Black Like Me
By John Howard Griffin
Summary
John Howard Griffin is a middle aged white man; thats fascinated of how the black people lived during the segregation period. He's commited to racial justice, so he undergoes medical treatment to change his skin color to black. A magazine is funding his experience in return, Griffin lets them write a article of his encounters as a black man. The magazine editor and owner warn him that what he may encounter could be danngerous. Griffin meets a man named Sterling Williams, whom helps him during the first couple chapters during his transition. His experiences from constanly going white to black shows how much racial prejudice there is. His friend Mr. East inspires him to not give up and help racial justice. In the end, everyone worldwide hears what he does and people aren't happy. His family gets threatented and he decides to move them to mexico. Some people are inspired of what he did groups are made to stop racial discrimination.
Racial Discrimination
This book showed how much racial discrimination there was during that time period. John Griffin attempted something that nobody would do to help the cause of discrimination. His actions led others to help the cause. This book perosnally inspired me to help others in need, and know that everyone is equal no matter the race.
Stop Racism
Racism should be stopped everywhere and no racial prejudice!
Colored
This photo shows that there was a desginated color area for colored people. When Griffin was black in the book he had to go to the colored areas not whites.
Equality for all
Doesn't matter what color you are or race everyone should be treated the same. Griffin throughout the book tried to emhasize equality.
Main Characters
John Howard Griffin- John Griffin is the author, narrator, and protagonist of the book. He's comitted to racial justice and undergoes medical treatment to become black.
P.D. East- He's a editor of a small newspaper in Mississippi. Passionate for racial equality just like John Griffin. East was a inspiration to Griffin throughout the whole book.
Adele Jackson- The editor of the magazine, and warns Griffin of the experiences he might encounter.
Sterling Williams- A black man who shines shoes; and is the first one to help Griffin transition from white to black
Significant Quotes
"He who is less than just is less than man." (page 55)- If you are not honest with yourself you can't be considered a man.
I felt strangely sad to leave the world of the blacks after having shared it so long--almost as though I were fleeing my share of his pain and heartache." (pg. 143)- Griffin finally accepted being black, but was sad leaving it behind. He feels abandon when he returns back white