Character Study: Clare Kendry Maria, Jordan, Jamal, and Reeya

Definition of internalized oppression Internalized oppression is the action of feeling inferior to what the person sees as superior emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc by reinforcing negative stereotypes against their own community. Maria

How is it manifested in Clare’s life? Clare puts her marriage and life in danger when she passes without letting her husband know her true race and she constantly talks poorly about her race and culture. Also being represented, is the affection Clare feels for her husband, despite the fact that he takes part in the oppression of people of color, like herself. Reeya

Evidence “It, they, made me what I am today. For, of course, I was determined to get away, to be a person and not a charity or a problem, or even a daughter of the indiscreet Ham. Then, too, I wanted things. I knew I wasn’t bad-looking and that I could ‘pass.’ You can’t know, ’Rene, how, when I used to go over to the south side, I used almost to hate all of you. You had all the things I wanted and never had had. It made me all the more determined to get them, and others. Do you, can you understand what I felt?” (Larsen, Part 1, ch 2) internalized Oppression to her own race Because of economic implications that come with being black When she says “they” she is referring to the black community and the shame it brought her as causing her to pass Greed can fuel internalized oppression(caused by the good fortune of others and the suffering of yourself) Shows Clare's yearning for other blacks to understand her perspective and reasoning I understand her reasoning, yet I still believe it is harmful Jordan

Evidence “At that reply Clare turned on Irene her seductive caressing smile and remarked a little scoffingly:’I do think that coloured people—we—are too silly about some things. After all, the thing’s not important to Irene or hundreds of others. Not awfully, even to you, Gertrude. It’s only deserters like me who have to be afraid of freaks of the nature……’” (Larsen, Part 1, Ch.2) This quote represents internalized oppression as Clare is not aware of her insensitivity and discrimination towards a group of people because for so long she has been told that people that culturally identify with her are beneath everyone else and do not deserve the same representation and respect as others. Internalized oppression is shown clearly when she looks down on herself and her own people. She's embarrassed of her identity because other people forced her to feel this way for so long. Jamal

Evidence Hello, Nig,” was his greeting to Clare. Gertrude who had started slightly, settled back and looked covertly towards Irene, who had caught her lip between her teeth and sat gazing at husband and wife. It was hard to believe that even Clare Kendry would permit this ridiculing of her race by an outsider, though he chanced to be her husband.” ( Larsen, part 1, ch 3) This is internalized oppression because although she may secretly feel bad about her husband’s abuse, she refuses to speak up for herself and her people. Her silence as a result of her desire to hide her true self is indeed oppression because it is shown throughout the rest of the book that she begins to find “truth” within her husband’s a hurtful words. Maria

What is the author’s larger message about systems of oppression? We believe that Nella Larsen tries to convey that not only is passing a form of internalized oppression, but that the system of oppression is fueled by passing, color discrimination within one's own race, and cultural appropriation. All these play a factor in the many reasons why people being oppressed do not realize it and believe in what is being said about them. Reeya