Sexism In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

A Man of the house: the male family member who has the most responsibility for taking care of and making decisions about the household, by protecting families self-esteem and self-worth (Merriam Webster dictionary). Most men carry the want of being Man of the house in order to prove the power, braveness, and respect they have toward loved ones in their family. They do things they don’t wanna do in order to properly provide for their family. In A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry represents the desire of racially discriminated men to fulfill cultural norms and fight for success and economic equality in society, when the odds aren’t in their favor. Walter's hunger for money comes from the freedom and respect he thinks he can buy his family.

Asagai’s view on relationships “No. Between a man and a woman there need be only one kind of feeling. I have that for you... Now even...right this moment" (Hansberry, 63) Asagai's African traditions are uncommon and different to modern day unwritten rules because they portray sexism. "Only one kind of feeling. I have that for you now." This line demonstrates how men are dominant within African heritage and the woman has to obey the words men state. Asagai has the demand to love Bennie through his own culture's rules, yet Bennie has discernment in the ways Asagai thinks of love. Later in the story, Asagai claims why he’s fighting for his dreams "(shouting over her) I LIVE THE ANSWER! (Pause) In my village at home it is the exceptional man who can even read a newspaper...or whoever sees a book at all. When Asagai shouts "I LIVE THE ANSWER" he means that he knows what dreams he's fighting for, he's fighting to bring education and success to his village. Which illuminates how faithful he is toward his culture. He is not only working for his freedom, but to give an opportunity to his people that rarely get a chance. Asagai ‘s passion for his cultural beliefs make his unrelatable thoughts stand out in America, yet he has no determination to stop fighting for his

Walter's job as a chauffeur makes him feel trapped as a man and financially; where he lacks dignity along with the ability to properly provide for his family. These feelings drive Walter crazy causing him to scream at all his family members, and develop unhealthy drinking habits. Yet, when Walter receives a share of the check money his mood increases greatly. He feels very motivated and wants to be a strong family man. Walter's selfishness is getting him caught up about being financially free and successful, which is making him forget the importance of being present for his family during their rough times. Throughout the story Asagai gets into multiple arguments with Bennie about what actions are wrong or right due to their views on the world. Asagai faces the challenge of putting his cultural traditions into an American perspective, Bennie doesn’t understand his concepts of love nor does Asagi understand Bennie's will to stop fighting for her dreams. The misunderstandings between Bennie and Asagai create an emotional divide not only between the two, but a disconnect from Asagi and his own cultural view. Both Walter and Asagi are trying to fulfill powerful roles in their families or cultures and have the desire to achieve their goals in impressing and succeeding within them. Even when they face the challenges of being different or discriminated