The Corrupt Nature Of Institutions In Richard Wright's Black Boy

In Richard Wright’s Black Boy, Wright explores the corrupt nature of institutions in the Jim Crow South. The recurring idea of corruption is seen in Richard’s experience at the Methodist Church, where he is compelled to act with conformity and give up his freedom to make his own decisions. Later in Richard’s life, his school principal threatens Richard’s academic future when Richard declines the principal’s request, by which even his classmates are disturbed. Contrary to the perspectives of the people surrounding Richard, organized institutions that people are taught to respect, such as churches and schools, are commonly corrupt and fear the loss of power.

Although churches are considered altruistic institutions that work for the greater good,

Richard describes the experience: “It was no longer a question of my believing in God; it was no longer a matter of whether I would steal or lie or murder; it was a simple, urgent matter of public pride, a matter of how much I had in common with other people” (154). Richard understands that the Methodist church is indifferent to people’s opinions on God as long as they conform to it, as shown in the phrase “It was no longer a question of my believing in God.” The church merely seeks to convert more followers to expand its influence and power. The idea of baptism no longer being a meaningful ritual, but a means to grow the church is further expanded upon when Richard says it would not matter if he sinned, as long as he conformed to the “simple, urgent matter” of joining their community. The use of “simple” to describe the significance of adhering to the church’s standards is contradictory to the reality of the circumstances. Since Richard faces constant pressure to conform to the corrupt church

After Richard is selected as valedictorian of his class and assigned to write and deliver a speech in a public auditorium for white and Black people, his school principal hands Richard a speech written by the school, and demands Richard read it in front of the audience. Though the principal tries to convince Richard to take it, Richard refuses and expresses his emotions towards the encounter saying, “[the principal] had tried to ‘buy’ me” (176). He attempts to "buy" Richard's conformity by threatening his academic future and offering him the opportunity to attend college if he delivers the principal's speech. However, Richard recognizes that conforming to the principal's demands would enable the principal to further extend his power over the students, as he would be yet another student to conform. This would also prevent Richard from saying what he wanted to say. Despite the potential consequences, he refuses the offer, highlighting the struggle for autonomy and equality amidst the oppressive societal pressures of his school. At school, his classmates would criticize him for defying the principal’s words and standards, saying: “My classmates, motivated by a desire to ‘save’ me, pestered me until I all but reached the breaking point” (178). This experience foils the church scene during the religious revival when the priest and his followers attempt