Racial Issues from Fences

Introduction

“Fences” is the most renowned book written by August Wilson in 1983 (Wilson, 1983). The theme of the book revolves around the racial bias practiced against Black Americans in the American society during 1950's. The story has been performed as play in various theaters. Academicians and Critics believe that this play gives an interesting insight about the life of three generations of black Americans, through its characters. It depicts the frustration found in the generations if black people who could not make their dreams true due to the existence of racial bias. This paper analyzes the racial issues presented in the book.

Time Settings and Background of the Story

The story highlights the racial bias present for the black Americans in the post era of World War II. Despite the loyalty and patriotism of black Americans for America, which they showed during the War, they had not paid the price justifiably (Wilson, 1983). It was the period when the civil right movement was at its full extent and the black Americans were gradually transforming into the respectable middle class of the American society. Prior to this time, African American people were tired of facing the racial discrimination not only for the politics, but for nearly every area of life. They faced workplace discriminations, differences in the quality of health care and education they received, different and low standards of housing and many more (Boundless, 2013). In addition, these people also had to face the brutality from the Police. Many of the Black people served as servants of white Americans, and their conditions were even worse as compared to the free Black people. The lives of the free black people who lived in the states where slavery was legally prohibited were far better than those who live in the states where slavery was allowed. In the latter ones, mostly the black people were not allowed to own their lands, to travel freely, and even to attend the prayers as there was a risk of rebellion if the slave would have come to communication with these black people. In most of the states, black people were not even allowed to vote or to educate their children. On the other hand, the slaves who lived in the states where slavery was legally prohibited enjoyed a better life style and were successful in getting a better economic and social position; however they could ...