Anabel Rios

Ms. Storer
English 3H
March 15, 2020
My Biggest Takeaway from A Raisin in the Sun
The biggest takeaway I had from A Raisin in the Sun is how difficult it was for the
average African American family to live throughout this time period. The average African
American family had to take on jobs that restricted their true passions, deal with
racism/segregation, and continue to strive towards the American dream despite living in such
conditions. The setting of A Raisin in the Sun is during the 1950s, which is a few years after the
Great Depression so that impact of it still remains.
During this time many people struggled to find jobs and if they did find one, majority of
them were not high paying. Many African Americans took on jobs that were essentially the
chores of white people. Ruth was a domestic worker because she would watch the children of
white people and also cleaned their kitchens. On top of that, she also cared for her family. While
arguing with Beneatha, Walter drags Ruth into their disagreement by saying, “You are in it—
Don’t you get up and go work in somebody’s kitchen for the last three years to help put clothes
on her back?” (Hansberry 40). Personally, if I took on a job that was essentially the chore of
some white person, I would feel as if it was degrading. To have so many passions and dreams in
life but you have to work that job since it is the only one she could get. The same applies to
Walter; he does not want to be a chauffeur, he wants more. Yet, he must stick with it since it is
the only job he has.
Racism was common since the 1950s was a time around the time of the Jim Crow laws.
Reading about the specific moment when Karl Lindner tried to stop the Youngers from moving
in was shocking, He went out of his way just to stop them. “Well—I don’t understand why you
people are reacting this way. What do you think you are going to gain by moving into a
neighborhood where you just aren’t wanted and where some elements—well—people can get
awful worked up when they feel that their whole way of life and everything they’ve ever worked
for is threatened.” (Hansberry 119). Black families dealt with racism daily which is sad because
they should not have had to. Although our society today is not as racist and segregated, we still
have those people with a superior mindset thinking that a specific race is better. I’m glad my
parents raised me with kindness for everyone.
Despite living with these conditions, black families still wanted the American dream. To
be financially stable, have a good job, and buy a house for themselves. Mama exemplifies this
dream, “(Putting her finger on his nose for emphasis) She went out and she bought you a house!
(The explosion comes from WALTER at the end of the revelation and he jumps up and turns
away from all of them in a fury. MAMA continues, to TRAVIS) You glad about the house? It’s
going to be yours when you get to be a man.” (Hansberry 92). To attain the American dream was
difficult, that is why Mama was only able to do so at her old age. Mama and her husband worked
their lives for this moment so in the end, Mama was able to purchase a house for her family.