How Does Richard Resist And Overcome Segregation And Other Obstacles That Make It Difficult For Him To Succeed In The South

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How Does Richard Resist and Overcome Segregation and Other Obstacles That Make It Difficult For Him to Succeed In the South
Richard grows up in a community that is full of racism and discrimination for the blacks by the whites. The discrimination is so intense to the extent that there is no hope for reforms not unless the entire culture is changed: something which is difficult to achieve. “Tradition meant everything” (1.7.43). Therefore, Richard realizes that through education, he can get sufficient knowledge that would in turn help in fight for the rights of the blacks. He also, sees playing as a way of wasting time and decides to fit in the society in his own way: which is reading instead of playing. He also decides to read so that he can fit in the class of the whites who were familiar with education as compared to the whites. Hence, these different actions helps him overcome segregation and other obstacles in the south.
Among such acts is the fact that Richard decides to read instead of playing with other children. This is a reflection that he is not ready to join the society in a manner that the rest of the individuals think is best for him. Instead, Richard chooses his way of fitting into the racism-filled society. He sees himself as a gifted person, and neither the whites nor the blacks seem to understand him, and therefore, he knows that he only has the option of wilting or conforming. As a result, he ends up following the middle path because none of the above options work for him. This act is an evidence of how Richard resists the segregation because in the case whereby he could have decided to grow up like the other children, then he would end up being oppressed and facing the wrath of racism from the whites. A good example is a case whereby the principal asks him to read the graduation speech or else “you will not graduate.” Richard defies this order. Also, he leaves his grandmother’s house without obeying her mandatory...