Black Power Response

Lily Terhune

Friday September 12, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Black Power Response

In McBride’s story “Black Power, the term black power is used throughout the novel and has a significant impact on the main character James. Growing up, at nine years old James questions his mother about her background yet never receives an answer he wants. James is one of 12 children, all ranging in different shades of brown although his mother is white. Being white never seemed to effect his mother, although it was obvious to other people that she was not the same color as her children. Black power frightens James not because he is scared for his own safety but for the safety of his mother. I think McBride’s point about black power is that James has no other option to fear for his mother because he is surrounded by the idea that blacks and whites do not mix. Although James supported and cheered for a car named Black Power at a gray race, it is obvious that he fears it at the same time for his mother’s sake because she is white. James says, “I thought black power would be the end of my mother” ( McBride, 26). Black power does not make up James' identity, it fills him with fear.

I think that black power is considered an idea not an identity that influences James. He understands that his mother is always in danger. On a subway ride home James watches his mother fight with a mugger over her purse and she just brushes it off as if it does not effect her. although James is stricken with fear. His mother also receives many comments from both white and black people like “nigger lover” and “look at that white bitch”. She would be the only white person in sight, yet feel completely comfortable and part of the black community. I think black power is an idea that defines who James is. Because James is black and part of the black community he is safe from black power. He has to fear for his mother. When James is on a bus and sees his mother standing with a Black Panther he tries to warn her and is unsuccessful. He punches the Black Panther’s son out of anger and fear for his mother. Being black is part of James identity, yet Black Power is an idea that James does not want to identify himself with for the sake of his mother's safety.