"All the while I understood that it was not discouragement or fear or search for a larger field of action and opportunity that was driving me out of the Negro race. I knew that it was shame, unbearable shame. Shame at being identified with a people that could with impunity be treated worse than animals. For certainly the law would restrain and punish the malicious burning alive of animals." This novel by James Weldon Johnson, probably better known for writing the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first published in 1912. Although it is not actually his autobiography, Johnson lays out the life journey of a man born of a black mother and a white father, but who can pass for white, and the lessons he learns about racial identity in early 20th century America. These life lessons convinces him in the end that it is better to live as an "invisible", ordinary white man in America, than to embrace, nurture and utilize his God given talents and abilities in an effort to contribute to his African-American heritage and it's blossoming and unique culture.
Thought-provoking for sure, the twist and turns in the life of this melodramatic figure, did not lead me to cast a stone of judgement or shake my head in disgust (mixed with pity) towards the character, as much as it led me to understand his surrender to what is easier, rather than to struggle for what is better. He isn't the first... he won't be the last...
"he who is without sin, cast the first stone"...
This book will be an interesting follow up to "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin which I plan to read in February. Thanks for the introduction because I'd never heard of it.
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