Theme of Oppression in So What Are You, Anyway? by Lawrence Hill Essay Sample

John Lowe had claimed that “All oppressed people seize whatever weapons they can to fight oppression.”. Their problems are the behavior of establishing unjustifiable disparities among individuals according to the groups, classes, or other classifications to which they correspond or are thought to be a part of.  The short story “So What Are You, Anyway” by Lawrence Hill,  Carole, a young girl, is appointed to sit next to Henry and Betty Norton, who interrogate her about her ethnicity. Oppression does not end when the oppressor is out of the picture. Based on how she was questioned about her parents, Henry's possible insanity and the fact that no one defended Carol. Despite how many instances you attempt to fight for what you believe in, there will always be individuals who take away all of your privileges. 

In regard to how she was harassed, they had no permission to question her background and characterized it in a variety of misleading ways. They humiliated her by referring to her as one of her dolls. Henry proceeded on his way to strike up a conversation and mentioned, “A doll of yours is back,” Henry Norton says. “That ‘s a Negro doll.  That’s race. Negro. What’s your race?” (Hill, 4). They had compared her to a doll who did not represent her. This was the moment when they sought to demonstrate that no matter where you are, there would always be a comparison between you and something. After they had realized that she was half black and white Mrs. Norton stated “So you’re mixed?” Mrs. Norton says. “You’re a mulatto!. (Hill, 5). She did not have the right to ask her this many questions and have the audacity to tell her that she belongs to a group. The entitlement of what is unjustified and valid to say regarding anybody has shown them the reality of being judged depending on race.

Henry's apparent insanity may have contributed to Henry's desperation in questioning the character about her actions and race. In regards to Henry's actions and behaving as though he was not taught correct etiquette on how to socialize with others, “ The man lowers the back of his seat, chuckling. He whispers to his wife. “No!” Carole hears her whisper back, “You ask her!” (Hill, 2). It's not like he has any condition, but he has a tendency of not being able to regulate what he conducts and behaves like a child to the people he encounters. He was so insistent on approaching her and had mentioned, “A black doll!  I never saw such a thing!” (Hill, 1). This merely demonstrates how ignorant he is and how invalid his concept of describing anything to someone that should not be expressed . Carol simply remained silent so as not to aggravate the oppressor's predicament.

Finally, Carol was actively speaking out what was actually wrong. As she spoke to the stewardess, no one defended her aspect of the incident, “I’m sorry, but we don’t have time to move you now. We’re serving a meal. Ask me later, if you like.” (Hill, 5). This just simply proves that being discriminated against is not determined on how you engage towards it, but how people perceive the situation.  As she proceeds to clarify her side, “How would you like it if that happened to you?” Carole says. (Hill, 6).  Pointing her how insane both of the couples are and why they feel compelled to ask her things that will not profit them. Minding your own business makes a big difference but taking action to someone that is suffering will make change. 

When the oppressor is excluded from the scene, the oppression does not diminish. Carol was interrogated about her parents, Henry's potential instability, and the fact that no one protected her. This just indicates that we have perspectives to express, but it is not constantly desirable to do so since what we say may affect somebody as shown in this short story.