Black Power

Kayla Leone

September 9, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW1100

Black Power Response

            In “Black Power” The Color of Water, by James McBride, the main point being made is that most whites were fearful of the blacks and the power they withheld. Black Power was happening all over the city. They had fast cars that they would name and race, graffiti all over the city, and cheering and uproars when a black man did something that they thought was beneficial. The white man feared the Negro, except for his mother. She was a white woman with black children. She was tormented and harassed because of black power, but the passage helps show that she was strong enough to ignore the commentary.

            I think it is an identity that defines McBride. Growing up, McBride was able to live through his family’s identity. He describes his grandmother as “an ancient black woman with a beautiful face who seemed very confused, walking around with a blue dress and a fishing pole, the bait, tackle, and line dragging down around her ankles”. McBride describes his dad as “a man who was always concerned about money, and trusted the providence of the Holy Father to do the rest”.  Throughout the passage, McBride descriptively identifies the people in his life. Because he is doing this, I believe that identity plays a large role in defining himself. I feel this way because identity plays a big part in someone’s life.