Big Black Good Man, One Essay

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Men always asked for whisky and a woman, but this case was different. Olaf was most likely thinking about the stereotypes that black men were more sexually potent and had greater prowess. Who could handle Jim, "but this one is big," Olaf found himself saying" (100). Lena could not understand why he asked that question, since "You never asked me that before..." Her response was "He's just a man," which was not what Olaf saw. He did not see a man. He saw a "black mountain of energy, of muscle, of bone..." (101)

Olaf was especially afraid of this energy and muscle, because he was anticipating that it would be inflicted against him. Not all blacks were violent, he thought, but given this nonhuman's "booming voice" and physical strength, he's "probably too violent to boot...There was something about the man's intense blackness and ungamely bigness that frightened and insulted..." (96). This fear of violence was the worst stereotype for Olaf. It made him shake, sweat and even void in his pants. He truly believed that this "black mass of power" was going to harm, if not kill, him.

Here was the irony of Wright's story. The main character did not see himself as racist, yet held all of the stereotypes of blacks during this time. Because of these mistaken beliefs, he was overcome and not able to see the truth: Jim was not a violent and mean man. In fact, he was just the opposite. Olaf would have known this if he had just given Jim the chance.

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However, automatically when he saw Jim's size and color, this was impossible. On the other hand, Lena not only recognized Jim's qualities, but is welcoming him into her home and family.

Jim's reaction to this whole situation adds ironic humor to Wright's story. He immediately senses Olaf's fear, which was so evident, and plays on it. He probably has a good laugh about the absolute fear that Olaf feels when being measured for the shirts. Jim could have easily said, "I sell shirts and would like to give you some. Let's check out your size," but refrains from doing so. He has seen prejudice his whole life and is reacting in his own way, as Olaf does. That is why Jim returns to the hotel with the shirts, which were not necessary to purchase. He wants to give Olaf that last dig. He wants to show Olaf that he is a good man, regardless of being white or black.

Olaf, who has to be told something over and over again until he gets the point, if he gets it all, finally calls "thanks," when everything sinks in. Then, Jim gets in the last word "Daddy-O, drop dead...(109). At this point, Olaf will learn from this lesson and recognize his bigotry or he will just chalk Jim's comment up as another example of black violence. Given Olaf's personality, it is not too difficult to know what happens.

Wright, Richard. "Big Black Good Man," in Eight Men, 93-109.….....

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