The complicated issues of racial identity, colorism, and the act of “passing” in early 20th-century America are explored in “Passing,” a 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. Despite being set in a particular historical period, Larsen’s writing has a lasting impact on modern society and culture. To fully explore “Passing” and its parallels to current discussions on identity, authenticity, and the subtleties of social constructions, this blog post will examine the novel’s Intersectionality and historical context of the Harlem Renaissance.
Intersectionality is a theme that “Passing” focuses on. The protagonists in Larsen’s works traverse the intricacies of their identities, emphasizing the significance of understanding the multiple oppressive systems that people may experience. Intersectionality is a crucial concept in today’s identity politics talks for comprehending different people or groups’ many challenges and experiences.
“Nevertheless, Irene felt, in turn, anger, scorn, and fear slide over her. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of being a Negro, or even of having it declared. It was the idea of being ejected from any place, even in the polite and tactful way in which the Drayton would probably do it, that disturbed her.” (Larsen 19)
Race Intersectionality
The racial discrimination Irene anticipates or has experienced in the past can be attributed to her resentment and rage. She is aware of the racial bias prevalent in society as a woman of African descent, and her fear of being mistreated due to her race contributes to her emotional response.
Intersectionality of Gender
Irene’s reaction likewise connects with her orientation. Due to societal norms and prejudices, women, particularly women of color, have historically experienced exclusion and restricted access to particular spaces. Irene’s fear of being kicked out of a place demonstrates the intersectional difficulties she faces as a woman and a Black person.
Social Class Intersectionality
The Drayton Hotel’s mention suggests a certain social status and class privilege. Irene’s anxiety about being shot out from the inn uncovers her consciousness of the potential results accompanying her diverse personality. As a working-class African-American lady, she might be more defenseless against rejection because of her race and social status.
African Americans who had light complexion or could pass for white in the 1920s and 1930s occasionally decided to avoid the harsh reality of racial discrimination and get access to better prospects. Despite being a personal choice, this act of passing brought attention to the pervasive structural racism of the period and the limited options accessible to people based on their perceived ethnic identity.
By watching this CrashCourse video, we can better comprehend the Harlem Renaissance, its pertinence, and the subjects setting of Nella Larsen’s “Passing.” It sheds light on the artistic movements that shaped the period’s cultural landscape and the novel’s historical context.
Consider the significance of “Passing” and its historical context by drawing an image based on Larsen’s novel. It emphasizes the considerable effects of racial discrimination on the lives of disadvantaged populations and the challenging compromises people had to make in a profoundly unequal society. “Passing” is a moving reminder of the extent individuals went to survive and prosper, revealing the social and cultural constraints that influenced their decisions.
We can better comprehend the ongoing fight for identity, authenticity, and social equality by examining the historical background of passing during the Harlem Renaissance. It encourages us to consider how far our society has come in eradicating racism while acknowledging that the ideas of “Passing” are still relevant today.
Hi Daniel, I really like that you pointed out the intersectionality between race, gender, and class in this book. So many of Irene and Clares experiences are not just based on one thing but on the many things that make them who they are. Irene has some privilege because of her economic status and the fact that she is a light skin Black woman who is able to pass when she needs to, but she still faces many challenges as a Black person and a woman. Clare definitely has more privilege than Irene because she chooses to pass a white permanently but she she faces challenges as a woman. These intersectionalities are interesting as a reader because not everything we read is clear cut or has a definite solution.
Did you reapload this post? Because I wrote a comment under this (or something very similar then) last week.. and it’s no longer there. I don’t want to get in trouble for not completing the assignment like this lol just please confirm.. coz i don’t even have access to that comment anymore either
I agree when you say that “Irene’s fear of being kicked out of a place demonstrates the intersectional difficulties she faces as a woman and a Black person.” Irene seems to be really scared of being embarrassed in public. She worries a lot about how she looks and how others look at her. She is terrified at the idea of being the victim of racism and discrimination, and she is so lost inside her own mind that she does not want her children to learn about racism and oppression against Black people. It would have been really nice if Irene had talked to her children about it and kind of prepared for the real world because she is able to pass but her children and husband definitely can’t!
I agree that Larsen’s writing has had a lasting impact on modern society and culture, Passing definitely opens up discussion on identity and authenticity. Intersectionality is an interesting topic, internal racial discrimination is something that I realized right when I started reading Passing, Irene’s reaction to a white woman (who was Clare) looking at her she reacted with fear that she would be kicked out of the restaurant because she looked too negro, she was flushed with different emotions from anger to embarrassment. Great post!!
I liked your mention of African Americans who were light-skinned enough to pass as white “decided to avoid the harsh reality of racial discrimination and get access to better prospects”. Because in the end, you can’t really blame someone if one situation is more favorable from one’s perspective and choosing the one that is better, even if by some it could be considered a betrayal of sorts. But who can blame someone taking advantage of what they have to strive for a better life?