or no pain, especially during birth. Mrs. Breedlove’s doctor says to his colleagues, “They delivery right away and with no pain. Just like horses.”(125, Morrison) This stereotype is particularly harmful because it excuses doctors to neglect properly treating black patients.
The perception of beauty through social standards
The article, “In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more”, focuses on the the issue of racial discrimination through colorism and its effects. Its impact is elaborated upon through the practice in Africa of dark-skinned women bleaching their skin to avoid prejudice and discrimination, as society has created an unjust association between skin color and slavery. “You were being made to feel you’re a second class citizen… The fact that you are from the descendants of the slaves, and slavery is always associated with black color” (Okwaci, 2018). Throughout the world, colorism influences the pride that dark-skinned women have for their skin color, damaging the beauty value they see in themselves. For example, “After independence in 2011, many South Sudanese who had fled fighting returned home. Having lived through racial abuse, some had grown accustomed to bleaching their skin to better fit in” (Al Jazeera, 2018). That being said, these prejudices are slowly being eradicated with the rise of dark-skinned public figures speaking out against bleaching and society realizing the beauty within their skin color.
In The Bluest Eye, its narrative demonstrates stereotypical and prejudice assumptions in relation to the concept of beauty. Pecola is a representation of the black community’s self hatred, given how the physical features and skin color of this community are seen as ugly in comparison to the established societal standards of beauty. In Claudia’s situation, the blue-eyed Baby Doll is a representation of what develops her self-hated, which is the beauty of social standards that she does not have and what people perceive that she desires to have. “The big, the special, the loving gift was always a big, blue-eyed Baby Doll… I knew that the doll represented what they thought was my fondest wish” (Morrison, 20). I knew that the doll represented what they thought was my foBack to Pecola, her suffering is seen through her desire for blue eyes, the eye color designated at the time as the most beautiful. Her continuous feelings of insecurity based on the self-hate she feels for herself cause her to eventually lose her mind, the only way in which she is able to acquire blue eyes and find beauty in herself. “Are you made at me?... Because my eyes aren’t blue enough? Because I don’t have the bluest eyes” (Morrison, 204). From this character alone, there is a clear connection between the article and the novel, which is the continuous suffering of the black community due to society’s beauty standards that originated from human cruelty, prejudice, and injustice.
https://newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/
Racism: The Effects it has on Societal Perceptions and its Negative Influences
By: Milo Suarez
Systematic racism seemingly demonstrated through newfound regulation requirements against ethnic features
In the article, “Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair”, systematic racism within the Army has been exhibited with its change in policy in April of how uniformed women must wear their hair, along with tattoo regulations. Jasmine Jacobs, a Army National Guard soldier, experienced the first hand injustice of this regulation due to her change in hair style into two-strand twists. As a result, Jacobs launched a petition against the regulation to the White House, as she argues “... that it punishes the more than 26,000 black women on active duty in the Army” (Jacobs, 2014). Ethnicity plays an important role in this situation as well, as the ethnic hair of these women are not being taken into consideration and results in racial biases. The Army is presenting these racial biases through a uniform appearance with the physical features of soldiers, a representation of discrimination against diversity and ethnicity. Although the Army’s intention may just be ‘culturally blinded’, telling “... black women that their hair isn’t good enough is hurtful” (Stanley, 2014).
In The Bluest Eye, we see this systematic racism through the mentioned aspects of cinema. There is an established standard during this time period of the early 1940s in which movies would only depict beauty through white actors that portray certain features as well. “She was never able, after her education in the movies, to look at a face and not assign it some category in the scale of absolutely beauty, and the scale was one she absorbed in full from the silver screen” (Morrison, 122). Most importantly, specific skin color was seen as the uniformity to why racist ideals allowed certain actors to be chosen for movies during this time. Being unable to advocate for change due to discrimination, the black community during this time developed self-hatred for themselves due to this uniformity not fitting their ethnicity. “The master had said, “You are ugly people.” The had looked about themselves and saw nothing to contradict the statement; saw in fact, support for it leaning at them from every billboard, every movie, every glance” (Morrison, 39).
https://newsela.com/read/army-hair/id/3783/
Importance of Women in the Civil Rights Movement
In the article: “The civil rights movement often overlooks its black women heroes”, the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement is emphasized and how they positively impacted the movement against oppression and inequality shown towards the black community. Essentially, they were its foundation, in which many collaborated with Martin Luther King Jr. and contributed to his efforts against racism while fighting gender inequality as well. “They were grassroots organizers, educators, strategists and writers. They built organizational infrastructure, developed legal arguments and mentored young activists. They fought ardently against the forces of racism, but they also battled another form of oppression: sexism” (USA Today, 2018). In addition to fighting against the forces of racial segregation and discrimination, they carried out political movements against forms of oppression that range from racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Their efforts in confronting these forms of oppression resulted in the birth of other protest movements, such as the feminist movement during the Vietnam War. “Today, there’s a new generation of black female activists fighting for social justice” (USA Today, 2018).
In the Bluest Eye, the novel takes place during the early 1940s, which was before the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. This is why racism during this period contributed to sexism as well, which is demonstrated through the mulatto skin color of female Maureen Peal. Although she is not white, her skin color not being completely black and her features aligning well with the social standards of beauty at the time is why she is not mistreated because of her gender. “When teachers called on her, they smiled encouragingly. Black boys didn’t trip her in the halls; white boys didn’t trip her in the halls; white boys didn't stone her, white girls didn’t suck their teeth when she was assigned to be their work partners; black girls stepped aside when she wanted to use the sink in the girls’ toilet, and their eyes genuflected under sliding lids” (Morrison, 62). Since Maureen does not go through the racial and gender-based struggles and discrimination that Frieda and Claudia go through, it insights jealously within the two girls to criticize and make fun of Maureen whenever they are able to find the oppurtunity. “Frieda and I were bemused, irritated, and fascinated by her. We looked hard for flaws to restore our equilibrium” (Morrison, 63). However, gender inequality is shown to be opposed by Frieda in the novel, as she stands up to the black boys who harrass Pecola. This incident serves as a reflection of the feminist movement that originated from the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating how women have the power to stand up for themselves and assert their feminist ideals against those of opposite gender who try to oppress them.
https://newsela.com/read/lib-civil-rights-black-women-leaders/id/46034/
Works Cited
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair." Edited by Newsela Staff. Newsela, 9 May 2014, newsela.com/read/army-hair/id/3783/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2021.
Bauomy, Jasmin. "In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more." Newsela, 19 Dec. 2018, newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2021.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York: Plume Book, 1994. Print.
USA Today. "The civil rights movement often overlooks its black women heroes." Edited by Newsela Staff. Newsela, 26 Oct. 2018, newsela.com/read/lib-civil-rights-black-women-leaders/id/46034/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2021.
Racism in the 20th and 21st century and its link to the Bluest Eye
Matteo Wakeman
Racism and its Effects on Children’s Health
This Washington Post article adapted by Newsela titled “Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children” comments on how racism has a direct commentary on both the physical and mental health of children while they are growing up. Using various research reports, the publishers use science to link racism to various disease that harm children both mentally and physically. Racism has been linked to worsened sleep, a higher frequency of doctor visits, and lower overall self-esteem. “Experiences of discrimination can flood the body with stress hormones....Over time, stress hormones can make the body more vulnerable to ongoing diseases” (Wahsington Post). Furthermore, babies born to Black mothers who experience discrimination are confirmed to have lower weights than those who are born to mothers who did not experience discrimination. Racism also affects the physical health of the African American community because Blacks, according to research conducted by the scientists, are more likely to admitted to the hospital for asthma, and die of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. While the laundry list of reasons for affecting physical health grows longer, the repercussions are also affecting mental health. “Racism can threaten a child's sense of fairness and safety and foster feelings of helplessness and despair” (Washington Post). The article is using scientific figures to back up their claims that racism has a major effect not only on morale but also physical and mental health conditions.
