The Effects of Racism During the 1940's
             Racism has been around for hundreds of years. One example of how racism against blacks was rempant during the 1940's is seen in Toni Morrison's novel, The Bluest Eye.
             Throughout the story the characters are victims of racism. Not only do these characters suffer from racism from mainstream White society, but also from their superior light-skinned African American people. Examples of the effects of racism on the examining the lives of Pecola, Louis J.r. , and Soaphead Church.
             The first example of racism, and the most affected character of this horrendous deed known as racism is Pecola Breedlove. Pecola is born to two parents who never felt like they fit in or were loved when they were growing up and still don;t.Pecola's mother, Pauline, only cares about fitting in. When she was young she had dreams and hopes about one day being acceptedbut these dreams die when she injures her foot. Soon after her marriage with Cholly, Pauline looses her front tooth and along with it she looses her sel-respect. After Sammy and Pecola are born, Pauline returns to work and begins working for a white family,The Fishers. Here she finds her self-respect again, because according to them she is the ideal servant.
             Pecola's father, Charles (Cholly) Breedlove, was abandoned by his mother on a "junk heap by the railroad"( Morrison 132 ) at day four, and was never recognized as a son by his father. Cholly's great Aunt Jimmy takes him in but their age difference and habits keep them from a close relationship, which he desperately needs. At his Great Aunt Jimmy's funeral, Cholly is surprised by two white men when he is having his first sexual intercourse and is demanded to continue. This shame is reflected in him for years to come. The result of this is a violent drunk, an unfaithful husband, and an abusive father.
             Pecola never felt love or affection at her house, but rather was a witness of her parents cont...