One might say, "Isn't that the point?" I would argue that it would be just as powerful to experience a racial epiphany through an equal, peer relationship or from a Black character who is not inferior. Timothy is poor, has lower, traditional literacy skills, speaks in a dialect, doesn't know his own age, calls Phillip "boss," and has a seemingly inferior, spiritual belief system. The book upholds the superiority of White people and the inferiority of Black people. This language is more hurtful to Black students with low self-image.ģ. A Black student reading this language might feel sad/uncomfortable and prefer not be identified as Black, or might not connect with Timothy so as not to be viewed as Black and ugly. Though this language serves the purpose of highlighting Phillip's prejudice, it also reinforces the common belief that Black is less beautiful and that Black facial features are truly ugly. Phillip refers to Timothy as ugly and black at least twice. Like Timothy, TMN's usually die (all the better for plots).Ģ. Timothy is the perfect representation of "The Magical Negro," a classic archetype in American media in which the spiritual Black character's sole purpose is to enlighten and help White people on their journeys to become better humans. Unfortunately, The Cay is outdated and reinforces negative stereotypes, even while working to help its readers overcome prejudice.ġ. The Cay is well-written with powerful imagery and an engaging and fast-paced plot.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |