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The Idolization Of Whiteness In The Bluest Eyes By Toni Morrison

1850 Words8 Pages

In the 1900’s, many of the opinions concerning the social differences between Whites and Blacks remained following the abolishment of slavery. Although lawfully Blacks were free from the chains of White domination, society didn’t change much until late in the 1900’s, where there were still an unbalance in power and influence between the races. Particularly in American society, Whites remained the dominant force, influencing not only politics, but also in economics and art. It begs the question about idolizing European features and the immense influence such idolization has had on the actions and behaviors of Americans, particularly within the White and Black community. The Bluest Eye is a novel written by Toni Morrison, where the story follows a young African American girl and her journey in a racist community, set in Ohio following the Great Depression. Throughout the Bluest Eyes, Toni Morrison emphasizes the idolization of Whiteness through cultural conceptions of beauty that significantly influences the characteristics and actions of Pecola and Pauline Breedlove, alluding to the detrimental effects that romanization of White features has on modern America.
The main character of the Bluest Eyes is Pecola Breedlove, who is raised by her parents Cholly and Pauline Breedlove. Cholly and Pauline have an estranged marriage, where Cholly’s abusive alcoholism leads the the parents’ negligence to their family. Particularly for Pecola and Pauline, their fascination with White

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