Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the causes and effects of racial discrimination in America. The play is set in the 1950s and follows the story of the younger family, an African-American family living in a small apartment on the causes of racial discrimination that are depicted in the play lead to the effect of the Younger family’s struggle to achieve their dreams.
One of the main causes of racial discrimination in Raisin in the Sun is the economic inequality faced by African Americans in the 1950s. This is evident in the Younger family's living conditions, as they live in a cramped apartment with limited opportunities for social and economic mobility. Mama, the matriarch of the family llives anddreams of owning a house with garden. She says, “We ain’t never been anything but poor… I beyond that” (Act 1, Scene 1). Mama’s words demonstrate hoe economic inequality has limited the Younger familys ability to achieve their dreams.
Another cause of racial discrimination in Raisin in the Sun is the limited opportunities avaiable to African Americans in education and employment. Walter Lee, Mama’s son, dreams of starting his own business and providing for his family, but he
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Mama’s dream of owning a house is threatened by the racism of the housing market. She says, “Them houses they put up for colored in them areas way out all seem to cost twice as much as other houses” (Act 1, Scene 1). This quote demonstrates how systemic racism makes it difficult for african Americans to achieve theirdreams of homeownership. He says, “we come from people who had alot of pride… I’m a man now, and I’m going to do something big with myself” (Act, 1 Scene, 2). However, Walters inability tosecure funding for his business due to racial discrimination ultimately leads to the loss of the family’s