Portrayal of a Man

EL’Drece Taylor

Professor Leslie

HUMA 202 Section .004

17 April 2008

Portrayal of a Man

African American men in the past years were viewed as their family’s backbone, supporting all needs and provisions. Completely opposite from slavery times and the period of segregation, today most African American men have gained the stereotype as being too dependent. They have developed a stubborn, lackadaisical attitude. Although they maintain their prideful nature, they rely heavily on the nurturing and support they receive from their mothers. It is this spoiling behavior given to them by their mothers that contributes to their half-work tendencies and their “the world owes me” mentality. This depiction can be observed through the character Walter Lee Younger in the play A Raisin in the Sun written by Lorraine Hansberry. In Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Walter Lee is depicted is a grown man that has a grudge against society; he relies on pampering support from others and throws temper tantrums when things do not go his way.

Opposed to accepting their responsibilities and defying difficult circumstances, African American males have allowed their stubborn ways to immobilize their capabilities. They have become too reliant among others instead of getting things done themselves. The spoiling treatment they have adapted to cripples them psychologically, causing them to rely on the support of others. This temperament also contributes to their lack of ambition, causing them to be left behind in society.

Walter Lee Younger’s personal vendetta against society is displayed when he converses with George Murchison. Walter tries to explain his plans to George and convince him to set up a meeting between him and his father. However George nonchalantly brushes him off. Walter starts off:

I got some plans that could turn this city upside down. I mean think like he does. Big. Invest big, gamble big, hell, lose big if you have to, you know what I mean. It’s hard to find a man on this whole Southside who understands my kind of thinking-you dig? Me and you ought to sit down and talk sometimes, man. Man I got some ideas…(2.1.84-85).

“Yeah