The novel The Bluest Eye deals with the colour problem in America. Discuss.

 

Assimilationism –

According to Bernard W. Bell. assimilationism is “the process by which different ethnic groups are absorbed into the larger community. It projects the image of America as a melting pot of nationalities. . . .”’ The popular assumption behind the creed was that blacks had to disown their colour and their black culture and had to become white in outlook if not in actual fact in order to become first class American citizens. According to novelist George Schuyler ( 1895- 1977) assimilation was the key to survival for African Americans. His novel Black No More (1 93 1) which tells the story of Dr. Crookman. A black man who has devised an electrical process for – blanching black skins is a satirical treatment of the irrationality of colour prejudice.

“Black is Beautiful”  –

This attitude is exemplified in a poem of Langston Hushes, “I, Too,” in which the