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April 03, 2006

The Displaced Person

O'Connor, '''The Displaced Person'' -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)

"He dont have time to rest himself in the bushes like them niggers over there."

It really is a culture shock to me when I read O'Connors works in dealing with african americans. Obviously that is how they talked in the south in those days and she wouldnt be painting the historically correct picture if she changed the dialouge, but even when I know that she isnt using the words in her writing just in the characters voices and minds, I cant help to imagine what it was like back then and how much things have changed to where I get offended by the text in some of O'Connors literature. I chose this quote from the story because I thought it was ironic that she is plainly stating her racial remarks to these polish people. Hello! They are considered to be different and a minority also, but she is acting as if they are just like them to their faces, but behind their backs making remarks like calling them "Gooblehooks." The introduction of the polish people also remind O'Connor's readers that racism exsisted among all different types of races, at this time, dominatley blacks in the south of USA, but still of many others also.

Posted by TerraStumpf at April 3, 2006 01:05 PM

Comments

This story doesn't disparage African Americans from the start like others do - they are initially referred to as "Negroes", which has been the most respect they have been given because at least they aren't being called "niggers". I really held out hope that this story would be different in its terms, but it sure doesn't take long before "the race card" is played.

Posted by: Brenda Christeleit at April 3, 2006 05:23 PM

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