(https://ptaourchildren.org/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-racism/)
Children’s Health Connections to The Bluest Eye
The ideas expressed in the Washington post article “Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children” are seen firsthand in the novel. The idea that anything associated with black is bad is prevalent all throughout the Bluest Eye and this has major repercussions on children across the novel, namely Pecola Breedlove, who was driven insane. Pecola never felt that she fit the societal standard for beauty and desperately craved the blue eyes of Mary Jane, or traits of a white little girl in order to do so. “All the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured” (Morrison 20). She desperately wanted to be Pecola ultimately cordoned herself off from everyone and by the end of the novel, she wished for the Bluest Eyes in the world to be beautiful. The racism created ideas in Pecola’s mind of a sense of a lack of fairness and safety. It ultimately, through isolation, much how the article stated, engendered feelings of helplessness and despair and ultimately drove Pecola insane. Her episodes of hallucination are a prime example of how racism can torment the mind both directly and indirectly and drive insanity within a person.
(https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/the-50th-anniversary-of-toni-morrisons-the-bluest-eye)
The Fallacy that lighter skin matters more
The modern day view, as it should be, is that everyone is equal, but, in reality, has all of society crossed that threshold? This Newsela article entitled “In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more” and written by Jasmin Bauomy and Al Jazeera states that even in countries in Africa, white people are seen as superior. Jemma, (real name protected) a real Sudanese stated that “From the moment we're born, we open our eyes and we know that everything Black is bad”(Bauomy and Jazeera). Despite however outrageous this statement may be, people actively believe it and resolve the issue by making themselves more white and bleaching their skin. Please set a market value of 10 billion dollars annually, skin bleaching is a practice fueled by the idea where light skin is seen as the standard of female beauty, something absolutely incorrect. The article further expands on the idea of how when South Sudan was war-torn and people fled to neighboring countries and seek of Refuge, natives in those countries avoided contact with the Sudanese due to the color of their skin. “Having lived through racial abuse, some had grown accustomed to bleaching their skin to better fit in”. South Sudan's minister of roads and bridges, Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, believes "You were being made to feel like you're a second-class citizen…..the fact that you are from the descendants of the slaves, and slavery is always associated with black color played a big role”(Bauomy and Jazeera). A longtime advocate against skin bleaching and embracing natural skin color, tlacuache is focused on changing the narrative with in Sudan and making people take pride in their skin color and accept others in a welcoming fashion regardless of their skin color. The societal standard is further upheld in sacred practices like marriage. In Sudan, according to her, When a bride is about to get married, they expect her to be light skinned. Why? Because light skin is a sign of beauty”(Bauomy and Jazeera). She has furthermore noticed a hatred and discrimination against those who avoid using skin-bleaching agents. This article, by using first-hand experiences and opinions of members of the community, really does express the problem that societal standards of beauty cause for people all across the world if people are willing to essentially harm themselves in order to fit that standard.
(https://scroll.in/pulse/850030/skin-lightening-indias-obsession-that-is-becoming-a-medical-problem)
Societal Standards of Beauty and their Involvement in the Bluest Eye
As stated previously, the Bluest Eye places a heavy focus on getting America to realize how societal standards of beauty are detrimental to different ethnicities. However, just as the article “In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more” stated, this problem has become a global issue, not just one stemming in a fictional story. In the Bluest eye however, these ideas are brought to the forefront of American literature. They are done so all throughout the plot. All Pecola ever wished for was blue eyes, fitting the societal standards of beauty for white girls. She desperately tried to emulate Mary Jane, the public figure on a popular candy wrapper. “Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, newspapers, window signs – all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured” (Morrison 20). However, it was this obsession with the societal standards that ended up driving Piccola to her downfall because she never felt beautiful enough for society. It was these feelings and the attitudes of others around her that drove her to be an outcast placed into isolation. The only way that she saw that things could possibly change was if her eyes were different and she became beautiful. It was at this point when she reach the spare the end began praying to God for these beautiful blue eyes. “It had occurred to Pecola some time ago that if her eyes…were different, that is to say, beautiful, she herself would be different”(Morrison 46). Much like the ideas expressed in the article, the idea that blackness and the colour of your skin matters more than your character is seen throughout all the plot. While the article mentions how people in Sudan got around these standards by harming themselves, Pecola harmed herself with her obsession by driving herself insane. Although the outcomes in the end are different for the people of Sudan and Pecola Breedlove, the ideas reinforced about societal standards of beauty leads to both of their self-inflicted harm.
(https://mefeater.com/light-skin-vs-dark-skin-needs-to-be-stopped/)
Black culture and people’s hair
(https://level.medium.com/the-undisputed-ranking-of-black-hair-styles-f337040606f8)
This USA Today article adapted by the Newsela staff entitled “New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair” speaks about the removal of racist policies that forced black people to cut their hair and with it a part of their culture. “Hairstyles are an extension and integral part of black identity, going back many years in history” (USA Today). With New York City just banning policies that penalize African-American for their individual hairstyle such as dreadlocks and afros, the problem stems far beyond the jurisdiction of a city. The U.S. Department of Defense implemented a ban on Afros, braids, and twists, traditional black hairstyles to be permitted on the army. It was only after severe backlash from Americans all over that they decided to reverse the ban. The same issue is also seen on minor scales, especially when the wrestler mentioned in the article was forced to cut his dreadlocks in order to continue competing in an event. Countless other stories of black people being penalized (terminated or refused employment) for hair styles in the workplace have arisen in the news, with the narrative of the employer being that their employees don't look, clean, professional, or civilized, an absolutely outrageous though that is fueled by societal standards of professionalism and against anyone who opposes them (even if their hairstyle is in alignment with their culture). These decisions and policies to ban hairstyles have been seen as a violation of human rights all across the nation, and are slowly being reversed incrementally.
Hair and Racism in the Bluest Eye
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/573434965024037530/)
Hairstyle, ethnic culture, and societal standard of beauty is seen all throughout the Bluest Eye. Yet again, parallel with the ideas in the USA Today article, the novel describes how society favors the hair of young white girls over the hair of young black girls. This is seen in the interaction between Pecola's mother and the little girl who calls her “Polly”. She and the novel shows favoritism to the little white girls hair over the hair of black people after the description while brushing it. “Then she brushed the yellow hair, enjoying the roll and slip of it between her fingers...no tangled black puffs of rough wool to comb” (Morrison 127). Furthermore, the same thing occurs in page 82 when describing exactly how white people gel their hair with Dixie Peach. While not explicitly stating the message found in the article, oftentimes blakc people overall are referred to as dirty in the novel, something that the hair is described as in the article. Hair, in both the novel and the article, are directly associated with culture and both of these pieces show how favoritism for one ethnicity is prevalent in society, whether direct in the form of policies, or indirect in the form of praise.
Works Cited
"THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TONI MORRISON'S THE BLUEST EYE." Browardcenter.org, Broward Center of Performing Arts, www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/the-50th-anniversary-of-toni-morrisons-the-bluest-eye. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Abraham, Mary Rose. "Skin lightening: India's obsession that is becoming a medical problem." Scroll.in, Scroll, 10 Sept. 2017, scroll.in/pulse/850030/skin-lightening-indias-obsession-that-is-becoming-a-medical-problem. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Association, American Psychological. "How to Talk to Your Child About Racism." Ptaourchildren.org, Ptaourchildren, 9 July 2020, ptaourchildren.org/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-racism/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Bauomy, Jasmin, and Al Jazeera. "In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more." Newsela.com, Newsela, 19 Dec. 2018, newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/?_flash_query_param_1=. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Kitchen, Brittany. "Light Skin vs Dark Skin Needs to be Stopped." Mefeater.com, Mefeater, 7 June 2016, mefeater.com/light-skin-vs-dark-skin-needs-to-be-stopped/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Love, Tirhakah. "The Undisputed Ranking of Black Hair Styles." Level.medium.com, Level, 4 May 2020, level.medium.com/the-undisputed-ranking-of-black-hair-styles-f337040606f8. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York, Vintage Books, 2016.
