Judy Taylor
Introduction: The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees is a novel written by Sue Monk Kidd, which tells the story of a young white girl, Lily Owens, growing up in South Carolina in the 1960s. The novel explores themes of racism, civil rights, family, and female empowerment. The characters in the novel, especially Rosaleen, experience racism and discrimination due to their skin color.
Rosaleen’s Encounter with Racism
Rosaleen is a black woman who works as a housekeeper for Lily’s family. She has experienced racism throughout her life, and in the novel, she faces a particularly traumatic incident. While trying to register to vote, Rosaleen is attacked by a group of white men who call her racial slurs and beat her. She is left with a broken jaw and a concussion.
The Confrontation with the White Men
After the attack, Rosaleen is taken to the hospital, but she is soon released. She decides to take matters into her own hands and confront the white men who attacked her. She goes to a nearby store where the men are known to hang out and pours her snuff juice on their shoes.
The Arrest of Rosaleen
The men do not take kindly to Rosaleen’s actions and call the police. When the police arrive, they arrest Rosaleen for assaulting a white man. This is despite the fact that Rosaleen herself was the victim of a hate crime just days before.
A False Accusation
Rosaleen is falsely accused of a crime that she did not commit. Her actions, while not necessarily appropriate, were a response to the trauma she had experienced. The fact that she is arrested for a crime she did not commit is an example of the injustice that was present in the American South during the 1960s.
The Role of Race in the Arrest
Race played a significant role in Rosaleen’s arrest. The fact that she was a black woman who had been attacked by a group of white men, and then arrested for defending herself, highlights the systemic racism that was present in the American South during this time.
Escalation of Tensions in the South
Rosaleen’s arrest was not an isolated incident. It was part of a much larger trend of racism and discrimination that was present in the South during the 1960s. The tension between different groups of people, especially black and white people, was escalating, and the civil rights movement was beginning to gain momentum.
The Importance of Civil Rights
Rosaleen’s arrest highlights the importance of civil rights and the need for change. The civil rights movement of the 1960s was a response to the injustices that were present in American society. It aimed to end discrimination and racism and ensure that all people were treated fairly and equally.
Conclusion: Lessons from Rosaleen’s Arrest
Rosaleen’s arrest serves as a reminder of the injustices that were present in the American South during the 1960s. It highlights the importance of civil rights and the need for change. The novel also shows the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Further Reading: Understanding Racism in the American South
For those interested in learning more about racism in the American South, there are many resources available. Some recommended books include The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, and The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. These books provide valuable insight into the history of racism in America and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
