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However, Dr. The narrator constantly comes up against men both black and white who befriend him and use him for their own goals, such as Brother Jack, and the "Brotherhood", when they tap into to his "eloquent oratory skills", to promote their organization,then when things go wrong, they abandoned him also.The only person in the story who helped the narrator to survive against all the negativity in his life when he traveled up north was "Mary", who took him in and helped the brother get on his feet. The members of Turning Pages Book Club feel that, "The Invisible Man", although written by Ralph Ellison some 57 years ago,that many of the issues are still prevalent today, such as the "invisibility of Black Men" on college campuses, in corporate America, because of institutionalized racism.The points made in the book about various characters such as Dr.Bledsoe(HNIC) at the prestigious southern black university that the narrator won this scholarship to, show the lack of trust, encouragement and mentor ship he was given by the "Negro" leaders at the prestigious black college, were he was suppose to be nurtured and educated to become the man who in turn is a contribution to the society he lives in.Throughout the story the narrator is searching for the truth, from the prestigious black college to the north were he went to seek employment; all while being lied to by people who should have been trying to help him, like Dr.Bledsoe and other black men who came into his life,for example Brocway, who tries to save face at the paint company, instead of standing up for what was right, he betrays the narrator and goes with the company,instead of standing up for him. Bledsoe, who betrayed him from the beginning, because he was so set on preserving a certain image for the "white" sponsors of the college and the narrator did not fit his image of a proper "Negro". She did this without question, fear or a hidden agenda; other than her, to everyone else he was just another black man on the streets of the big city who is just another "Invisible" face passing by that no one cares about.This book posed many questions as well as put into perspective how life was for African American men during the 1920's/30's; for one education was a honored privilege that the majority of "Negro people" did not has access to and for a young black man to get a scholarship to one of the few prestigious black colleges was exemplary. Therefore,for the narrator to go to college and get kicked out was extremely embarrassing and degrading,therefore returning home was not an option, so he goes up north with what he thought were positive recommendation letters from the college president to help him seek employment, so he could redeem himself and return to the prestigious black college. This book exposed many issues surrounding "racism" that pertained to the era of 1920's/30's of which are still prevalent today.My recommendation is that all young black men between the ages of 13-25 read this book, then go back and read it as a mature adult male to get the complete message, which is relevant today about the situation of our African American men.An great example stated on pg. 381 regarding the biblical similarities of orators like Saul who later as he matured became Paul which is used in a parable regarding Frederick Douglas who mentioned "that he talked his way from slavery to a government ministry", which shows that history if not studied and learned can and will repeat it self, " I ponder.just how many black men can relate to feeling "invisible" in today's society".
The book represents the young man's struggle to fit in and find his identity. Invisible Man is a beautifully written novel that attests to the timeless stuggle of discrimination. Upon my first reading, I was not as thrilled with the novel as I am in my recollections. He makes himself invisible so he doesn't have to deal with the hate and the discrimination of the world. Shown through the eyes of a young African American boy, the reader is presented with the stuggle for equality. The book is full of sterotypes which were greatly present in the time period and can still be found today. It's an eye opening novel that portrays the effects on the individual of discrimination and can be felt regardless of race or gender. A beautifully written novel that will hit home with all who read it.
Extremely tightly woven story about conformity in our society in the name of race relationships and ideology. Great food for thoughts.
When I first bought this book I just needed it for my English class but when I started reading it I really did enjoy it. If you're looking for a book with a deeper meaning and something that really looks at racial issues in a different perspective this is the book for you. I bought mine used but honestly it was in great shape. This is an awesome book enjoy.
Great book. It was written at a time where racial tension was an issue at every moment in life for blacks in America.
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