Post, The Washington. "Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children." Newsela.com, edited by Newsela Staff, Newsela, 14 Aug. 20119, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/?_flash_query_param_1=?#. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Star, Black. The girl from the bluest eye. Pinterest.com, Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/573434965024037530/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Today, USA. "New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair." Newsela.com, edited by Newsela Staff, Newsela, 28 Feb. 2019, newsela.com/read/ban-bias-black-hair/id/49703/?_flash_query_param_1=. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye
Evan Abril
Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair
This article, written by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, goes into detail about a recently-implemented set of rules in the United States Army about women’s hair. The rules ban specific hairstyles, like cornrow braids and dreadlocks, that are popular among black women in service. While the Army is trying to ensure the “uniformity” of appearance as well as being able to wear headgear properly, black female soldiers’ hair often does not even reach their collar. Tarshia Stanley, expert on the black female image, said that girls are “bombarded” with political and cultural pressure to copy white women’s hair. This correlates to how Pecola starts to imagine herself with white characteristics, notably the bluest eyes, that racist society has imposed on her.
Quotes
“Smiling white face. Blond hair in gentle disarray, blue eyes looking at her out of a world of clean comfort. The eyes are petulant, mischievous. To Pecola they are simply pretty… To eat the candy is to somehow eat the eyes, eat Mary Jane. Love Mary Jane. Be Mary Jane. “ (Page 50)
In this excerpt, Claudia describes the Mary Jane candy how she sees it: a threat to black culture, preying on vulnerable girls. Pecola sees no problem eating the candy because she is a believer in the superiority of blue eyes (and whiteness). Claudia describes her eating the candy as her adopting the white features, most importantly the blue eyes. This relates to how society has imposed upon black females the ideal image for women. In the Army, the push for shorter and more “uniform” hair is paralleled with the racist push for white superiority in terms of beauty standards for women.
“‘Here,’ they said, ‘this is beautiful, and if you are on this day ‘worthy’ you may have it.’... Traced the turned-up nose, poled the glassy blue eyeballs, twisted the yellow hair. I could not love it. But I could examine it to see what it was that all the world said was lovable.” (Page 21)
In this quote, Claudia indirectly compares how people treated black girls to how society viewed white girls, through the form of a lifeless doll. While the rest of the world had deemed the white dolls beautiful and lovable, Claudia and other girls of color were seen as ugly and dirty, due to their race. Even at the young age of playing with dolls, Black women are being manipulated into thinking that a doll with more white features has more value in life than they do, and this most definitely impacts how girls grow up. While Claudia does not adhere to such racism, other girls end up with damaged self-esteems and feel guilty for being born a different race than the socially accepted white. This can follow them as they grow older, an example being the Army banning particular hairstyles that are mainly worn by Black women. This is yet another reminder that they are the inferior race, although such a statement should never exist due to its falseness.
Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children
This article, written by the Washington Post, depicts the horror-filled reality that Black children experience far too often. Pediatricians have come out and said that racism can have negative long term effects on children. It should be noted that the political climate under President Trump experienced heavy racism, and therefore supports the idea that those negatively impacted by politics can suffer physically. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to racism, in both adults and children, has been linked with mental and physical health concerns. The anticipation and exposure to racist discrimination can trigger a stress response, which over time can make the body more vulnerable to diseases. In relation to the novel, Soaphead Church experiences racist discrimination from his own family as a child, which later affects his mentality as an adult.
Quotes
“Her son, named Elihue Micah Whitcomb, provided the schoolmaster with ample opportunity to work out his theories of education, discipline, and the good life…. He responded to his father’s controlled violence by developing hard habits and a soft imagination. A hatred of, and fascination with, any hint of disorder or decay.” (Page 169)
In this excerpt, taken from the history of Soaphead Church, the reader learns that he was abused as a child. This stems from the paternal family and it’s history of purifying the family by trying to be as white as possible. As Soaphead experiences this discrimination, he develops mental incapabilities that haunt him for the rest of his life because he is in search of an escape from this abusive childhood.
“Darlene put her hands over her face as Cholly began to simulate what had gone on before. He could do no more than make-believe.” “He hated her. He almost wished he could do it… he hated her so much. The flashlight wormed its way into his guts…” (Page 148)
In this memory from Cholly’s past, the reader learns about the humiliation and degradation Cholly has experienced during his childhood, as a result of racism in this example. Cholly’s story is one of being violated multiple times, which takes a toll on his mentality as he grows up.
The 1619 Project: How America's vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder
This New York Times Magazine article discusses the origins of the racial wealth gap in slavery, as well as the exclusion of African Americans in rebuilding the economy during the Reconstruction. A social and political campaign purged Blacks in the South as their land and possessions were taken by white people- the sole reason being “they were too successful”. Any financial progress made by Blacks was seen as a threat to white supremacy, especially during the first decade of Reconstruction when African Americans were granted land they were owed. “During this period of so-called Redemption, lawmakers throughout the South enacted Black Codes and Jim Crow laws that stripped black people of many of their freedoms and property.” Others, often aided by law enforcement, started a campaign of racial violence against black people that would rob them of an incredible amount of wealth.
Quotes
“Elihue, not knowing where to look, was thrown back on his own devices, and ‘found’ himself quite unable to earn money. He began to sink into a rapidly fraying gentility, punctuated with a few of the white-collar occupations available to black people, regardless of their noble bloodlines, in America…” (Page 171)
In addition to his damaged mentality as a result of racism, Soaphead also suffers financially due to how black people are treated economically and socially. They are denied from jobs that pay better because there is a sense, among the white population, that African Americans will become wealthier than them and that’s a threat to their life. Soaphead is an example of how the racist economic culture against black people ruined lives.
“We had waited since April for the magic package containing the packets and packets of seeds we were to sell for five cents each, which would entitle us to a new bicycle… we knocked on all doors, and floated in and out of every house that opened to us…””During that summer of the seed selling we thought about the money, thought about the seeds, and listened with only half an ear to what people were saying.” (Page 188)
At the end of the novel, Claudia describes how she and her sister went around selling seeds to make money for a bicycle. While this can be seen as children being independent and working towards a goal, the problem is rooted in the fact that their parents were financially mistreated by society and they can’t afford a bike for their children.
Works Cited
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair." Assignment: Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. Newsela, newsela.com/read/army-hair/id/3783?assignment=2004667434&classroom=2003220928? Originally published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lee, Trymaine. "The 1619 Project: How America's vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder." Assignment: Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. Newsela, newsela.com/read/nyt-1619-americans-racial-wealth-gap-history/id/2000000223. Originally published in New York Times, 6 Jan. 2020.
Washington Post. "Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children." Assignment: Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. Newsela, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151?assignment=2004667434&classroom=2003220928? Originally published in Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2019.
the role of racism in perceptions of beauty
As compared to the bluest eye by Toni Morrison
Ana Paola Vergara
New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair
“they hold their behind in for dear of a sway too free; when they wear lipstick, they never cover the entire mouth for fear of lips too thick, and they worry, worry worry about the edges of their hair” (Morrison 83).
