People of different ethnicities are often judged for their characteristics and where they are from. In the situation within The Color Purple, Caucasian and African American people deal with racism and criticism. White people were arrogant, insulting, and impudent towards blacks because racism played a huge role in how certain individuals were treated. The insolence demonstrated towards blacks by white people was completely normal throughout this period of time in which the setting was placed. White people were the leaders, bosses, controllers, while black people were obedient. For example, Corrine, Nettie’s missionary friend, recalled how a white store clerk treated her, “And he treated me like any ordinary nigger. Oh, my feelings were hurt!