Introduction
The short story “Shame” by Dick Gregory tells the story of a young African American man’s experience of being treated differently because of his skin color. It can be seen from Gregory’s story that Black Americans endured numerous hardships during the period, as well as displaying the strength and resilience of the African American community in the face of bigotry and injustice.
Confronting Racism and Social Injustice
Dick Gregory’s short story “Shame” provides powerful insight into the racism and discrimination faced by African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s and how the strength of the African American community enabled them to overcome these obstacles. The story of “Shame” follows the protagonist, a young African American man, as he experiences racism and prejudice in America.
Throughout the story, the protagonist is made aware of the color of his skin and how it affects how those around him treat him. For example, when the protagonist arrives at the train station, he is asked to leave the “white section” even though he travels with his white friend (Gregory, 2019). This injustice is a powerful reminder of the racism that was still prevalent in the United States during this period.
Finding Strength in Community Solidarity
The strength of the African American community is also highlighted in “Shame.” Despite the racism and discrimination that the protagonist faces, he can find comfort in being part of a larger community. When asked to move to the back of the train, he finds solace in being surrounded by other African Americans who are experiencing the same injustice (Gregory, 2019). This reminder of his community’s strength is a powerful statement that African Americans were not alone in their struggle against discrimination.
Conclusion
To summarize, “Shame” by Dick Gregory demonstrates the prejudice and mistreatment African Americans experienced in the 1950s and 1960s and how their collective resilience enabled them to triumph over adversity. Despite the injustices that the protagonist faces, he is reminded of the resilience and strength of his community, which serves as a reminder of the courage of African Americans during this period. Lastly, the story provides a unique perspective on the power of resistance and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and rights.
Reference
Gregory, D. (2019). Shame. In Nigger: An Autobiography. (pp. 31-36). Penguin Publishing Group.