The Thick Bold Line

There are not supposed to be so many differences between black and white people. However, instead of being blurry, the line between these two races is rather thick and bold. There is a clear point of view towards the members of each race, and even the characters themselves support these differences. Shortly after the period of slavery, racism in not nearly forgotten.

Although white southern people were the ones distinguishing African Americans as different, the same black race, differs themselves and sometimes even consider themselves inferior. I make this harsh statement, due to the attitude of the speaker and basically everyone in the Golden Day, at the time of the debacle. When Mr.Norton loses consciousness, the speaker becomes desperate seeking for help and a drink for the white man. When Halley refuses to sell whiskey-to go, the speaker begs him to make an exception because it is for a white man, trustee of the college he attends. Anyways, Halley declines, and the speaker has no choice but bring him in.

When they enter the tavern, all the black men make jokes about the white man, saying he is Thomas Jefferson and refer to him as the "Messiah", making an ironic joke, giving Mr.Norton absurd importance only because he is a white man. However, as the chaos is about to end, the veteran that helped wake Mr.Norton, mocks his intentions of remaining as a helper of the college and insults him by doubting his interest. At this moment, we are able to see how sometimes Afro-Americans think less of themselves due to what society has taught, since the speaker thinks much more of Mr.Norton than what the white man thinks of him.

The speaker's innocence is seen here, where he just admires white men that helped build the college because thanks to them, he has now many opportunities. However, he ignores history and these men's true intentions not realizing they are all equal. Due to this, a man in the taverns says to the speaker, "he is just a man." The thick line between white and black people is clearly seen, showing the misconception of society. Even when they go back to the school, the one to be punished is the speaker, if it weren't for what Mr.Norton said to Dr.Bledsoe. I believe it was the veteran's comments that made Mr.Norton realize how he was indirectly affecting kids like the speaker, and therefore decided to protect him.

Shortly, Reverend Barbee gives a speech about the Founder of the college, and how he fought his hard life as a slave and the obstacles that were present in his life to succeed in escaping and building such a college. Barbee's speech deeply moves the speaker, perhaps making a comparison with Mr.Norton. Just like the Founder is admired for his hard work and accomplishments, the speaker worships the white man for helping establish the school.