“They were amused by her because she did not straighten her hair” (Morrison 118)
“Natural” hair was banned for many years in workplaces and even places of study. Recently that discriminatory ban was canceled and PoC are now able to wear their natural hair.
The basis around the discriminatory ban was based on judging people by the wrong criteria. In many ways natural hair was seen as messy, dirty, and untamed. PoC did not fit into the Eurocentric beauty standard which caused a lot of pain for a lot of people. In order to fit in, some PoC changed their physical characteristics.
(buezo)
Article 1 Comparison The Bluest Eye
Both of these quotes are very similar due to the fact that they both circulate around the changing of natural features in order to fit in to the Eurocentric beauty standard. In the Bluest Eye, most of the black characters try and hide their blackness by straightening their hair, making their lipstick thinner, or hiding their curves. All of these features are used to fit into the beauty standard which is judging people by the wrong criteria. Its similar to a quote by Albert Einstein ““Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” the same thing can be said about beauty
“They were amused by her because she did not straighten her hair” (Morrison 118)
“they hold their behind in for dear of a sway too free; when they wear lipstick, they never cover the entire mouth for fear of lips too thick, and they worry, worry worry about the edges of their hair” (Morrison 83).
Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair
A rule of “uniformity” was set in the army. This rule banned natural hair under the judgment that it was messy and hard to keep. Among the hairstyles banned were, dreadlocks, braids, and other hairstyles primarily worn by PoC.
Hairstyles used by caucasian people are the ones seen as tidy and uniform. This re enforces the dangerous eurocentric beauty standard.
For many years PoC’s natural hair was used a way to target and make fun of them as seen above.
“...all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured.” (Morrison 20).
“But everybody knew what “Soaphead” meant—the tight, curly hair that took on and held a sheen and wave when pomaded with soap lather.” (Morrison 167).
(Marine Corps).
Article 2 Comparison The Bluest Eye
“...all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured.” (Morrison 20).
“But everybody knew what “Soaphead” meant—the tight, curly hair that took on and held a sheen and wave when pomaded with soap lather.” (Morrison 167).
Natural hair was used to make fun and belittle many PoC’s as is seen in the Bluest Eye when they call him Soaphead. The reinforcement of the eurocentric beauty standard is also seen when Pecola becomes obsessed with white people. All the dolls resemble pretty white girls.
In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more
After being colonized by the British, many Eurocentric beauty standards were passed down to the people of Sudan. Apart from hair, skin color was the main (visible) difference between a caucasian and a PoC.
In the quote to the left Cholly is left believing that God was the opposite of him. God had white skin, and blue eyes. This is due to the belief that white skin and people are beautiful while PoC are not.
The quote above is important because even when admiring Mrs.Breedlove’s skin, it is still being compared to white objects around the house yet saying that is is solely a reflection. White pure skin is often compared to porcelain but in the quote above it is not porcelain it is merely a reflection.
“Mrs.Breedlove’s skin glowed like taffeta on the reflection of white porcelain,white woodwork, polished cabinets, and brilliant copperware” (Morrison 107-108)
“He wondered if God looked like that. No. God was a nice old white man, with long white hair, flowing white beard, and little blue eyes that looked sad when people died and mean when they were bad.” (Morrison 134)
(Shutterstock).
Article 3 Comparison The Bluest Eye
“Mrs.Breedlove’s skin glowed like taffeta on the reflection of white porcelain,white woodwork, polished cabinets, and brilliant copperware” (Morrison 107-108)
“He wondered if God looked like that. No. God was a nice old white man, with long white hair, flowing white beard, and little blue eyes that looked sad when people died and mean when they were bad.” (Morrison 134)
As mentioned on the previous slide, the quote above shows the disconnect of beauty for PoC. They are merely reflections, never the actual object of beauty. They were indoctrinated to believe that God could never be like them, that God is a pure being and they were not. God for them was not a man like them but of the “superior race”, god was not meant to relate to them. Beliefs like these obviously lead Cholly to a downfall and make him believe that he is worthless
Works cited
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Black Women Take Issue with New Army Rule on Hair." Translated by Newsela staff. Newseala, Scientifc American, 9 May 2014, newsela.com/read/army-hair/id/3783?assignment=2004667422&classroom=2003220930? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
Bauomy, Jasmin, and Al Jazeera. "In South Sudan, Leaders Work to End Perception That Lighter Skin Matters More." Newseala, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 19 Dec. 2018, newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/?assignment=2004667422&classroom=2003220930? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
Buezo, Melvin. Two Women Sitting in the Desert. Bronze Magazine, 18 May 2020, www.bronzemagonline.com/how-to-keep-natural-hair-moisturized/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Marine Corps. The United States Army last month revised its regulations to allow women to wear their hair in twisted locks. The Marine Corps, above, approved lock and twist hairstyles in late 2015. The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/us/army-ban-on-dreadlocks-black-servicewomen.html. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York, Vintage International, 2013.
Shutterstock. In many parts of Africa skin lightening is a popular practise despite the health risks associated with it. The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2015, theconversation.com/why-its-time-all-african-countries-took-a-stand-on-skin-lightening-creams-49780. Accessed 19 Feb. 2021.
USA today. "New York City Just Banned Policies That Penalize Black Hair." Edited by Newseala Staff. Newseala, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2019, newsela.com/read/ban-bias-black-hair/id/49703?assignment=2004667422&classroom=2003220930? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
The Harmful Effects of Racism in Beauty Standards on Children
Ty Roche
Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair
In the Army a new rule was passed regulating the styles that hair can be worn. This new regulation banned hairstyles that are commonly worn by African-American women. This new rule opened old wounds that existed from the already enormous pressure that young African-American girls face about their hair. “Tarshia Stanley is the chairwoman of Spelman College's English Department and an expert on the black female image. She said that before girls can even voice what it means, they are bombarded with political, social and cultural pressure to mimic white women's hair.” Having finally grown up and learned that they should be allowed to wear their hair how they want and not be discriminated for it this new rule completely backtracks on that premise. After hearing of these new rules imagine the disheartenment in the young African-American girls that wanted to have a career in the Army or other places where they can’t let themselves be natural because of new rules like this one. In reality, some say that it was not out of racism but for their own safety so the gear will fit properly and their hair won’t be a distraction or a burden. However, wouldn’t having to change their hair from its natural state constantly be a bigger distraction and burden than letting it be naturally?
Black women take issue with new Army rule on hair
Many societal standards for beauty that children absorb are still deeply founded in racism and further reinforced by things like the new Army rule, which in our society many children will hear about. “But I knowed she was ugly. Head full of pretty hair, but Lord she was ugly. (Morrison, 126)” This quote from The Bluest Eye is an African American mother talking about her newborn baby girl. Just like how the new Army rule is forcing black women to change their natural hair, the mother knew that her daughter would be considered ugly by society and forced to change her hair. It didn’t matter how pretty her natural hair was it would still be seen as ugly and unpractical by society, much like how the Army appears to see black hair styles. This is a perfect example of how racism is beauty standards affect children.
New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair
In New York City a move has been made by the mayor to ban policies and practices that penalize black people based on the texture and style of their hair. These policies have long been a cause of outcry but particular instances where they affected young kids stood out the most. “In December, there was public outrage after a 16-year-old athlete named Andrew Johnson was forced by a referee to cut his locks before he could proceed with his wrestling match.” The traumatizing experience that Johnson endured was due to laws that were based off of racism in beauty standards. He will most likely remember that experience for the rest of his life and who knows how many other children were affected by policies like these that still haven’t been banned yet.
