Kaffir Boy

In “Kaffir Boy”, division between races is shown in this piece. White and black people are separated as one thinks it is better than the other. They each go to different schools and hang out in different social groups. The author says, “I gazed through the window and for the first time in my life saw white schoolchildren.” (line 2, Mathabane).  Children were not treated equally as they were bullied and not seen on the same level. Families taught their children to hate opposite races and has been passed on from generation to generation. The author says,” At the next bus stop, we got off, and crossed the street when the robot flashed green.” (lines 26-27, Mathabane).  Buses, restaurants, and public restrooms separated blacks and whites.

 In addition, white children were taught not to play with black children as their parents told them not to do it. The author says,” ‘I don’t play with Kaffirs,” the white boy declared. “At school they say we shouldn’t.” “ (line 118, Mathabane). Parents and schools have planted a seed in their children’s head that tells him that they shouldn’t be allowed to socialize with other people that are out of their range. African Americans have had less opportunities as they are put down and get low-income jobs.  

In the 1960’s, African Americans were targets for racial discrimination and hate crimes. Activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. fought for peace among all people and bring America back together. Nonviolent protests didn’t show much progress as people went to violence and hurt many people. Schools were integrated as laws by the Supreme Court were lifted. Today, people still face racial discrimination as they are not treated with respect and involved in attacks. Society still puts ideas in people’s heads that some people are incongruous and should not be treated as well.