Examination of Environment in Afro American Literature

1. People Respond By Challenging Social Norms

1.1. Challenge norms within mainstream society

1.1.1. "A Raisin In The Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry

1.2. Rejecting mainstream society entirely

1.2.1. "The Glorious Outlaw" by Imani Perry

1.2.2. "The Black Arts Movement" by Larry Neal

1.2.3. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

2. Environment Creates Pressure for Forgiveness

2.1. Forgiveness is given for practicality or for survival

2.1.1. "Belles Lettres" by Nafissa Thompson-Spire

2.1.2. "Amnesty" by Octavia Butler

2.2. Forgiveness is used to heal trauma caused by the environment

2.2.1. "Fences" by August Wilson

3. Environment Creates Trauma

3.1. Trauma motivates us to action.

3.1.1. "Amnesty" by Octavia Butler

3.1.2. "The Glorious Outlaw" by Imani Perry

3.2. Trauma disrupts ability to function in a healthy way.

3.2.1. "Fences" by August Wilson

3.2.2. "Summer Words of a Sistuh Addict" by Sonia Sanchez

3.2.3. "Going to Meet the Man" by James Baldwin

4. Environment Creates Generational Cycles

4.1. Perpetuated by ignorance of family history

4.1.1. "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

4.2. Perpetuated despite awareness of family history

4.2.1. "Fences" by August Wilson

5. Toxic White Gaze

5.1. White oppressors try to force people into stereotypical roles and assimiliation

5.1.1. "Dutchman" by Amiri Baraka

5.2. Issues arise in aspiring to assimilate

5.2.1. "Belles Lettres" by Nafissa Thompson-Spire