The Struggle in a Raisin in the Sun

Introduction

Chicago’s Southside, like many other Northern cities in the 1950s, was home to numerous African Americans who faced the harsh realities of substandard housing and pervasive racism. Lorraine Hansberry's seminal play, "A Raisin in the Sun," vividly captures the struggles of a family battling poverty and seeking equality within a gloomy urban landscape. Through the experiences of the Younger family, this play offers an accurate historical reflection of the challenges African Americans faced during this period, highlighting the complexities of race relations and the fragmentation of black families.

This essay explores the multifaceted effects of racism on the Youngers, focusing on their struggles with income, employment, housing, unity, and self-esteem.

Economic Disparities

One significant effect of racial discrimination on the Youngers is reflected in their financial struggles. When Walter, the protagonist, speaks to Mama, he laments, "…I pass the cool, quiet-looking restaurants where them white boys are sitting back talking ’bout things…sitting there turning deals worth millions of dollars…sometimes I see guys don’t look much older than me" (Hansberry 74). This statement underscores the stark income gap between white and black citizens. During the 1950s, wealth distribution was heavily skewed, with white Americans enjoying far greater economic opportunities. This disparity is a central theme in "A Raisin in the Sun," as the Youngers strive to support each other and overcome their financial hardships. Mama's reflection, "…Once upon a time freedom used to be life–now it’s money. I guess the world really do change…" (Hansberry 74), further emphasizes how the pursuit of financial stability has overshadowed other aspirations. The relentless quest for money to provide a better life for his family profoundly impacts Walter's character and decisions.

Employment Challenges

The racial barriers to employment further exacerbate the Youngers' struggles. Walter reveals, "–I have worked as a chauffeur most of my life–and my wife here, she does domestic work in people’s kitchen. So does my mother" (Hansberry 147). The unemployment rate for African Americans during this era was nearly double that of whites, leaving limited job opportunities for black individuals. Those jobs that were available often paid poorly, barely covering the family's essential needs. Beneatha's exclamation, "And forgive me for ever wanting to be anything at all! (Pursuing him on her knees across the floor) FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME, FORGIVE ME!" (Hansberry 37), highlights the societal barriers faced by African Americans, particularly women, in pursuing professional careers like medicine. Traditional gender roles dictated that women focus on domestic duties, further restricting their opportunities. The racial tensions experienced by the Youngers significantly limited their ability to seek better employment, trapping them in a cycle of economic hardship.

Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination is yet another manifestation of the racial prejudice faced by the Youngers. The play describes their cramped living conditions: "…a bedroom which is shared by Mama and her daughter, Beneatha…a second room (which in the beginning of the life of this apartment was probably a breakfast room) which serves as a bedroom for Walter and his wife, Ruth" (Hansberry 24). These conditions reflect the reality for many African Americans living in northern cities, where low income and systemic racism limited their housing options. The character Lindner’s statement, "…as I say, that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities" (Hansberry 118), highlights the pervasive segregation, as many white Americans resisted integration with black families. Consequently, African Americans were often confined to segregated neighborhoods with inferior housing quality, while white families enjoyed the comforts of suburban life. This segregation reinforced the social and economic divide between races.

Family Unity

Racism also impacts the Youngers by influencing their sense of unity and family cohesion. Beneatha’s declaration, "There is simply no blasted God–there is only man and it is he who makes miracles!" (Hansberry 51), leads to a powerful confrontation with Mama, who slaps her daughter for rejecting deeply held family beliefs. The societal pressures and discrimination faced by black families often strained their unity, but it also provided a source of resilience and solidarity. Family bonding through shared identity and traditions offered a respite from external burdens. Asagai, another character, reflects on this, saying, "…there is only one large circle that we march in, around and around, each of us with our own little picture in front of us–" (Hansberry 134). Despite societal divisions, the play suggests that African Americans could find strength in unity and mutual support, even as external forces threatened to tear them apart.

Self-Esteem and Identity

Lastly, racism affects the Youngers' self-esteem and sense of identity. The characters grapple with their aspirations and perceived limitations within a racist society. Walter's constant struggle to assert himself and provide for his family is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by African Americans seeking to overcome societal barriers. The internalization of racial prejudice can erode self-worth, yet the Youngers also find moments of empowerment and agency as they confront these obstacles. The play illustrates how systemic racism not only impacts external circumstances but also shapes individuals' perceptions of themselves and their potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Raisin in the Sun" serves as a poignant exploration of the multifaceted effects of racism on the Younger family. The play vividly portrays the economic disparities, employment challenges, housing discrimination, and their impact on family unity and self-esteem. Through the lens of the Youngers' experiences, Lorraine Hansberry offers a powerful commentary on the broader historical context of African Americans' lives in the 1950s. By examining the interplay of these factors, the play underscores the resilience and determination of a family striving to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Ultimately, "A Raisin in the Sun" remains a timeless reflection on the enduring struggle for equality and dignity in the face of systemic racism.

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