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Passing By Nella Larsen Sparknotes

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Passing Dangers: The Emotional toll of living an inauthentic life
Living an inauthentic life is a dangerous and detrimental pursuit, as it can lead to a loss of one's true identity and a disconnection from one's sense of self. This theme is explored in Nella Larsen's novel, Passing, which tells the story of two childhood friends who choose to pass as white in order to escape racial discrimination. Additionally, "The Day I Passed for White'' by Kelly McWilliams and "My Mother Spent Her Life Passing as White" by Gail Lusasik both delve into the personal experiences of individuals who have chosen to pass as white, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll it can take. Together, these works demonstrate the dangers of living an inauthentic …show more content…

Through the experiences of their characters and themselves, these authors demonstrate the emotional and psychological toll that passing as white can take on individuals. Passing as white, which is the act of hiding one's racial identity in order to escape discrimination, can lead to a loss of one's true identity and a disconnection from one's sense of self. This is illustrated in Larsen's novel through the characters of Irene and Clare, who both choose to pass as white but ultimately realize the limitations and drawbacks of this decision. Similarly, in McWilliams' and Lusasik's personal accounts, it is shown that passing as white can lead to alienation, disconnection, and emotional turmoil. Furthermore, these works also highlight the societal pressure and discrimination that individuals of color face, which can lead them to make the decision to pass as white. The pressure to conform to societal norms and escape discrimination can be overwhelming, and it is important to recognize the impact it can have on an individual's mental and emotional

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