Black Masculinity and Violence: An Analysis of Richard Wrights’ Black Boy
| Authors |
| Adhikarimayum Heniya devi |
| Date of Publication: December, 2024 |
| Volume: XXIII, No.- XXVI |
| Abstract |
| This paper explores the complex interplay between Black masculinity, violence, and systemic racism as depicted in the writings of Richard Wright. It challenges the notion that gendered behaviours are biologically determined, arguing instead that society shapes the expression of masculinity, particularly within a traditional patriarchal context where it is often associated with strength, dominance, and aggression. The paper highlights how stereotypical characteristics of Black men have been shaped by centuries of racial subjugation and economic oppression, often leading to exaggerated forms of patriarchal expression and negative racial stereotypes reinforced by mainstream media. Through an analysis of Wright’s novel titled Native Son, the paper aims to show how childhood trauma and violence, stemming from both within the Black community and from White oppression, profoundly impact the development of Black individuals. Richard Wright’s autobiographical novel Black Boy serves as a powerful illustration of how violence, fear of white prejudice, and harsh familial discipline create a sense of fear, helplessness, and a perception of life as a brutal fight for survival. These early experiences can lead to manifestations of anger and detachment. Furthermore, the analysis extends to Wright’s Native Son and the character of Bigger Thomas, examining how systemic racism and social oppression can lead to internalized rage, self-destructive behaviour, and violence. Ultimately, the paper argues that understanding violence in the context of Black masculinity requires considering the profound impact of historical and ongoing systemic oppression. It raises crucial questions about accountability, blurring the lines between individual responsibility and societal liability for the violent outcomes shaped by deeply ingrained societal injustices. Wright’s works challenge readers to see violence not merely as an individual moral failing but as a consequence of broader societal problems rooted in race, power, and class |
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