Examine how white people and black people regard each other in "No Witchcraft for Sale," "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses." How do they help to teach and support each other, and how do they fail? Think about what each group is trying to protect and when it withholds something from the other.
In the short stories "No Witchcraft for Sale" by Doris Lessing, "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off" by Nadine Gordimer, and "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" by Bessie Head, the dynamics between white people and black people are depicted in varying ways. While there are instances of teaching and support between the two groups, there are also instances of failure and withholding of information. These interactions provide insights into the different priorities and desires of each group and shed light on the underlying tensions within racially divided societies.
In "No Witchcraft for Sale," the relationship between Gideon and Teddy reflects a sense of mutual respect and assistance. Gideon, a black servant, possesses ancient healing knowledge, which becomes valuable to Teddy, a white boy suffering from a severe allergic reaction. Teddy's parents, Margery and Roy, genuinely appreciate Gideon's ability to heal their son and acknowledge his expertise. Gideon, in turn, willingly shares his knowledge, highlighting the trust and unity between these individuals. However, while Gideon possesses valuable knowledge, he is also reflective of the ongoing racial power dynamics. Despite his abilities, he is ultimately subservient to the white family and does not challenge the existing racial hierarchy.
Similarly, in "The Moment Before the Gun Went Off," the relationship between the white farmer, Van der Vyver, and his black servant, Lucas, showcases elements of support and mutual reliance. After accidentally shooting and killing Lucas' son, Van der Vyver helps cover up the incident to protect Lucas and his family from the repercussions of the racially prejudiced legal system. Van der Vyver's actions demonstrate his concern for Lucas and the recognition of the systemic injustice faced by black individuals. However, this support is conditional and ulteriorly motivated, as Van der Vyver avoids personal accountability and maintains his white privilege. While there is a temporary sense of teaching and support between them, it is undermined by the limitations and exploitation of the power dynamics at play.
Contrasting these stories, "The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses" portrays a more overtly hostile relationship between white authority figures and a group of black prisoners. The superintendent, Red, represents the oppressive white authority, while Brille, a black prisoner, rises as a source of hope and inspiration for the other inmates. Brille acts as an educator, teaching his fellow prisoners the importance of literacy and self-empowerment, which occurs clandestinely within the context of the harsh prison environment. Nevertheless, despite Brille's efforts to uplift and support his fellow inmates, the story ultimately showcases the systemic failure of the white authority to provide a fair and just environment, reinforcing the power imbalance and dehumanization of black individuals.
In all three stories, there are instances where each group fails to fully understand or support the other. The white characters often withhold important information or resources, protecting their own privilege and power at the expense of the black characters. This highlights the inherent divisions and tensions between the racial groups. The black characters, while striving to support and teach each other, often remain at the mercy of the white characters' actions.
Overall, through these complex portrayals of white-black relationships, these stories shed light on the complex dynamics, power imbalances, and failures in racially divided societies. They highlight that genuine support and understanding can often be undermined by the underlying racial tensions and prejudices present within such contexts. These stories serve as a reminder of the ongoing need to acknowledge and address these power imbalances to move towards a more equal and just society.