Flannery O Connor Racism

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Pages: 4

Racism In Oblivion Legendary writer, Flannery O’Connor, shows how racism is relevant and can affect people’s lives through her short stories, “Everything That Rises Must Converge”, and “Revelation”. “Everything That Rises Must Converge”, is a fascinating story that shows how racism can affect people’s lives. Starting off, Julian’s arrogant mother insists that Julian accompanies her on a bus ride to her exercise class. She needs to drop twenty pounds “on account of her blood pressure” (1). Before leaving, Julian and his mother debate whether or not she should wear the seven-dollar hat she recently bought. Although it pleased her and depressed Julian, he chose to support her hat choice. They got on the bus, meanwhile, Julian was feeling “more depressed than ever” (2). Julian …show more content…
However, Julian saw this coming and viewed her gesture as an offensive, petty handout. Shortly after, Julian’s mom passed out as a result of a stroke. Julian’s mother’s racist views ultimately get in the way of potential conversation and friendship on the bus. It also results in her confrontation with the black lady. She is blind to see that her racist views are not only impacting black people, but also herself and her son. Flannery O’Connor’s, “Revelation”, is another example of how racism is relevant and can impact those around us. Mrs. Turpin is a middle-aged, white woman, visiting the doctor with her husband, Claud. Claud has an ulcer on his leg, but they’re forced into the waiting room upon arrival. While waiting, Mrs. Turpin’s internal monologue shows her racist views and harsh judgment of those around her. She notices a young fat lady, Mary Grace, reading a book and thinks, “how pitiful it was to have a face like that at that age” (3). She also noticed the mother of the child wouldn’t move over a seat for her. “Her dirty yellow hair was tied behind with a little piece of red paper