With the bulk of the novel taking place during the Civil Rights Movement, it should come as no surprise that Meridian is deeply concerned with the complex question of race. If it does come as a surprise to you, well, you might be in for an uphill battle with this story.
As with all complex questions, however, the issue of race can be viewed from several distinct perspectives. We look at it through the eyes of Mr. Hill, wracked with guilt over his country's treatment of Native Americans. We look at it through the eyes of activists like Truman and Anne-Marion, whose intellectual approach sometimes blinds them from the basic realities of racism. And we look at it through the eyes of Meridian, who somehow balances everyone's perspectives—and then some. Don't expect any answers, though—just more questions.
Questions About Race
- What are some examples of institutionalized racism in Meridian?
- Is it wrong of Truman to date white girls simply because they are white? Explain.
- In what ways does pop culture instill white-centric values into the novel's black characters?
- Do you agree that violence is acceptable to achieve racial justice? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Although Truman has fought for his community, his actions indicate that he holds a great deal of inner turmoil about race.
In the novel, we see how pop culture—at the time, a new phenomenon—promotes standards of beauty impossible for minorities to achieve.