Black men in America
The collection of stories focuses predominantly on the existence of black men in 20th century America, dominated by racism and white supremacy. The stories show how black men are forced to give up on any notions of dreams in a world that doesn’t allow them to pursue those. It shows the state of them being cornered in their home country, the paradox of being a part of society, but forced to stand outside it. Almost every story shows this extermination of hopes and aspirations in the minds of black men from the young age, like the story “The Man Who Killed a Shadow” that portrays a boy growing up, slowly becoming aware of shadows of racial oppressions and white supremacy, but never quite being able to accept it as his reality, succumbing to alcohol and becoming a murderer as a result. In the stories, the author’s goal was to show the condemnation and dehumanization of the black men in America, the damaging effect on their psychological and physical being.
Racial prejudice
“Big Black Good Man” is a story set outside the colonial America, and it shows a different kind of perspective on the racism and perception of black men. It shows the prejudice and objectification of the body of a black man. The white man, the owner of a hotel, is extremely prejudiced and afraid of a black man, based on his stately build. The story turns into an internal monologue by the white man, constantly thinking about the black man in a degrading and judgmental tone. It climaxes with the big black man grabbing him by the neck, and the white owner, helpless and humiliated, wishing the most gruesome death on him after he leaves. The story ends in a plot twist that disarms this racial prejudice, showing that the big black man’s character is completely opposite to his intimidating appearance. Therefore, the main theme clearly shown in this story, but in others as well, is the dangers of racial prejudice, whether it instills fear or (in the case of “Man, God ain’t Like That”) feeling of superiority.
White supremacy and violence
The stories show the blatant examples of white supremacy and violence as inherent parts of a societal structure. They show how black men are treated, or mistreated, by the system that allows and even encourages that. The author shows how black men are unable to live normal and fulfilling lives filled with dreams and aspirations without constant thought about their race, and being conscious of their blackness. This self-awareness shows to be damaging to their confidence, self-worth and ability to build relationships and connections. “The Man Who Lived Underground” portrays a black man, escaping from wrongful imprisonment, living underground and self-reflecting and reflecting upon humanity while observing it through the holes, just for his life to be violently taken by white policemen, solely because they thought him unworthy of life. It is senseless and is shows a system that allows senseless cruelty upon black lives.
