Question: The theme of discrimination is evident in the short stories “Raymond’s Run” and “Berry”. For each story, describe how the situation was presented. Explain how the characters involved react to the discrimination faced. Discuss each author’s use of one narrative technique to highlight this theme.
Discrimination is best defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability. In the short stories "Raymond's Run" and "Berry," the theme of discrimination is evident, and the authors portray it through different situations and characters. This placed the main characters to be forced to endure hardships that could have been avoided. Discrimination can
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The story revolves around a young girl named Squeaky, who is an exceptional runner. She lives in a neighborhood where people often underestimate her and discriminate against her because of her race and her brother Raymond, who has special needs. Squeaky faces discrimination from her classmates, who mock her and underestimate her abilities due to their biased views. However, Squeaky remains resilient and determined to prove herself.
Squeaky’ s reaction to the discrimination she faces is one of defiance. She uses her talent for running to assert her identity and challenge the stereotypes placed upon her. Instead of succumbing to the discrimination, she participates in races and focuses on her skills, proving that she is more than what others perceive her to be. Through her determination and confidence, Squeaky confronts the discrimination head-on.
Toni Cade Bambara employs the narrative technique of first-person point of view to highlight the theme of discrimination. By narrating the story from Squeaky’ s perspective, the readers get a direct insight into her thoughts, emotions, and the discrimination she faces. This narrative technique allows readers to empathize with Squeaky and understand the impact of discrimination on her life. It also brings a personal and intimate touch to the story, making the theme more relatable and
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The story follows Mulberry (Berry) Jones, an African-American man, who is employed at Dr. Reinfield’s Home for Crippled Children. The first sight of discrimination is shown by Mrs. Osborn’s reluctancy to employ Berry but still doing so because she had no choice after her previous worker left without notice. After employing Berry, they put him on a reduced salary and had overworked him giving him errands that do not fit his job description. Despite this Berry stay resilient and continues to work for he had taken solace in the children at the home whom he loved.
Berry's reaction to the discrimination he faces is one of dignity and restraint. Despite the mistreatment he endures, he remains calm and composed. He refuses to let the discrimination define him or dampen his spirit. Unfortunately, after an incident occurred, Berry was fired and was given no salary for the week he had