Plot and Setting
David Chariandy’s novel, “Brother,” is bound by a mysterious aura that elicits a range of emotions. The main themes of the story revolve around family, racial discrimination, belonging, and identity. Through his storytelling prowess, Chariandy aims to show the impact of racial stereotypes on black communities as portrayed in the media.
The story is set in Scarborough and opens with Francis, who has been dead for ten years (Chariandy, 2018). Michael, Francis’ brother and the narrator, remains traumatized after his demise, which is plagued by police brutality and racism. However, the reappearance of an ex-girlfriend forces Michael and his mother, Ruth, to reassess the factors behind Francis’ untimely death.
The Toronto suburb of Scarborough is home to several immigrants who survive on minimum wage. Chariandry particularly describes Caribbean immigrants who moved to Canada between the 1960s and 1970s. While these individuals settled in Toronto in hopes of better opportunities, they were struck with a different reality since they became part of a cruel history plagued by racism. The novel confronts social inequality, systemic racism, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities within Canadian society, and explores the transformative potential of resilience.
Marginalization, Identity, and the Search for Belonging
While the living conditions of marginalized groups vary, they often face similar challenges that adversely impact their quality of life. Ruth raises his two boys in an apartment block with people from different ethnic backgrounds, but it is a reasonably safe place for them. However, this changes as Michael and Francis get older and get frequent run-ins with law enforcement. This was often the case because of the people, their appearance, and social groups. Biased policing practices are a violation of individual civil and legal rights. When Michael and Francis visit their mother’s side of the family, their relatives assume they live an easy life in Canada, but the opposite is true (Chariandry, 2018).
Furthermore, the story is set in a period when there was a lot of anxiety about minority groups moving into Canada, such that their profound creativity, hard work, and dreams of a better life were overlooked. In the midst of this, Francis finds solace in music, while Michael sets his eyes on Aisha and plans to move to another place. These hopes are hindered by the tragic shooting of Francis and the ensuing suspicion.
Marginalized communities, particularly individuals of color, usually experience a sense of disenfranchisement. It is often the case, mainly due to systemic barriers, that they have limited access to jobs, education, and other resources. Depriving people of their rights or freedom based on their cultural identity or background exacerbates inequality and undermines their dignity and social cohesion.
At one point, Michael and Francis watch a news report on television about street violence through a shop window. This built a sense of self-consciousness about their reality of being trapped in a community constantly troubled by economic insecurity and gang wars. When Aisha’s father passes, she returns to her neighborhood and helps Michael take care of his mother. Michael realized that “We were losers…without futures…we were nobodies” (Chariandry, 2018).
This feeling of exclusion among marginalized individuals may lead to social disconnection, a lack of representation, limited opportunities, and heightened vulnerability. Chariandry diverts the focus on building a more cohesive society that respects and promotes diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Overall, the narrative captures resilience, creativity, and love for family, and prompts readers to question the ideals of heroism, equality, and class.
Reference
Chariandry, D. (2018). Brother: A novel. McClelland & Stewart.