Bianca Brucato

September 9, 2014

Professor Young

English 1100

“Black Power”

            In the passage “Black Power” from the novel The Color of Water, James McBride talks about issues concerning blacks fighting for pride and justice against white oppression.  Growing up as a child, James often struggled with the fact that him and his mother came from different ethical backgrounds. During James early life he was often conflicted by the love he had for his mother, and his passion to join in revolution along with his peers and fight for the rights of blacks. McBride’s main point in the concept about “black power” was not moving and compelling, but something that was evil and would end up hurting his mother.

            James felt that his mother’s life was in constant danger from the concept of “black power.” For example, when James was a boy he was boarding a bus for the summer camp he went to and one of the boy’s father was a Black Panther. James felt his mother’s life was in danger from him and tried to warn his mother. He failed to do so, and as a result punched the boy in the face out of anger and concern for his mother’s life.  The concept of “black power” filled James with panic and worry for his mother’s safety.

            I believe that this is an identity that defines who James is. James feels his mother’s life is in constant danger from the movements and revolutions of African Americans. This it gives him a negative view on African Americans joining in on “black power” movements. These movements are supposed to inspire people to fight for the rights of African Americans but instead it leaves James constantly worrying about his mother. This causes James to have an identity crisis. James feels he does not belong with the white community, who looks down on him and his mother. He also feels he does not belong with the black community, which he believes dangers his mother’s life. So the question is where does he belong. I feel that this identity crisis defines him because James is in a constant struggle to find where he belongs in life.

            The concept of “ black power” is supposed to be compelling and moving for all African Americans, but for James McBride it is the opposite. James feels it is an evil that will cause the downfall for his mother. Even though James wants to take part in the revolution for fighting for African American rights, he struggles with the idea it will bring danger for his mother. This causes James to have an identity crisis. Where does he belong in life if he cannot fit into the black or white community?