Saturday, May 7, 2011

Lindner refers to the topic of his discussion with the Youngers as one of Clybourne Park's "special community problems." Why is this ironic?I think...

I think that Hansberry develops Lindner's role in the
manner she does to highlight the complexity of the problem that people of color face in
trying to integrate into largely White areas.  She is mindful that the simple
designation of "integration" is actually a complex reality that is filled with how
different people view their interests in different lights.  Lindner is one such
example.  On one hand, he presents himself as a totally reasonable man.  There is little
in the manner of his presentation that makes one believe that he is a man of violence or
of irrational hatred.  However, it becomes evident that he favors the Status Quo and
does not want to see it change.  He is a proponent of how reality is constructed as it
benefits he and his kind, at the cost of Walter and his.  In the end, his reference to
"special community problems" and his desire to want to buy out Walter is a
representation of the lengths that he will go to ensure that what is present is
maintained at all costs.  His definition of community is one that excludes people of
color.  It is ironic that he speaks of "special community problems" for he is one of
them, in the manner in which he wishes to continue the racial prejudice and
discrimination that denies the very essence of community.  Hansberry does this to show
the level of inertia and difficulty that the Youngers must endure in order to discover
and obtain their dream.

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