Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man - Essay Example Because he is black, the narrator automatically finds himself straddling racial barriers and prejudices yet he only begins to realize how he is regarded through the divisions of the equal rights movement by recognizing that he himself is "both sacrificer and victim." (p. 506). This description is apt for every social circle that has accepted him, for the narrator has either been a tool or a symbol in each instance; whether the gathering is white or black, the narrator is never a full member of any group, but only included until sacrificed in the interest of the group. Ellison reinforces this notion that the narrator is "a disembodied voice" (p. 581) by never offering any real description of him to the point of never even giving the character a name, even when it is changed. The narrator at one point ruminates about his history of humiliations, observing that "They were me; they defined me." (p. 508). Working form this basis, the narrator's degree of invisibility can therefore also be measured by them and, since they hinge upon racial issues, a closer examination of these instances and the people involved underscore the narrator's ultimate lesson. Likewise, the narrator is not the only "invisible character in the book, given that it applies to an outsider's view of another he is just the only one in the novel that suspects the enormity of the injustice. This paper will attempt to examine both these issues.. The racial strata are divided into four rough categories: bigoted whites, whites sympathetic to the black cause, blacks who seek to achieve solidarity across racial lines (equality with whites), and blacks seeking to uplift/aid their race without the help (or interference) of whites. The first and last tend to believe the absolute worst stereotypes about the other race, while the border categories are often to blinded by their intentions to realize the full ramifications of their actions. The most extreme case of bigoted whites occurs in the scene of the battle royal, where the prominent whites of the narrator's hometown gather to witness a cruel brawl. The narrator, invited to give a speech, is instead forced to box nine other men black men, all of them blindfolded. The fighter are paid after the fight with money scattered across an electrified rug and they must get repeatedly shocked in order to get their reward. When the narrator is finally allowed to deliver his speech, which in cludes such platitudes as "cultivating friendly relations with the southern white man" (p.30), under constant heckling form the audience, which results in his accidentally inserting the phrase "social equality." By assuring the crowd that it is a verbal slip, he is allowed to finish his speech and is rewarded with a briefcase and a scholarship to college. In this scene, the narrator and his peers are essentially invisible as individuals to the white gathering, who in turn allow their hatred and prejudices to erase their own identity. Both groups then become faceless and unidentifiable other than by the color of their skin. Yet is the white gathering who are evidently in control, for, not only do they demean the black men, they reward the blacks only for adhering to the expected social order what

Living with Stigma Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Living with Stigma - Case Study Example The purpose of this paper is age-related and Mrs. D evidently comes as a gritty person in spite of her age and ailment. She would not be living as an 81-year old otherwise. Nonetheless, Mrs. D is labeled as an old person, a substance abuser and as a patient. This label separates her from the others and there appears to be bias in her treatment as also the entire approach as a patient. In other words, she is living with the stigma of age. Mrs. D is a gritty old lady. She has lived life on her terms and is content to continue living on her own terms. It is not mentioned if she is in a nursing home (NH) or in residential care or assisted living (RC-AL). Nonetheless, she is living in some protective environment where visitors are allowed. She is also receiving medical care as a patient. Mrs. D has visitors. Her daughter visits her once a week. Other friends and relatives may visit periodically without any regular commitment. Due to her age, people who visit do so with some preconceived notion that they feel will be relevant to the aged. This is not just an ordinary visit. It is a visit to a place where people are left to die. It is the place where people come to spend the last days of their lives. Then there are other inmates and the staff. The inmates and staff perform according to the rules of the institution. The all-pervasive rules are noticeable in the atmosphere. Undoubtedly the place has some means of entertainment such as the television. However, the genuine love and care that is found in familial environment is missing (Becca R. Levy) The atmosphere is negative due to the label under which Mrs. D and her ilk are made to live. Stigmatization has three interrelated components. First, dominant cultural beliefs link undesirable characteristics to labeled persons. Second, labeled persons are placed in distinct categories so as to separate "them" from "us." Third, the labeled persons experience status loss and discrimination that result in unequal outcomes (Debra Dobbs et al). Therapeutic Intervention Mrs. D can continue to lead normal life. This is possible if the younger generation allow Mrs. D to live on her terms. The treatment for osteoporosis and substance abuse can continue on regular basis. The problem is not about treatment but about attitudes. The aged can endure the treatment, but it is difficult to perceive if they can endure the negative attitudes about them. Undoubtedly, the line of treatment for the aged cannot be the same as that of the younger generation. The psychology, and physiology of the aged change and they require different doses that go along with their diagnosis and symptoms. The digestive system, including the kidneys and liver, slow down with age. There is the need for support when walking. There are cases of dementia. The notion that youngsters have about the aged is not altogether wrong. The aged do need care and they also need to be tended with love and respect. However, the aged can live much of the time alone and can look after themselves with only marginal support of the younger generation (Richard T. Penson). What they need is assistance when required. They can be devastated if there is nobody to lend a hand