Adriana
Vicario
Maliciously, individuals may outcast
others in response to not fitting within the social norm. In pieces of
literature as “Tableau”, “Theology”, and Frankenstein, segregation is
displayed through the characters and their response to individuality in culture.
This can include isolation for those of separate race, actions, and appearance.
Segregation has for years been a social obstacle and can be resolved if
individuals were not to condemn others for the decisions they make. Attending
meditation class on a weekly basis, I have come to focus on how importance
should be focused on bettering oneself and not passing judgment on others. It
may always be a social dilemma that occurs in life, but by truly accepting
others for who they are, many negative outcomes can transform into positive
ones.
In “Tableau”, by Countee Cullen, the
principle of segregation is dominant through the relationship of the
interracial couple. Segregation of race has been an issue that historically has
brought an immense amount of obstacles for many people. Blacks and Whites were
separated for years and lived separate lifestyles from one another. The slight
interaction was enough to raise eyebrows from any witness. The thought of
different races actually dating was something that was unheard of and certainly
not done often. Of course times have changed however, these racial tensions can
still be present in our everyday lives. This poem expresses how segregation may
be even subtle at times but is in fact present. As the interracial couple carries
on hand in hand, those who cannot accept their love are, “indignant that these
two should dare in unison to walk”. These critical individuals strikingly glare
at the couple as if they are not acceptable to be a part of society. Just the
thought of the rejecting stares is a form of segregation that may not
physically harm anyone but can leave severe mental scars of not being accepted
by others.
In the poem “Theology”, by Paul Laurence
Dunbar, the idea of segregation is shown in a different way as the first poem.
Not only may different races be criticized or looked down upon, but our actions
may also segregate us from one another. Our actions may direct others as to
where we will end up in our lives. The poem expresses a message in which the
speaker seems to view others in a condescending way. He starts off with
acceptance by suggesting that there is a heaven in which his soul tells him so.
However, he contradicts his own statement by then arguing that there is also a
hell where he believes his neighbors will end up. This remark holds a critical
connotation and leaves the reader to believe that the speaker is in extreme
disagreement with the lives led by his neighbors. The reader is not included to
know why the speaker holds such resentment towards his neighbors however; one can
infer that segregation is a factor due to the separate category the speaker
places himself in.
Intentionally passing judgment on another
individual because of their appearance and unique behavior is another form of
isolationism that may occur. In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, this form
of segregation is shown through the character of the Creature in the novel. The
Creature was brought into the novel by the character of Victor Frankenstein who
longed to use his science skills to create another human being. In belief that
this human could potentially become his friend, Victor created this Creature
with such great enthusiasm. However, the end result was not what was to be expected.
The Creature had a disturbing appearance and did not communicate the same as
the average human did. Victor wanted nothing to do with this outcast creation
and abandoned the Creature leaving him to fend for himself. This led the
Creature to become resentful and angry because he never had anyone to accept
him since the moment he came into the world. Victor selfishly allowed the
uniqueness of his creation to keep him from accepting it. The Creature
continued his path of anger and even resorted to murder. However, had Victor
been there for the Creature from the start he could have put an end to the
isolation as well as the terror the Creature had caused.
Segregation is purely a human reaction of
not accepting something that may be out of the norm. It is vital to become at
peace with the decisions others make because one cannot choose the lifestyle of
another human being. Despite our differences in this world, you can meditate to
achieve harmony within oneself. Once you have this harmony you tend to be open
to however it is others choose to carry out their own lives.
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