New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair
In relation to the article about the policies that discriminated against black people in New York City being banned a similar theme is displayed in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye. “ … I looked at that ugly little black girl, and I loved her...I gave her the blue, blue, two blue eyes. Cobalt blue. (Morrison, 182)” The young African American girl in the story constantly grows up with pressures from outside places, like the policies in New York City, such as being bullied by her classmates for not having blue eyes and by always seeing beautiful women portrayed with blue eyes. This led her to believe she was ugly and wish for her naturally beautiful dark brown eyes to become blue eyes. This is just another example of what the effects of racism in beauty standards held by society that are absorbed by young children, like the policies that existed in New York City, can do to them .
In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more
Finally, hair is not the only way racism in beauty standards can affect children. “In South Sudan, though, the world's youngest country and home to some of the people with the darkest skin worldwide, skin whitening and the issue of colorism -- commonly defined as prejudice or discrimination against dark-skinned people -- is linked to a complex history.” South Sudan was a British colony for an extended and decidedly long period of time. During this time the population was conditioned to believe that darker skin was ugly and anything dark was bad. Ultimately this led to skin bleaching sadly the practice is still common in South Sudan today although numbers have been decreasing. Being a young nation generations of children have been put in harm’s way through this dangerous practice. The practice can result in cancer, easily tearable skin, and permanent discoloration among others. The kicker is that most of the children that do this are influenced by their parents who have the ideal that black is bad of the previous generations. Ultimately, the racism of the British colonizers and their impression on beauty standards in South Sudan has had a long and damaging effect to children.
In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more
The racism in beauty standards that caused the bleaching problem in South Sudan is also well demonstrated in the Bluest Eye by the description of dolls. “-all the world had agreed that a blue eyed, yellow haired, pink skinned doll was what every girl child treasured. “Here”, they said “this is beautiful…” (Morrison, 20-21)” Here, just like in South Sudan, the long history of beauty only being associated with white and the children having the beauty standards forced unto them by adults and society is damaging to them. Starting with this doll, along with all of the other pressures that accompany a girl in the novel, Pecola, she ends up going insane. The unrealistic beauty standards based caused by racism made her want new blue eyes, much like the children in South Sudan wanted whiter skin. So she went to see an weird old pedophile who thinks he is more powerful than god to ask him for blue eyes comparatively to the children in South Sudan bleaching their skin sometimes causing irreversible damage. All of this harm to children caused by the racism in beauty standards.
Works Cited
Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”
Article #1 Overview
Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology
This article explains how racism is embedded into American society. It mentioned how since the creation of the Constitution, laws were made that gave more rights and power to White people. This ultimately is still present in today's society as well. White individuals hold more positions of power than people of color. Systemic racism affects all aspects of American life and determines how people treat each other. People of color are at an unfair disadvantage in many aspects of their life because of how the American system functions. The United States “started as a racist nation” and still continues in the same path. This is because this systemic racism is “all around us and within us”
78
Connection/Analysis in “Bluest Eye”
This racism that is embedded into peoples minds can be seen in Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” with the interactions between Maureen and Pecola, Frida, and Claudia. Maureen screams at the other girls “I am cute! And you ugly! Black and ugly black e mos. I am cute” (Morrison, 73). This showcases how in the society depicted by Morrison, there are sentiments of superiority over people of color. Maureen feels that she is better and prettier than the others, she also associates people who are Black with ugliness. This relates to the article because it depicts a situation that is caused by systemic racism playing such a major role in American society.
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Article #2 Overview
“Discrimination Based on Hair is Not Allowed in New York City”
African American individuals have received backlash for their hair all throughout history. It is not uncommon for Black people to be pressured into looking a certain way. They often get criticized and treated unjustly because of the manner in which they present themselves. The way in which African American people style and wear their hair is highly important. It is part of their cultural identity and as a stance against the backlash they are receiving, many Black women today are wearing their hair however they please. The article gives the example of “people in the army could not wear their hair in Afros, braids or twists. These are all black hairstyles. People complained. They said the rule was unfair.” As a result of many cases like this occurring around the United States, New York city has created laws that protect individuals and their hair. Noliwe Rooks, a professor at Cornell University, embodies the core meaning being the creation of these regulation. She states that “it is not about fitting in. It is about the right to be and look like yourself, without being treated badly.”
80
Connection/Analysis in “The Bluest Eye”
Throughout Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye”, narrator Claudia showed a fondness for White beauty features. Readers can note that she is fixated on blonde hair and blue eyes as physical features and notices that the rest of the world is as well. “Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, newspapers, window signs--all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink skinned doll was what every girl child treasured.” (Morrison, 20) As these sentiments grew, Claudia began to hate that she did not embody the features that girls like Shirley Temple had. As a result, this hatred turned into obsession. At the end of the novel, Claudia wished that someone wanted “the black baby to live--just to counteract the universal love for white baby dolls, Shirley Temples.” (Morrison, 188) “The Bluest Eye” gives readers a glimpse into what it is like to be African American in a society that favors White beauty standards. Like the article mentioned, Black individuals should not need to fit into a predominantly White society. They should be able to express themselves freely. If Claudia were perhaps able to grow up with a proper African American role model, maybe should would not have these sentiments about her beauty embedded in her.
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Article #3 Overview
Doctors and officials in Africa want people to stop bleaching their skin
This article highlighted the colorism taking place is Sudan. It followed the story of a women named Jemma who states that “she and others learn dark skin is bad from birth. We know that everything black is bad". It mentioned how the darker African citizens were looked at as lower class within Sudan as well. As a result of this mistreatment because of skin pigmentation and to fit into society, many women bleach their skin. This is very dangerous for these women. The bleaching of skin stops the body from producing melanin which protects the skin from sunlight. Along with this, bleaching is tied to skin cancer and other health issues. In today’s society most women are starting to accept their uniqueness, yet these sentiments are still very prominent in society.
82
Connection/Analysis in “Bluest Eye”
83
The article talking about African women bleaching their skin can be connected to societies favoritism for White individuals which is showcased in “The Bluest Eye”. Throughout the novel, stereotypical White features are glamorized by characters. For example when Pecola goes to get candy she mentions that “each pale yellow wrapper has a picture on it. A picture of little Mary Jane, for whom the candy is named...To eat the candy is somehow to eat the eyes, eat Mary Jane. Love Mary Jane. Be Mary Jane” (Morrison, 48). This quote demonstrates how Pecola wanted to embody the features of the White girl her age (Mary Jane). This is similar to how the women is Sudan bleach their skin to have a lighter complexion. In both of these cases African American’s feel that their natural skin pigmentation is inferior to that of White individuals. This is detrimental to the identity of these African American women, showcased through a real life and fiction example of how prominent the issue Toni Morrison presented in “The Bluest Eye” is.
Work Cited
84
USA Today. "Discrimination based on hair is not allowed in New York City."
Newsela, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2019, newsela.com/read/
ban-bias-black-hair/id/49702/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2021.
Jazeera, Al. "Doctors and officials in Africa want people to stop bleaching
their skin." Newsela, 19 Dec. 2018, newsela.com/read/
south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48113/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2021.
Cole, Nicki Lisa. "Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology."
Newsela, ThoughtCo, 31 May 2020, newsela.com/read/
lib-systemic-racism/id/39533/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2021.
Portrayals of Racism in The Bluest Eye
Kate Perez
The Role of Racism In the Perceptions of Beauty
In the article “New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair”, the discrimination against the beauty symbols of Black culture, is discussed and acknowledged as a player in racism as a whole. On February 18, 2019, the New York City Commission on Human Rights publicly announced that the law prohibiting discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, and religion also applies to hair. Natural hair is viewed as a pride symbol in Black culture, as hairstyles are “an extension and integral part of black identity, going back many years in history,”. (USA Today, 2019). From the story of a high school wrestler who was forced to cut his locks before his match, to a TV anchor who was fired because of her braids, to the seven other cases in New York City regarding black workers being targeted for their hair style, demonstrates how prominent racism is in the world of beauty. “Black hair has been deeply symbolic in the U.S Since at least the 1800s... It has been a stand-in for a kind of black identity that refuses to assimilate, pushing back against the structural racism that has long pressured black people to conform to white beauty ideals in order to stay safe and succeed in the U.S.” (USA Today, 2019).
#1
Connection to The Bluest Eye
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye demonstrates that racism is not just about skin color, it’s about all physical features. Throughout the novel, Pecola is constantly bullied and discriminated against due to her physical appearance. She experiences countless accounts of racism because of her skin color, curly hair, and brown eyes. In her society, the typical beauty ideal is blonde hair and blue eyes. This causes her to attempt to fit the beauty standard and go against her roots. Society made her believe her natural hair and other features were ugly, and she had to look like white girls. “I fixed my hair up like I’d seen hers on a magazine. A part on the side, with one little curl on my forehead…. I let my hair go back, plaited it up, and settled down to just being ugly,” (Morrison, 123).
#1
Racism: its effect on children
In the article “Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children”, it is measured just how much racism affects the health of children. Racism takes a toll on both the physical and mental health of children. It has been revealed that racism leads to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and different eating disorders. Constant exposure to racism sparks great stress in children as well, which can be dangerous to their physical health. The more stress hormones, the weaker the body becomes, making children more susceptible to diseases in the future. With the domination of the media and outlets like twitter, instagram, and news channels, children are constantly being exposed to racism and discrimination. In short, racism has a significant amount of negative effects on children, in fact, “Other recent studies have found an increased risk of depression, being overweight and more vulnerability to sickness among children who are exposed to racism. Researchers have linked racism experienced by children to worsened sleep, more doctor visits and lower self-esteem.”(Washington Post, 2019).
#2
Connection to The Bluest Eye
With the main character in The Bluest Eye being a young black girl, the effects racism and discrimination have on children is signficantly highlighted throughout the novel. The constant exposure to racist comments and actions causes Pecola to become depressed and develop a low self-esteem. Towards the beginning of the novel, Maureen bullies Pecola for her skin color, by saying things such as “I am cute! And you ugly! Black and ugly black emos. I am cute!” (Morrison, 73). The constant reminder that she is considered ugly causes Pecola to breakdown and lower her self-worth. “Pecola stood a little apart from us, her eyes hinged in the direction in which Maureen had fled. She seemed to fold into herself, like a pleated wing. Her pain antagonized me.” (Morrison, 73). This scenario, along with many others, display the emotional and physical toll racism has on children.
#2
Systemic Racism
According to the article “Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology”, the theory of systemic racism “is based on the research-supported claim that the United States was founded as a racist society and that racism is part of all of its social institutions. Rooted in a racist foundation, systemic racism today is the result of racist institutions, laws, ideas and behaviors,”. ( Cole, 2020)With providing an in depth analysis on the true definition of systemic racism, the article demonstrates just how prominent systemic racism is in today’s society. Whether one realizes it or not, racism is active in all aspects of life, from education, to politics, to social institutions, racism is present. Systemic racism is a complex ideal with many parts to it, such as “the complex array of antiblack practices, the unjustly gained political-economic power of whites ... and the white racist ideologies and attitudes created to maintain ... white privilege and power,”. This means that, systemic racism isn’t just discrimination; its also the lack of representation. In the U.S, majority of those who hold some sort of power are white. Also, white individuals have countered the “Black Lives Matter” movement with the “All Lives Matter” movement, attempting to declare that racism isn't real. From the day to day discrimination, to the lack of representation, to the denial of racism, systemic racism is active in all parts of society, in all different forms.
#3
Connection to The Bluest Eye
With racism being one of the strongest motifs in The Bluest Eye, systemic racism is quite relevant throughout the novel. When Junior harasses Pecola, he also attempts to hurt and harass his cat, inevitably killing it. When his mother comes home, she notices the dead cat and Junior blames this on Pecola. Because of the way his mother judges her appearance, she instantly believes him. “Saw the dirty torn dress, the plaits sticking out on her head, hair matted where the plaits had come undone, the muddy shoes with the wad of gum peeping out, from between the cheap soles, the soiled socks…” (Morrison, 91). With this reaction, it is obvious that dirtiness is associated with black, while cleanliness is associated with white; one of the many stereotypes that contributes to systemic racism in the novel. In relation to the article, this demonstrates the white racist and white privilege ideologies, as Junior was able to get away with this with no punishment, while Pecola was completely innocent and was the one who was punished.
#3
Citations
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York: Plume Book, 1994. Print.
"New York City just banned policies that penalize black hair." USA Today, 28 Feb. 2019, newsela.com/read/ban-bias-black-hair/id/49703/. Accessed 21 Feb.2021.
Cole, Nicki Lisa. "Analysis: Definition of systemic racism in sociology."ThoughtCo.com, 31 May 2020, newsela.com/read/lib-systemic-racism/id/39535/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2021.
"Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children." Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2019, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2021.
Understanding the Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye
Andrea Buitrago
The 1619 Project: How America's vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder
In the article “The 1619 Project: How America's vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder,” the concept of injustice within the economy is discussed. It claims that financial progress made by Blacks is considered an offense to white supremacy. Often aided by law enforcement at the time, some white people executed a violent campaign against Blacks with a goal to deprive them of wealth. This acknowledges the challenges in America in regards to Black accomplishment and inclusion. The article describes the history of the exclusion of African Americans in the economy. The quote, “today's racial wealth gap is perhaps the most glaring legacy of American slavery and the violent economic dispossession that followed” (Lee), illustrates how with all the troubles African Americans had to face, equality is still a prominant topic.
1
Connection to The Bluest Eye
In the novel, The Bluest Eye, society is too caught up with the concept of wealth and high standards. Class and status are what deem the whites as superior, causing the African American families to feel inferior. When a new girl, Maureen Peal was introduced in Pecola’s school, the students seem fascinated by her beauty, yet also irritated. “She was rich, at least by our standards, as rich as the richest of the white girls, swaddled in comfort and care” (Morrison, 62). Pecola experienced multiple events that have made her believe that, due to her skin color, she will automatically be seen as ugly. This preconceived notion and stereotype of African Americans is impacting not only the economy, but the conditions in which these families are living. Cleanliness, associated with wealth in the novel, is tied with having light skin, whereas dirtiness is associated with Black people. When comparing themselves to Maureen, the girls were in fact jealous, yet understood their differences. “We felt comfortable in our skins, enjoyed the news that our senses released to us, admired our dirt, cultivated our scars, and could not comprehend this unworthiness” (Morrison, 74).
1
Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children
In this article, it is apparent that the prevalence of racism creates emotional distress for those influenced by it, particularly when dwelling on the utter lack of liberty and equality. Due to the fact that racism is an occurring issue today, its impact still effects the children being raised in these conditions. “Experiences of discrimination can flood the body with stress hormones. Studies have shown that even the anticipation of discrimination can trigger the stress response” (Washington Post). This quote proves the psychological stress that children have to endure during their development. Since children are exposed to such traumatic experiences very early, they come to believe that they are not good enough, leading to negative thoughts and perceptions about themselves and their bodies.
2
Connection to The Bluest Eye
In Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Pecola unconsciously compares herself to the demanding beauty standard of blue eyes in her society. This lack of self-esteem has a toll on her mental health, creating a hatred towards the way she looks. Throughout her life, Pecola has been conditioned to believe she is not as good as others, due to her physical appearance. “It had occurred to Pecola some time ago that if her eyes, those eyes that held the pictures, and knew the sights—if those eyes of hers were different, that is to say, beautiful, she herself would be different” (Morrison 46). She believes that her overall psychological health would benefit if she had blue eyes, following the beauty standard of society. In comparison, the need for blue eyes acknowledges this desire for Pecola to be identified as a physical trait that she does not have.
