How Racism Impacts Identity
Write an essay, using Kindred in which you explore, define and explain the following topic:
Kindred examines the “deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day” (Rich in Color). In an essay discuss how racism impacts identity.
You must refer to and quote from and Kindred to illustrate your thesis for your essay. You may include historical context to help develop your thesis (main idea). Remember, your chosen topic (with contextual evidence) is your thesis for this essay, so it must be well supported. As you formulate your own idea of the topic of your choice, feel free not only to agree but also disagree with ideas in the texts that you are referencing and quoting. In any topic you choose be sure to include how the panels and form of the graphic novel affect your reading experience. When it comes to the graphic novel, remember you’re reading a novel from a different perspective. Be sure to include how the adaptation of someone else’s work affects how you read Kindred.
When we think about Dana, how would she view how racism impacts identity after her experience in the past?
How does family impact racism? How does the idea of family impact racism in Kindred in terms of family separation, trauma, post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
How does family play a part in Kindred and how does being a part of a family affect how they play a role in a marginalized community?
Does slavery still exist? What constitutes slavery? Does it come in different forms? What would you do to survive extreme circumstances? Be sure to include the definition of the word slavery.
In either topic you have chosen be sure to include how the panels and form of the novel affect your reading experience. Remember you are reading a novel from a different perspective. Be sure to include how the adaptation of someone else’s work affects how you read Kindred.
In Octavia Butler’s novel Kindred, the protagonist Dana is forced to confront the brutal realities of racism and its lasting impact on identity. Through her time travels, she experiences first-hand how prejudice shapes both individuals and entire communities; this ultimately leads her to come to terms with her own identity as a black woman in modern America.
At the start of the book, Dana fails to recognize how deeply embedded racism is in society; when discussing her relationship with Kevin she states that “race had nothing to do with it” (Butler 45). However, upon arriving in antebellum Maryland—where slavery still exists—she soon realizes the extent of oppression faced by African Americans due to their skin color. For example, when trying explain why Rufus cannot be seen visiting his grandmother (a white woman) she reflects that there are “whole centuries of reasons why he should not be here”(Butler 70).
This experience causes Dana to reassess her position within society; recognizing that even though slavery has been abolished there are many aspects which remain unchanged today. She notices parallels between herself and those who lived before the Civil War, noting that even though things have changed on a surface level they still struggle against a system designed for their subjugation. As such, Dana begins challenging people’s perceptions about race and comes into conflict with those in power including her husband (Butler 238-239).
By doing so, Dana learns about self-empowerment as well as empathy towards others experiences. Ultimately, this leads to an understanding of what it truly means to be part of a marginalized community ;recognizing that despite differences we all face similar struggles.These lessons help shape Dana’s identity throughout Kindred eventually leading us readers too see beyond our own biases towards race(Butler 254 -255 ).
In conclusion, “Kindred” provides an important insight into how race affects one’s sense of identity.Through exploring different cultures ,we gain perspective on how racism impacts behavior whether consciously or unconsciously.Furthermore, by connecting present day injustices back historical oppressions we are able to develop greater understanding concerning discrimination faced by minority groups while being encouraged to stand up against bigotry whenever possible.( Butler 297-298 )
