Tar Baby: Son's Perspective

From the point-of-view of Son, the assimilated, highly educated female protagonist of Toni Morrison's Tar Baby Jadine sees everything that is associated with being African-American ss base and inferior. Jadine is the niece of the butler and cook of the Childs, a wealthy white family. Jadine believes herself to be superior to other African-Americans because of her knowledge of European culture, and her Euro-centric manner. She is beautiful and has worked as a fashion model. But she also feels hollow inside because her education does not validate her identity as a black woman. She is continually pretending to be someone she is not. In contrast, Son believes he has a secure sense of self. He is not impressed by Jadine's fine clothing, accent, and mannerisms, given that they are simulacra of white mannerisms.

It is easy to condemn Jadine's white manners. Son, the representative of black...
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