Racism
Unfortunately, racism plays a part in this play, but it is used by the writer in a way to show viewers that being racist is wrong. Throughout the play, the most racist person is likely Karl, who comes to Bev and Russ' house to try to convince them not to move away, as a black family is moving in after. He continues to be rude toward African Americans, including Bev and Russ' maid Francine, and for no apparent reason.
When the play jumps forward to 2009, there is still a bit of racism, which is included to show that not all problems dealing with race have been solved today. Steve is also a white man, like Karl, and talks rudely about Lena and Kevin, the black family from which he and his wife are buying the Clybourne Park home.
History
In the second act of the play, Steve and Lindsey want to remodel the Clybourne Park house entirely, completely removing its historic heritage. Lena and Kevin think that this would be like erasing history, as the home is a physical representation of what life was like in the past. Although Steve and his wife have every right to do what they would like with their property, it shows that they are, in a way, disrespecting the past. Perhaps Steve, who is openly racist in the play, wants to forget that an African American lived in the home, but this is not outright stated. Either way, the proposed remodel shows the lack of respect that Steve seems to have for the neighborhood.
Perseverance
Kenneth killed himself after serving in the Korean War, and now the relationship between Bev and Russ is falling apart. In a time with this much grief, the worst thing to do is separate - perseverance is a much better way to live. Although it may be hard, it has to be accepted that Kenneth is gone, even if that means there are some fundamental changes of lifestyle. What Kenneth did was not right, but there is no turning back the clock for Bev and Russ.
Perseverance also applies to Kenneth, who should have tried to overcome his emotions. No matter the situation, taking your own life is not the right thing to do, especially after an event that you couldn't really help from happening. Kenneth was accused of murdering civilians in the war, but in a time of such confusion, it was understandable (even though it was still wrong).
