Life’s Not Black-and-White: Identity Expression and Race in Invisible Man
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Edward Upton
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Literature, Sociology
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
Throughout Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, an unnamed narrator partakes in a journey of self-discovery, coming to terms with the effect that race has on his identity and role in society. While some argue that the narrator’s invisibility refers to how white society perceives him, I argue that this invisibility is three-fold: black America is invisible to themselves, to each other, and to white society. Furthermore, this invisibility is not the cause but is a symptom of an “identity expression discrepancy.” While white Americans can choose who they are, what they do, and how they are perceived, black Americans’ identities are limited to the perceptions of their race, and these limitations are assumed within oneself, between members of the same race, and by white society. Ultimately, despite Ellison’s criticism of the polarization of race, he does not advocate for a colorblind society. For Ellison, the ideal society is one in which the identity expression discrepancy within black Americans is eliminated, meaning that black Americans would have the freedom to express themselves by their own individual identities, not by the color of their skin. In this way, black Americans could even choose to define themselves outside of the black historical experience. This balance is one that 21st century America has yet to perfect, but should continue to strive toward.
Recommended Citation
Laatsch, Cori, "Life’s Not Black-and-White: Identity Expression and Race in Invisible Man" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1232.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1232
