Abstract
In the rich tapestry of American diversity, racism remains a pervasive sociocultural challenge. As W. E. B. Du Bois once remarked, “The problem of the twentieth century is a problem of the color line.” Toni Morrison, the celebrated African American writer and Nobel Laureate, emerges as a powerful voice addressing the haunting specter of racism in her literary works. This research paper delves into Morrison’s masterwork, The Bluest Eye, as a poignant exploration of racial segregation and profiling in America. The protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, serves as a vessel for Morrison’s critique, proclaiming, “This soil is bad for certain kinds of flowers.” The study navigates through the journey of racism, from the era of “I have a dream” to “I can’t breathe,” unveiling the profound insights Morrison provides. By conducting a thorough analysis of the text and related literature, this research aims to expose the threshold pains endured by Pecola and the Breedlove family in their pursuit of survival and recognition. In doing so, it sheds light on the broader issue of racial profiling in American society and its detrimental impact on social harmony. Morrison’s perspective becomes a lens through which we can reevaluate and rethink the persistent challenges of racial discrimination in the United States.
Presenters
Mansour Ali Mohammad Al MaswariPostdoctoral Fellow, Middle Eastern Studies, MESA Global Academy, Jordan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Toni Morrison, Bluest Eye, Pecola Breedlove, Racism, Diversity
