The Younger Decision

I think that Walter Lee Younger made an almost impossible decision. To decide between pride and money, in a sense even economic survival, is something that no man should have to do. On the one hand, the money from the house would have given Walter another chance to make his way in the world - $3500 is a lot of money, and he could have once more gambled it on his future. However, in exchange he got pride, the belief in himself and in his family as people who would not belittle themselves in order to make a dollar. Walter brought dignity back to his family, after it had been all but taken from them by the cruelties of whites and by the duplicity of men Walter thought were his friends. In the end, I do agree with Walter’s decision. It would be so very difficult to take that path, to take the road that would lead to hard work and suffering and probably discrimination rather than an easy and quick check. However, Walter gave himself a sense of self, and also gave a solid future to his son and his family. A house is an important thing, and as Mama expressed to Travis, a future for the next generation to inherit and build upon. I agree with Walter’s decision because it was the right thing to do, even if it seemed painful and difficult. I cannot predict what would next happen to the Younger family; the neighborhood they are moving into seems hostile, and the economic and discriminatory troubles they will likely face will probably be very difficult. However, the family is strong, newly so thanks to Walter’s decision, and I believe they will be able to make it through whatever comes their way with renewed strength and pride.

The Negro Problem

The “Negro Problem” has an intense effect on the soul of blacks in America, though the direction that effect takes differs dramatically depending on the person, their status, and where they live. First of all, there is a tremendous lack of self-confidence, a lack of surety in the soul of blacks, who are forced to live a double life, forced to match their own inner thoughts and voices to outside perceptions. This creates a “peculiar wrenching of the soul” (737). One of the effects of this double consciousness is a deep bitterness, an anger that transforms faith and religion more into a curse and a sneer at god and spirituality than an actual worshipping process. Fatalism abounds, and the soul cannot meet its full strength because it is cast down by both outside forces and the internal cynicism bred of the tireless oppression blacks face. The other potential result is a kind of sly, simmering resistance, a desire to outmaneuver and outthink the whites, exploiting their weakness and taking what is rightfully theirs by wit and deception. This both hurts the souls of blacks because they can no longer be who they are, can no longer express courage or individuality, but must become sly and manipulative. It also forces them to play a part constantly, to pretend to be accepting and even loving of the segregation and oppression they experience. This further deepens the pain they feel in their souls by denying them the means to complain about or rail against their unfortunate situation.