The Power Of One Sparknotes

A World in Black and White What measures the value of a human life? In The Power of One, the state of South Africa sets barriers on which lives would be measured at a higher value. These instances rooted from the union of South Africa by an all-white parliament (Britannica, “South Africa Act”). The standard of living would slowly decline for those of color and their descendants. These changes were made evident by many characters in The Power of One. Peekay, the protagonist, would come to experience prejudices himself which would place him above those who practiced prejudice. Peekay continues to inspire the victims of apartheid through his lack thereof. Those who were inspired by Peekay referred to him as their ‘Tadpole Angel’. …show more content…
During the brief period Peekay spent with Hoppie, he was shown Hoppie’s prejudiced nature towards people of color. Although Hoppie proved to be an inspiration to Peekay, he seemingly agreed with the oppressive system of apartheid. At a time when blacks were the main targets for prejudice, it affected all people of color. In the work, A Biracial Boyhood Under Apartheid, the host of “The Daily Show,” Trevor Noah tells this story of his childhood as a half-white, half-black boy discriminated against by those in his own community because he was not purely black (Kakutani, “ A Biracial boyhood under Apartheid”). This is exemplified when Hoppie shows prejudice toward the Patels by saying that “… A Coolie is still not a white man!” Hoppie displays the depth of prejudice that reaches those outside of the Black community. Hoppie uses this term, “coolie,” as a derogative name for east Asians commonly used by South Africans in this time. Hoppie is just one instance in which characters portrayed to be ‘good’ were shown to be racist by nature. Racism in those believed to be good showed the true effect that institutionalized discrimination had placed on South Africa. The government segregation involving people of color and whites had seemingly infected the morals of many South Africans. Races were gradually banned from living …show more content…
These practices were established on the idea that white was the superior race and therefore, was deserving of complete power over South Africa. The Power of One exemplifies the slow integration of apartheid into the lives of South Africans. The evils of apartheid would pervade the lives of the characters so it was not the central message of the novel, but an underlying theme. Evidence of this theme is represented by how it would slowly enter into the life of Peekay - including when he first notices the ‘Blacks Only’ sign and once hearing the word “apartheid” being said aloud. It is also exemplified in the ways it corrupts the lives and minds of those around Peekay. Apartheid affected Peekay due to the negative connotation that he was dealt by associating with those of color. Apartheid affected Hoppie in that he would view those of color as lesser persons. Geel Piet was a victim to the true wickedness of apartheid; as shown by his brutal