Passing

Definition

Passing refers to the act of a person being accepted as a member of a racial group different from their own, often in the context of African Americans who could be perceived as white. This phenomenon highlights complex issues related to identity, race, and social acceptance, raising questions about authenticity and belonging while revealing the societal pressures and challenges that individuals face in navigating racial boundaries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passing was often motivated by the desire for social mobility, safety, or acceptance in predominantly white spaces during periods of severe racial discrimination.
2. The practice of passing is depicted in literature, showcasing the emotional and psychological struggles faced by those who engage in it.
3. The notion of passing can lead to conflicts within families and communities, as some may view it as a betrayal or denial of one's heritage.
4. In literature, characters who pass often grapple with issues of authenticity and the moral implications of their choices.
5. Historical events, such as the Great Migration, contributed to the complexities surrounding passing as African Americans sought better opportunities in different regions.

Review Questions

• How does passing complicate the understanding of racial identity in African American literature?
  • Passing complicates the understanding of racial identity by showcasing the fluidity of race and how societal perceptions can dictate one's identity. In African American literature, characters who pass often struggle with their sense of self and their connection to their heritage. This highlights the tensions between personal choice and societal pressures while forcing readers to consider the broader implications of race and identity in a racially stratified society.
• Discuss the psychological impacts that characters who pass experience in notable literary works. What themes emerge from these portrayals?
  • Characters who pass often experience significant psychological turmoil, grappling with feelings of guilt, alienation, and loss. Themes such as duality, conflict, and the search for belonging emerge from these portrayals. For example, characters may oscillate between their true identity and the persona they present to society, leading to an internal struggle that reveals deeper insights into societal norms and expectations surrounding race.
• Evaluate the role of historical context in shaping the experiences of passing within African American literature. How does this influence contemporary understandings of race?
  • Historical context plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences of passing in African American literature, particularly during eras marked by Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. These contexts create a framework for understanding why individuals might choose to pass as white for safety or advancement. This historical lens influences contemporary understandings of race by highlighting how past injustices inform current discussions around identity and privilege, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to navigate racial boundaries today.

Related terms

Racial Identity: A person's identification with a particular racial group, shaped by cultural, historical, and social contexts.

Double Consciousness:

A term coined by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups in an oppressive society, where they must navigate their own identity while also considering how they are perceived by the dominant culture.

Code-Switching: The practice of alternating between languages or dialects, or adjusting one's behavior to fit different cultural contexts, often seen among individuals navigating multiple identities.