Throughout "Beloved," Toni Morrison demonstrates the lasting psychological effects of slavery and racism on the Sweet Home slaves and their relations. In the face of such a truthful portrayal of an evil system, some readers might want to find some kind of hope in the other characters in the novel, seeing a sort of kindness in the white women in the story. However, this approach leads to neglecting the oppression these women perpetuate along the way.
When Sethe decides she and Halle want to get married, she immediately chooses to tell Ms. Garner her idea, hoping that her mistress will allow her to have some level of a ceremony. After explaining to Sethe that Sethe will be pregnant someday and complimenting Halle for his kindness, Ms. Garner laughs at her slave, touching her head and stating, "You are one sweet child" (31). Numerous aspects of this interaction demonstrate that Ms. Garner is not as benevolent as she sees herself, or as some readers may see her. She calls Sethe a child, despite the fact that Sethe is old enough to get married and perform forced labor for the Garners; this serves to infantilize her and 'put her in her place.' Her statements digress from Sethe's question, and patting her on the head is very patronizing. Letting her get married does not demonstrate any sort of motherly love for Sethe -- a mother would not keep her child in bonds.
Amy Denver, the other white girl in the novel, both seems and acts a lot nicer than Ms. Garner. Guiding Sethe through the woods, massaging her feet and legs, and helping wrap up baby Denver were all genuine gestures of kindness. However, Amy is not immune to racism, despite her 'good intentions.' Specifically, she tells Sethe, "I don't want to see your ugly black face hankering over me [if you die]" (97), and 'that she wouldn't be caught dead in daylight on a busy river with a runaway" (99-100). It's true that Amy would be in danger if she stays with Sethe, and that she does care for Sethe. But she is also aware that her race gives her privilege over Sethe despite their relatively similar family background and personal experiences, and uses that knowledge to occasionally reinforce her superiority over the runaway.
These two characters demonstrate the ways that gender and racism intersect: white women are seen as kind, innocent, well-intended victims, even when they either directly and willingly perpetuate violent racism (Ms. Garner) or make remarks that reinforce racism (Amy Denver). As a white girl in 2017, I see the lasting legacy of this trope in the way that I'm treated by teachers, administrators, and others. It's too easy - and dangerously ignorant of centuries of history - to glance past white women's actions in "Beloved" by assuming that facing sexism cancels out racism.
I love that you decided to write about this topic. I think that it is so important to talk about the importance of this book during the time that it was written. Published in the 1990's, "Beloved" was launched into and era (that continues) where representation of African American women was very rare and one-dimensional. However, through her writing Morrison is able to counter this traditionally known "one-note narrative" through her incredibly complex and thoughtful characters. This counter narrative about African American women is compelling and real. Loved this post, Grace!
ReplyDeleteThis is so important to remember. I have often found myself falling into the trap of the "nice white lady" and it is absolutely essential that as a white person myself I remember that absolutely nothing makes racism acceptable.
ReplyDeleteYes!!!! I completely agree with everything you said, I love the way that Morrison forces you to acknowledge that even if a white woman went through sh*t (like Amy) she's still white and still benefits from institutional racism. The moment that really did it for me was when Ms. Garner gave Sethe the diamond earrings as a "wedding gift" - something about the way she gave them to Sethe because she felt pity at seeing her want a wedding ceremony/dress so badly while upholding the system that keeps those things from her just Really put me on edge.
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