Black Like Me is a nonfiction book written by John Howard Griffin, first published in 1961. The book is a memoir of Griffin's experience as a white man who underwent medical treatment to darken his skin so that he could experience life as a black man in the segregation-era South. The book was a bestseller and remains a classic of American literature to this day.
One of the most striking facts about Black Like Me is that it was written by a white man who underwent a radical transformation in order to better understand the lived experiences of black Americans. Griffin, a journalist and activist, was motivated by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to shed light on the injustices faced by black Americans during the segregation era. In order to do so, he underwent a series of medical treatments that temporarily darkened his skin, and then set out on a journey through the Deep South, traveling through Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas.
Throughout his journey, Griffin encountered a host of challenges and obstacles as a black man. He was refused service at restaurants and hotels, and was frequently subjected to racial slurs and insults. Despite these difficulties, Griffin remained committed to his mission, and his experiences as a black man ultimately led him to a deeper understanding of the systemic racism and discrimination faced by black Americans.
One of the most poignant aspects of Black Like Me is Griffin's portrayal of the everyday struggles faced by black Americans. From being denied access to public facilities to being subjected to verbal and physical abuse, Griffin's firsthand accounts shed light on the many ways in which segregation and discrimination affected the lives of black Americans.
Another important aspect of Black Like Me is the way in which it highlights the resilience and determination of black Americans in the face of adversity. Despite the many challenges they faced, Griffin encountered numerous black Americans who remained hopeful and optimistic about the future. Many of these individuals were active in the civil rights movement, working to bring about change and improve the lives of black Americans.
In conclusion, Black Like Me is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the segregation era in the United States. Through Griffin's firsthand accounts, the book provides a poignant and eye-opening look at the lived experiences of black Americans during this time, as well as the resilience and determination of those who fought against injustice.
What type of book is Black Like Me?
Although many accepted the book, Griffin and his family are threatened by racist southern whites. This is because the entire atmosphere of the town is steeped in an ominous sense of foreboding, as if racially inspired violence could break out at any moment. Although he spoke no French, he persuaded his parents to buy him a one-way passage to Europe. Sterling Williams, a black shoeshine man in the In New Orleans, a black counterman at a small restaurant chatted with Griffin about the difficulties of finding a place to go to the bathroom, as facilities were segregated and blacks were prohibited from many. He knows that his belly, his lungs, his tired legs, his appetites, his prayers and his mind are cherished in some profound involvement with nature and God. Returning to his Texas hometown, he was hanged in effigy; his parents received threats on his life. When Griffin finally returns home to Texas, Levitan tries to convince him that it might not be worth it for him to go through with his plan to write about the experience, but he refuses to listen.
What John Howard Griffin And "Black Like Me" Revealed About Racism
To his surprise, he was offered a scholarship. After he disguised himself, many people who knew Griffin as a white man did not recognize him. After taking oral medication and sitting under UV lights, Griffin's skin turns a dark brown color. Problems faced by Griffin as Negro were enormous. Previously, the 39-year-old had served in the U. It is an unsettling account, and Griffin is deeply honest about himself in the moment. Afterwards, he called the Sepia A News Paper editors and made an appointment for a story in New Orleans with a photographer.
Black Like Me Summary & Study Guide
As he walked on, a young black male offered him a ride and a place to sleep in his house with his wife and six children. At one point, a light-skinned black man named Christophe boards and makes disparaging remarks about the other African American passengers, eventually getting into a verbal altercation with another manâa dispute that nearly leads to a physical fight, though Christophe moves to sit next to Griffin before this happens. Jude when he is threatened with violence at the hands of a menacing white stalker during his first few days posing as a Black man. The title of the book is taken from the last line of the In 1964, a film version of Man in the Mirror: John Howard Griffin and the Story of Black Like Me 1997. East, a construction worker from Alabama, and Sterling Williams from New Orleans. What Griffin hopes to achieve is enough information about the relationships between blacks and whites to write a book about it.
