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Assimilation Affect The Family In A Raisin In The Sun

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How does the theme of assimilation affect the family in A Raisin in the Sun?
Assimilation has affected the family by the Youngers attempting to assimilate, Beneatha's relationship with George, and the characters view on African heritage. The Youngers change their life to blend in with a white community. Beneatha connects to her African heritage, despite what George believes and the characters aren’t fully in touch with African heritage.
The Younger family attempt to assimilate throughout the story. When gaining a sum of money, the Youngers decide to buy a home in a white neighborhood. The white people in the neighborhood reject integration, as it will disrupt their daily lives, “...That for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families …show more content…

“It’s just that people ask such crazy things. All anyone seems to know about when it comes to Africa is Tarzan–” (Beneatha). Beneatha knows that African Americans tend to be out of touch with their heritage and most people, including the Youngers, only associate it with Tarzan and what humanity has portrayed it as. Beneatha despises the ignorance of people, a part of her heritage that don’t seem like they want to be a part of it. George, a strong supporter of assimilation speaks out against his African heritage. “Oh, dear, dear, dear! Here we go! A lecture on the African past! On our Great West African Heritage! In one second we will hear all about the great Ashanti empires; the great Songhay civilizations; and the great sculpture of Bénin – and then some poetry in the Bantu – and the whole monologue will end with the word heritage! Let’s face it, baby, your heritage is nothing but a bunch of raggedy-assed spirituals and some grass huts!” (George). Beneatha believes George assimilates into white culture to be less black. George has no intention of reaching out into his past culture and associates it as a scarce society. Exemplifying the ignorance in the understanding of their

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