2. Definition
The belief that all members of each race possess
characteristics or abilities specific to that race,
esp. so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior
to another race or races
3. Background Of Racism
Racism is as old as mankind.
Racism, many times, arises from fear.
In the United States, the has been
discriminations against African Americans,
Asian Americans, Latin Americans, European
Americans, and Native Americans.
4. Racism In 1930’s
A large majority of white population
discriminated against African Americans.
Most did not want to give them any rights but
there were some who believe they should get
legal rights but no political rights.
Many thought African Americans did not know
how act in society.
5. Racism In 1930’s
African Americans were discriminated against through
verbal and physical violence.
Discriminations on streets, railroads, parks, libraries,
and other public places
Limited Education
Discrimination in the courts
Killings- lynching, shootings, etc.
Ku Kulx Klan
The Great Depression- hard economic times, even
harder for African Americans
6. Racism In The 1930’s
African Americans lived in deep fear. They were
subject to verbal discrimination and brutal
attacks on the streets. Anything they did could
put them in danger. Just a slight suspicion from
a white person could have been extremely
dangerous for a African Ameican.
7. Scottsboro Case (1931)
Nine African Americans were riding a train headed to
Memphis when they were detained by police in
Alabama for allegedly raping two white women.
There was no evidence.
Eight out of nine were sentenced to death.
8.
9. Racism in The Piano Lesson
Sutter owning Doaker Charles’ family
Showed that Sutter thought that Doaker’s family had
specific characteristics that applied to their race and
that he was superior
Doaker’s grandmother and father being sold for
a piano
They were seen as objects as opposed to people.
10. The Piano Lesson
Having taken place around a time of racism,
Berniece may have felt especially close to the
piano. It connected to her culture and she
embraced it. The beautiful artwork on the piano
reminded Berniece of her special family ancestry
and culture during a time when this culture was
looked down upon by many.
11. The Piano Lesson
Boy Willie knew that many saw African
Americans as being nothing and most thought
that the white man was superior. By selling the
piano and buying the land, he would have felt
that he was successful and equal white men.
