Day 18: Native Son's Contribution to American Literature A Must Re-Read

     Today it's time to go back to the college days reading lists for titles that inspired deep conversations about human behavior, race and society.  Over the years,  many novels that have been published dealing with this difficult topic of whites versus blacks,  society norms versus society's taboos.     On such title that comes to mind is Native Son.   Published in 1940,  Wright's contribution to American Literature sparked the debate of whether a man's action is caused by his DNA or is it the results of the culture in which he lives.   Most critics point out that Wright was not trying to justify his main character's actions but rather trying to get the reader to get inside the character's mind and understand the "why" of the actions.  For the purpose of Black History Month reading, this title can not be ignored because the story's plot is so familiar that it could be easily taken place in 2021.   The more times have changed, the more they remain the same. 

    The novel has the backdrop of the South side of Chicago, where a young black male named BiggerThomas is described as being frustrated,  trapped and hopeless.   There seems to be no way out of his situation and no chance getting out from under the White man's oppression.  To cut to the heart of the story,  Bigger commits  two murders, the first accidental, the second with purpose, and finds himself facing the death penalties for the crimes.   Wright contends that it is the cultural taboos and norms that ultimately are the "cause" for Bigger to go off into a life of crime.  Which ultimately destroys his life and his family.  

    Bigger's story is much bigger than just social injustice or the consequences of racism and poverty.  Quite frankly,  the story can be viewed through the lens of fear and loneliness.   It is without a doubt that those living in the projects of the South side of Chicago feel a sense of entrapment in a cycle of poverty.  It seems that it is inevitable that a person into a certain social class will most likely stay in that class.  Wright wanted to awaken readers to the simple fact that this "life cycle" is not good for anyone.  The anger expressed by Bigger is just a mask to cover up the isolation and fear.  Can anyone understand Bigger and understand his "why" for committing the crimes?   

    After years of having this book on the bookshelf, it has been a treat to visit with Bigger Thomas once again.  This book definitely belongs on a reading list for Black History Month because of its social message and warnings.  Wright had a powerful voice that spoke up against racism and violence.  His book has been banned for its violence content.  Anyone who is willing to ban a book on this basis has not even dared to open the Bible, Shakespeare or Brother Grimms, all had violence in one shape or another.  If there is a concern that parents and professionals should be discussing concerning Native Son, it should be that the novel places the blame for most violent crimes on society.  That is the core of the book.  That is the point hat the reader shouldn't miss.   

    Native Son and Wright's other novels which speak to the Black experience in America, are available at most public libraries and online bookstores.   There is also the movie adaptation of the novel which keeps close to the book.  Yet,  the book is still much better than the movie.