Pedagogy

John Howard Griffins Black like Me is a book that talks about the racial discrimination against Black Americans wherein the author himself is the main character. Set in 1959, Griffin is a middle-aged white man from Mansfield, Texas who has vowed to learn about the causes of racism. With his wifes consent, he took the unusual step of undergoing medical treatment to alter his skins colour and appear like a black man. He also asked for the support of George Levitan who happens to be the editor of Sepia, a magazine that deals about the Black Americans. Sepia will be funding his immersion in exchange for an article about his experience. His first journey is in New Orleans where he gained access in a black community through an articulate and friendly shoe-shine guy by the name of Sterling Williams.

Griffin is prepared to face oppression and prejudice. However, he was completely shocked at how bad it is. He experiences insults and difficulties everywhere. The term nigger echoes from place to place. Finding a job is difficult, blacks are not allowed to use the restrooms, his checks are refused and he nearly got attacked by a white. His traumatic days at New Orleans were followed by far worse encounters in South Mississippi and Alabama until he finds the look of hopelessness right on his face.

Later on, he switches to being white again and he experiences fair treatment from the whites while the blacks look at him with suspicion. When he switches to a black guy, he is treated by the whites with hostility while the blacks treated him with warmth. He later on concludes that races simply fail to understand each other and a proper dialogue to this issue can actually help bridge the gap.

Upon returning home to his family, he started writing his article which then got published in March 1960. Words had spread about his experiences and various reactions are generated. Some congratulates him and invites him for interviews. At the same time, hateful words and gestures are thrown against him and his family by the people in Mansfield. By August of the same year, they decide to move to Mexico. Before leaving, he speaks to a black boy expressing his plea for understanding stating that if racism will be sustained, it can lead to violence.

Griffin had been extremely courageous in writing this book that deals with a very sensitive issue affecting the society. The younger generations are the ones who can benefit from the books lessons and valuable message because they can initiate the fight against racism. It is also a highly relevant work that can help in spreading peace and unity between races. At the same time, it is an eye-opener for the young who are set to become the worlds future leaders.