Prejudice And Discrimination In Richard Wright's Big Black Good Man

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Richard Wright’s “Big Black Good Man” addresses racial prejudice that was occurring during a time of segregation in America. Based on the story, it is easy to infer that Wright was pessimistic about race relations in the US. Wright depicts the main character, Olaf, as a well-rounded man who claims to be accepting of all people, no matter their race. In reality, Olaf is unconsciously affected by racism and prejudice. When a large African American man requests a room in his workplace, Olaf plans to refuse the man simply because of his race and immense size. Olaf is intimidated by the man, Jim, and even considers shooting him even though he has done nothing wrong. Olaf simply associates Jim’s size and skin color with danger and wants nothing