Institutional Racism In Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man

Like the cold and menacing walls of prison Morgan Freeman describes in The Shawshank Redemption, the constant theme of institutional racism in Invisible Man confines those within it to defined roles and beliefs. Similar to Red, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is narrated in retrospect by the main character. Through his narration, the invisible man creates a window into the life of a bright but naïve black man desperately trying to climb the social hierarchy, only to be knocked down by exploitative superiors. However, the protagonist isn’t alone in his fight; several characters throughout the novel offer a helping hand hoping to aid the invisible man in his struggle, both black and white. These characters often serve as symbolism for societal

This blindness is shown immediately, as Emerson’s cordial words are met with skepticism. The narrator thinks, “I remembered something my grandfather had said long ago: Don’t let no white man tell you his business, ‘cause after he tells you he’s liable to git shame he tole it to you and then he’ll hate you. Fact is, he was hating you all the time…” (Ellison 186). Rather than seeing the genuine kindness of Emerson’s concern, the narrator recalls his grandfather’s warning and concludes that Emerson must be acting out of selfish interests. In this sense, he is blind to the possibility of a white man wanting to help him, as his experience with white men has always been one of antagonism and negativity. His immediate distrust leads to later frustration from Emerson as the narrator remains determined to meet Mr. Emerson and get the job. At one point, Emerson even pleas, “‘Oh God! Don’t you see that it’s best that you do not see him?’” (Ellison 189), reflecting the desperation he feels when the invisible man continues to follow the expectations of white society. His words are ironic, as young Emerson suggests that the invisible man “not see” his father to break the cycle of conformity, when simply seeing Bledsoe’s manipulation would help him realize the futility of meeting with Mr. Emerson. The invisible man’s blindness to both the compassion of white men (young Emerson) and exploitation at the hands of black men (in this case, Bledsoe) cripple him from improving upon his condition. However, these undertones regarding blindness come to a head when the invisible man continues to blind himself to the reality of racism. He reacts to the contents of the letter thinking, “I could not believe it, tried to read it again. I could not believe it, yet I had a feeling that it all had happened before. I rubbed my