Introduction

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Grand Canyon University *

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ADM620

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Arts Humanities

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Apr 3, 2024

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2

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I. Introduction/Thesis Statement A. Defining the essence of "Recitatif" and its author, Toni Morrison B. Theme: "Recitatif" is an excellent example of literature because it avoids racial identifiers to explain how assigning racial categories can encourage viewers to stereotype people before discovering their true essence, abilities, and self-worth as human beings. II. Racism and Racial Identifiers A. What is racism and how are identifiers assigned? 1. Conveying the message behind the absence of racial identifiers for Twyla and Roberta 2. Racism becomes a metaphor when characters are introduced. B. Messages are open to understanding writers who respond or ignore the pressures of the racialized society. 1. Racism is aligned with mental illness. 2. Racism can present dominance and marginalization of characters. C. Decoding for Race: Toni Morrison’s ‘Recitatif’ and Being White, Teaching Black,” insists there are “obvious cues as to race 1. Subpoint  2. Subpoint III. Intergenerational Trauma A. Morrison depicts significant points in “Recitatif” like black culture while also considering politics, while also considering United States history, while also considering white supremacy, while also considering economic class, while also considering gender. 1. "Recitatif" takes place in the 1950’s where racial tension is pervasive 2. Discussion of racial issues during this period B. Ambiguity in Racial Identity 1. Morrison specifically didn’t assign race to the characters 2. Perceptions and assumptions of the readers behind the absence of racial identifiers C. Morrison Conveys A Message About Racism In "Recitatif"
1. Explore Toni Morrison's intentions for the absence of characters' racial identities 2. Discuss how Toni Morrisons' views on racism are reflected in "Recitatif" IV. Racism And Societal Tensions A. Literature can challenge societal issues on racism to explore how identity can impede or impact the meaning of a piece of literature. 1. Twyla and Roberta are influenced by external factors 2. Morrison’s bold choice forces the reader to look deeply at their perceptions of race and racial stereotypes. B. Conflict Presented in "Recitatif" 1. Both protagonists are faced with Man vs Society conflict 2. Racial conflicts cause Twyla and Roberta to face each other. C. Racial Categories and Barriers 1. The division of racial categories 2. Breaking the racial barriers V. Conclusion A. Review of facts concerning racism. B. Reiterate thematic analysis applied to "Recitatif" https://central.edu/writing-anthology/2020/07/07/race-perceptions-in-recitatif/#:~:text=The%20short %20story%20%E2%80%9CRecitatif%E2%80%9D%20challenges,pepper%E2%80%9D%20(Morrison %20160). https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/books/review/toni-morrison-recitatif.html https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/toni-morrison-recitatif-short-story-zadie-smith
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