Racism In Song Of Solomon

As children we are "color-blind," we are unaware of race and racism, nor do we know what they mean or are able to differentiate one from another. As children we are not cognizant of our skin color. All we are simply worried is whether our friends like us or not, if our friends will share their favorite toy, and will he or she pass the ball to us during recess. Although as children we are unconsciously worried about fitting it, the whole concept of “liking one another” derives from not wanting to feel at odds. As we leave our childhood ignorance, and transcend into adulthood we too act unconsciously, especially towards the matter of race. These attitudes are evident in the novel Song of Solomon by Tony Morrison, as the male figures take upon roles that define their views towards race.

As the novel

In the early 1900’s being Black meant that you were a stagnant figure, one without growth or movement. You were just an embodiment of existence but not life. Although this concept was drilled into the minds of the Black community, Macon completely disregarded this concept and embodied the American dream. “Where I’d come from, the farm we had, that was nothing to them… But it wasn’t that. I could put up with that, because I knew what I wanted, and pretty much how to get it” (71-72). Macon did not let those who saw him as nothing cripple him. His growth was followed by his lifelong philosophy to which he was determined to pass down to his son, Milkman, convinced him that money is the key to power and success. “Own things. And let the things you own own other things. Then you’ll own yourself and other people too.” (55). His tone as he passes on his ideals to his son is commanding, but he isn’t merely teaching his son his philosophy he is dictating him what he must do to survive in a white man’s world. With his ironic tone, his ideals are paradoxical to slavery. The concept of owning things, like one