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Black Like Me By John Howard Griffin: Film Analysis

555 Words3 Pages

In the film, “Black Like Me” John Howard Griffin encounters three white men while hitchhiking. Griffin first encounters a salesman. At first glance, the man gives an impression of being polite and courteous. Throughout the ride, the salesman asks Griffin personal questions about his family life. At first, Griffin did not think much about the questions but as the conversation continues it takes a turn for the worse. The man asks Griffin if he has ever made love to a white woman. He furiously denies the question, but the man didn’t believe him. He insists that Griffin is not telling the truth. The conversation quickly escalates, so Griffin decides to end the conversation. The man stops his car and demands him to leave. Later on, A different yet similar man gives griffin a ride. …show more content…

However, it soon became apparent that he was quite the opposite. Upon initiating the conversation the old man demands Griffin to call him sir. Hearing this, Griffin felt belittled. The man also begins to ask Griffin about his personal life. He asks if Griffin was jealous of a white man's lifestyle. Griffin begrudgedly responded with a meek “yes.” He hopes for the conversation to end quickly but the man asks Griffin if his wife had ever slept with a white man, quickly enraging Griffin. He angrily responded with a ¨no.¨ He tried to remain calm, but the old man continues to prod him with his comments on how white people do black people a favor by sleeping with their women. Griffin demands to be let out of the vehicle immediately. When he exits the car, he slams the door and the old man yells ¨to hell with you!¨ while driving

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