The novel of J. W. Johnson is a prime example of literature that highlights important issues related to racial discrimination. The main character is an African American, and on his way, he faces various difficulties. In chapter five, he discovers three types of black people: the desperate, the domestics, and the professionals, or independent workmen. Desperate people, in his opinion, hate whites, domestics serve whites, and professionals almost did not have any contacts with whites. Thus, the author shows that there is a division within the same race that depends on one’s qualities and relationships with other people.
Returning to the South, the narrator witnesses the execution of a black man. Even though he planned to make music, after this event, he understands that he is not ready to be the person who can be treated like this. Thus, he decides to change his life and “pass” as a white man. He succeeds, and he spends this way the rest of his days. However, he says that “would neither disclaim the black race nor claim the white race” (Johnson 149). The goal was to be safe and live a calmer life.
However, at the end of the novel, the Ex-Colored Man rethinks his life and feels that he made the wrong choice. He was feeling comfortable, but he sacrificed a lot for this life: music was his talent, but he refused this path. This decision contrasts with the image of Shiny, another African American character, who remained faithful to himself and achieved no less success. Thus, the reader can conclude that following the opinion of society must be very thoughtful and cautious. The main thing is to weigh all the pros and cons and clearly understand one’s strengths and capabilities.
Work Cited
Johnson, James Weldon. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Dover Thrift Editions, 2017.