Name:

Institution:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Research the issues facing black and all Americans at the time that Fences was set.  Discuss at least two of these problems or obstacles that Fences also addresses. What is August Wilson’s unique perspective on these social issues in Fences?  What’s your opinion? Have things changed since then?

Introduction

Social stratification is a phenomenon that has detrimental effects on the holistic welfare of the society since historical times. This assumes different forms with the most common being discrimination on the basis of race, age, social status and marital status amongst others. Historical evidence ascertains that the Black population in America has suffered various negative impacts as it has always been perceived to be inferior to the White population. Notably, the society has undergone different social changes that emanate from inherent dynamics that are cultural, economic, environmental and social in nature. These have posed various challenges to the entire population and in most cases have undermined their entire wellbeing. In this regard, populations of African descent have suffered immensely as they are always on the receiving end. This is further compounded by the social and economic discrimination that they faced from the predominant White society. It is in this consideration that this paper provides a review of the challenges that African and American populations faced as portrayed by Wilson’s Fences.

In his review, Heather ascertains that the setting of the Fences coincided with the integration of the Black population in athletics (71). Before then, the Black pro athletes were not allowed to mix with their White counterparts. National teams were dominated by the White athletes and there were also Black teams. However, integration of the Black population in the national athletic teams led to the disappearance of Black teams (84). However, Heather notes that despite these changes, the Black pro athletes did not have equal chances to participate at all levels in athletics like their White population. Comparatively, Blacks were given low salaries and were rarely included in national teams, despite having similar capabilities like the White players. In the Fences, Troy had previously played for the Negro Leagues before the changes. Hence the developments were not helpful to as he had grown too old for effective participation in professional ball.

During this period, it is also worth noting that America was experiencing an increase in population that was being perpetuated by the immigrant population. They moved to America in search for jobs in factories and industries that were increasingly emerging. Companies took this opportunity and utilized the immigrant community for labor. Because the White labor was plentiful, the Blacks were often offered low paying jobs and were recruited the last. Elam cites that by then, the Black population was increasingly moving towards the Northern parts (289). They faced a host of challenges as employment opportunities in these were reportedly elusive. This issue has also been extensively addressed by Wilson in his Fences.

In this, Troy asserts that he bought his house using his brother’s disability benefit (Wilson 68). Notably, he had not been able to raise sufficient financial resources that would enable him to buy a house. This is regardless of the fact that he had been employed for almost twenty years. One of the low paying jobs that the Blacks were given was hauling garbage. Even within this employment sector, there are inherent signs of discrimination. Unlike the White population, Blacks are not allowed to own and drive trucks. They were only allowed to load the garbage for transportation. In his review, Elam indicates that the union was the only solace that the Blacks had to help them protect their employment (293). It can also be argued that the increase in the immigrant population posed various challenges to the employment opportunities for both the Black and White population.

During this period, Heather cites racism as one of the social issues that disadvantaged the Black population. In particular, the Black population was not allowed to attend similar schools with the White population. Further, they did not live in similar neighborhoods and were given different benefits. They also received low quality education as their schools were situated in poorer neighborhoods and received less resources for maintenance. This made it difficult for the Black students to receive the same standard of education like the White students.

Finally, there were also differences with regards to housing and the Whites had better housing units than the Blacks. The American dream that was the economic driving force made the White populations to make efforts to acquire their homes. This was difficult for Black populations who did not have good employment. As such, they could not have access to loans that would enable them to own houses. Heather indicates that these stressful economic conditions compelled them to live in ghettos (85). In this regard, it is contended that having a front yard like that owned by Maxson was a rare occurrence for Black populations. Nonetheless, the conditions have changed significantly and although racism is still practiced it has been made illegal. Blac populations, just like Whites have equal opportunities to employment and attend similar education institutions as their White counterparts. The resultant job security and economic returns have enabled them to have better jobs and better housing than in the past.

Conclusion

Social stratification is a form of prejudice that disadvantages certain segments of the society. From the analysis it is certain that the White population was accorded superior treatment with regards to job employment, housing and education. They were also given preference in social activities such as sports. The Black population on the other hand suffered detrimental effects that stemmed from an increase in the immigrant community. Besides being integrated in the athletic themes of the Whites, their wellbeing was still undermined as they received lower wages and were not allowed to assume top positions. In this consideration therefore, it can be concluded that the Black population was generally disadvantaged.

Works Cited

August, Wilson. Fences. USA: Plume, 1986.

Harry, Elam. An Analysis of Fences by August Wilson In Staging Difference: Cultural Pluralism in American Theatre and Drama, Marc Manfort and Peter Lang (ed) USA: Norton, 1995, pp. 286-300.

Henderson, Heather. Building Fences. Theater, 16 (1995): 3, pp. 66-90.