2
The 1619 Project: How false beliefs in physical racial difference still live in medicine today
This article goes in depth about the painful experiments an enslaved man had to endure. Its purpose was the prove the physiological differences between both races. Science during this time period claimed that there were biological differences between common races, which was what was trying to be proved. This old assumption of race disparities in physiology has, to this day, proceeded to obscure the harsh consequences of segregation and socioeconomic inequities, thereby blaming objectively adverse health conditions on people and their communities. “The poor health outcomes of black people, the targets of discrimination over hundreds of years and numerous generations, may be a harbinger for the future health of an increasingly diverse and unequal America” (Villarosa).
John Brown; his body was used for medical experiments
3
Connection to The Bluest Eye
In The Bluest Eye, systemic racism can be seen throughout the character’s lives. Pauline Breedlove, is frequently described as ugly and when sharing her own experiences, explains the apparent racism she faced when delivering a child. “When he got to me he said now these here women you don’t have any trouble with. They deliver right away and with no pain. Just like horses” (Morrison, 124-125). A medical professional, at the time, had a false belief of medical differences between races. He verbally insults Mrs. Breedlove, neglecting the equal treatment he should be giving to all his patients. This ignorant belief that individuals who have a different appearance should be treated differently should not be detected anywhere in society, especially in a hospital. This novel has made connections from society that are still apparent today,, and as a society individuals must be in agreement to abolish this form of hatred.
3
Works Cited
Costa, Jesse. Enough Is Enough. Wbur, www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2020/06/12/anti-racism-in-medicine-hospitals-ayotomiwa-ojo.
Lee, Trymaine. "The 1619 Project: How America's Vast Racial Wealth Gap Grew: By Plunder." Newsela, 6 Jan. 2020, newsela.com/read/nyt-1619-americans-racial-wealth-gap-history/id/2000000223/?_flash_query_param_1=? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
Moore, Claude. Eugenic Racism. UVAToday, news.virginia.edu/content/uva-and-history-race-eugenics-racial-integrity-act-health-disparities.
Morisson, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York, Vintage Books, 2007.
Teaching. Think, www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/white-kids-racism-way-privileged-parenting-props-unjust-system-ncna953951.
Tenney, Gordon. Arkansas. Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/psychologist-work-racial-identity-helped-overturn-school-segregation-180966934/.
Villarosa, Linda. "The 1619 Project: How False Beliefs in Physical Racial Difference Still Live in Medicine Today." Newsela, 15 Nov. 2019, newsela.com/read/nyt-1619-racial-differences-doctors/id/2000000228/?_flash_query_param_1=? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
Washington Post. "Racism Can Have Long-term Negative Effects on the Health of Children." Newsela, 14 Aug. 2019, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/?_flash_query_param_1=? Accessed 18 Feb. 2021.
Welles, Christian. Inequality. Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/christianweller/2019/02/14/african-americans-wealth-a-fraction-that-of-whites-due-to-systematic-inequality/?sh=e7544e445542.
The Portrayal of Racism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye
By: Jorge Bohorquez
Toni Morrison Quotes Involving Racism
“There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race — scientifically, anthropologically. Racism is a construct, a social construct and it has benefits. Money can be made off of it, people who don’t like themselves can feel better because of it...” (HUFFPOST, 2019)
“So scary are the consequences of a collapse of white privilege that many Americans have flocked to a political platform that supports and translates violence against the defenseless as strength…” (HUFFPOST, 2019)
Overarching Themes Seen in the Novel
Poverty
Something relative to one’s social class. Sets limitations towards the way in which an individual may be seen and treated in the eyes of others.
Innocence
Limits the way in which individuals may view ongoing events, not allowing them to truly grasp the importance of the matter.
Violence/Discrimination
Not only a physical thing, but something that can be seen verbally as well. Works to separate people of different racial groups and to destroy their self identity.
Beauty
Set as a standard which in order to comply with, one must be white and have blue eyes. It is set into play by the way society acts and the norms it follows.
Skin Tone
A personal feature that sets an individual either in a beneficial situation or at a disadvantage in society. It works in correlation to one’s beauty as well.
Racism
A form of discrimination in which an ongoing cycle of victimization is seen. Is created by certain, unjust beliefs of a society.
Long Lasting Effects of Racism on Children
Throughout the article “Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children,” the overarching issue of racism and discrimination, which has been seen for a multitude of generations, has its effects put into perspective, as it is also is, in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye. Both pieces of writing, depict the way in which acts of racism not only affect individuals for a short period of time, but also over the long run as well. As stated in the article, “A study published in 2018 in JAMA Pediatrics found an increase in teenagers' stress and worry about discrimination between 2016 and 2017.”and that “teenagers who were more stressed were more likely to drink, smoke or experiment with drugs.” (Newsela, 2019). Not only is there evidence to show these effects in the article, but as a matter a fact also in Toni Morrison’s novel as well. Specifically, this is seen with the character, Cholly Breedlove. After having been racially discriminated and humiliated, during one of the defining acts in his life, of losing his virginity, he ultimately feels as though he has lost his manhood and turns to alcoholism and domestic violence in order to escape his issue and try to regain what he has lost. Cholly turns to terrible acts such as raping his daughter, Pecola, and living under the influence of alcohol for the majority of the novel. To show just how badly Cholly was affected as a character, when with his daughter, he describes the scenario as “the rigidness of her shocked body, the silence of her stunned throat, was better than Pauline’s easy laughter had been.” (Morrison, 162). Not only, is this scene of complete disgust, but it demonstrates misdirected hatred as a result of racism’s long lasting effects. Like the article states,“exposure to racism in adults has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, depression and other problems.” (Newsela, 2019) and because of racism a character such as Cholly has partook in an act with extreme consequences both for him and his family. In the larger scale of things, racism leads towards long lasting effects and, although to one it may appear as something which will not have that big of an affect, it instead has its influence seen for years to come.
Racism and How it Has Determined What Defines Beauty
Over time one must note the manner in which racism has shifted to become a factor involved in the topic of defining beauty on a global scale. The article “In South Sudan, leaders work to end perception that lighter skin matters more,” puts this into perspective and allows for one to understand the true effects of racism in relation to beauty. As the article states: "From the moment we're born, we open our eyes and we know that everything black is bad," and “Skin bleaching is a popular practice in a world where light skin is often incorrectly seen as the standard of female beauty.” (Newsela, 2019). With these “standards” society is heavily affected as not only may this lead to self depreciation because of one’s skin tone, but also this idea, overall, is simply degrading. With individuals, going to extreme measures such as bleaching their skin in order to appear “beautiful,” one comes to the realization that society truly has an incorrect perception of ideas. In relation to Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye this topic is seen in the novel, as the protagonist, Pecola, is consistently striving to obtain blue eyes as it is the definition beauty, and as she worships white dolls with blue eyes instead of darker skin toned dolls. For instance towards the end of the book when Pecola convinces herself that she has blue eyes she is given the perception that she is finally enough. Even Claudia, the narrator, is able to see this as she states “A little black girl yearns for the blue eyes of a little white girl, and the horror at the heart of her yearning is exceeded only by the evil of fulfillment.” (Morrison, 204). Additionally, one is able to see this notion as Claudia describes the idea of beauty for society by stating: “Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, newspapers, window signs—all the world had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, pink-skinned doll was what every girl child treasured.” (Morrison, 20). Overall, through past acts of colonialism, incorrect labels for beauty have been set and the scope through which adults, and children view life has been affected. Society must combat this existing stereotype by showing that beauty is in everything and everyone.
Racism and How It’s Led to The American Wealth Gap
In the article “The 1619 Project: How America's vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder,” it is put into perspective how it is that the way in which the U.S. has been managed politically has led for there to be an immense wealth gap between different ethnicities in the country. Not only is this seen through the murder of certain individuals because "he was too successful to be a Negro," (Newsela, 2020) but also because of the poor management of things such as the Home Owners Loan Corporation and the rescinding of Sherman's order involving white plantation owners. For centuries, African Americans have been targeted through acts such as murders in which no justice has been served, and thanks to events like these at a time, “though black people make up nearly 13 percent of the United States population, they hold less than 3 percent of the nation's total wealth,” (Newsela, 2020). A certain connection involving this topic can be made with Toni Morrison’s, The Bluest Eye. Specifically through the description of Pecola and her family’s home. As the novel states: “the Breedloves did not live in a storefront because they were having temporary difficulty adjusting to the cutbacks at the plant. They lived there because they were poor and black...” (Morrison, 38). As this is said, not only is one permitted the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of the the way in which this wealth gap exist, but also somewhat of the economic limitations that are set on African Americans. Additionally, this wealth gap is seen as the little girl whose family Mrs. Breedlove works for addresses her by her name of Polly when not even her own children are allowed to call her that. These distinctions in social classes demonstrate how they lead to certain individuals being looked down upon and treated differently then one would expect them to. However, one must note that it is a result of poor economic management from the past, and the only way to fix it is by doing better going forward.
Works Cited
Bauomy, Jasmin, and Al Jazeera. “In South Sudan, Leaders Work to End Perception That Lighter Skin Matters More.” Newsela, Newsela, 19 Dec. 2018, newsela.com/read/south-sudan-embracing-skin-color/id/48110/.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Racial Segregation.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/racial-segregation.
Lee, Trymaine, and New York Times Magazine. “The 1619 Project: How America's Vast Racial Wealth Gap Grew: by Plunder.” Newsela, Newsela, 6 Jan. 2020, newsela.com/read/nyt-1619-americans-racial-wealth-gap-history/id/2000000223/.
Nishi, Kanako. “On Beauty, Sexual Violence, and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye.” Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2020, lithub.com/on-beauty-sexual-violence-and-toni-morrisons-the-bluest-eye/.
“Toni Morrison.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, aas.princeton.edu/people/toni-morrison.
Washington Post. “Racism Can Have Long-Term Negative Effects on the Health of Children.” Edited by Newsela Staff, Newsela, Newsela, 14 Aug. 2019, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/.
Washington Post. “Racism Can Have Long-Term Negative Effects on the Health of Children.” Edited by Newsela Staff, Newsela, Newsela, 14 Aug. 2019, newsela.com/read/racism-kids-health/id/55151/.
Yam, Kimberly. “Toni Morrison's Most Powerful Quotes On Racism.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 7 Aug. 2019,www.huffpost.com/entry/toni-morrisons-most-powerful-quotes-on-racism_n_5d49b529e4b0244052e226ea.
Thanks!
Any questions?
108
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” on Racism in the 20/21st century
Bella Peterson
Racism in Medicine
The 1619 Project: How false beliefs in physical racial difference still line in medicine today
“...the two most persistent physiological myths -- that black people were impervious to pain and had weak lungs that could be strengthened through hard work.”
“‘...what would be the cause of insupportable pain to a white man, a Negro would almost disregard.’”
Analysis: The infamous, and incredibly false, notion that black women do not endure pain in the way white women do, was used as further justification as to why it was not arbitrary for slaves to be kept on plantations. As seen in the quotes from these two sources, it is clear that this notion is dehumanizing and entirely a myth. In Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”, the quotes spoken by white people in the novel offers commentary on how skewed their way of thinking was, even in the 1960’s, only about 50 years ago. In the passage, one of the characters, Mrs. Breedlove, is giving birth to a child, and the medics claim they will have no trouble delivering the child because she does not feel pain, due to her race. Incidences like these were not fiction. This claim would make it more difficult for black women to access painkillers, anesthesia, and epidurals. Racism in medicine goes beyond just this notion, and similarly, most ideas further the narrative that black people were justly enslaved. In the article, it is mentioned that black people’s lungs were weak and could only be strengthened by hard labour, which has been repeatedly proven false. This racism is inherent and dehumanizes black people to be treated poorly by medics, as if their lives are worth less than a white person’s.
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”
“... now these here [black] women you don’t have any trouble with. They deliver right away with no pain. Just like horses.”(125)
Effects of racism on children
Racism can have long-term negative effects on the health of children
“Experiences of discrimination can flood the body with stress hormones. Studies have shown that even the anticipation of discrimination can trigger the stress response.”
“‘If you look at what's in the news today, in social media, on Twitter, there's so much kids are exposed to’"
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”
�“...I am cute! And you ugly! Black and ugly black e mos.” (73)
“A little black girl yearns for the blue eyes of a little white girl, and the horror at the heart of her yearning is exceeded by only the evil of fulfillment.” (204)
Analysis: “The Bluest Eye” is a commentary about the damaging effects of implicit racism on children. In the novel, the main character, Pecola, is abused, and in many way, the victim of her circumstance. However, exterior sources of racism led her to become depressed, and even schizophrenic, genuinely believing that she has the bluest eyes in the world, and making imaginary friends because of the ugly way in which society treats her. Other ways in which explicit discrimination and cultural violence has led to mental health affects on children can also be seen in “the Bluest Eye”, as characters such as Cholly developing an alcohol addiction, and Frieda and Claudia not getting the representation in the media that they need to feel accepted in society. As mentioned in the article, social media plays into a large part of present day racism, which leads to an increase in mental health disorders in black youth. The lack of representation in the media (in the novel being television, toys, and newspapers) led the characters in the novel to feel underrepresented and dirty because they were not seen as ideal or pretty in society. This discrimination is still very prevalent today, and, as mentioned, is detremental to the mental health of black youth.
Racial wealth gap
The 1619 Project: How America’s vast racial wealth gap grew: by plunder
“... a majority of black people at the time were agricultural laborers or domestic workers, occupations that were ineligible for these benefits.”
“The median family wealth for white people is $171,000, compared with just $17,600 for black people.”
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”
“We walked down tree-lined streets of gray houses leaning like tired ladies.. The streets changed; houses looked more sturdy, their paint was newer…” (105)
“It was in a porcelain tub with silvery taps running infinite quantities of hot, clear water… No zinc tub, no buckets of stove heated water....” (127)
Analysis: It is clear, even in the present day, that there is a undeniable wealth disparity between white and black Americans. Due to structural and cultural violence and lack of access to opportunities and resources, the wealth gap has been a consistent issue. Toni Morrison sheds a very important light on this topic when she describes the living situation of one of the black characters, Mrs. Breedlove, relative to the living situations of her white counterparts. Morrison paints this picture discreetly, but it is evident that she is creating commentary about the wealth disparity and using living situations between black and white people in the novel’s setting as a primary indicator. As mentioned in the article, the structural violence that has been inflicted on black people for hundreds of years, have huge impacts on their access to resources, hence wealth. The racial wealth gap is stark, with white people having a median wealth almost 1000% higher. Further, because of negative stigmas and Jim Crow laws, it was especially terrifying to hold even a little bit of financial power. Elmore Boiling, for example, was a very successful black man that was shot three times because some of his white counterparts believed he was earning too much money for a black man. Instances like these are not prevalent anymore, but led to plenty of generational trauma, and furthered the notion that black people should have little to no financial power, and remain discriminated against.
Works Cited