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The Role Of Racism In Trethewey's Poetry

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The Role Of Racism In Trethewey's Poetry
As punishment for these lies, her mother used soap to punish her. The mother hoped that the soap would cleanse her soul, whilst Natasha hoped it would change the color of her skin to fit with the cultural restraints and beauty standards of the time. Fair skin was represented in media as beautiful and the key to success, so at the time, if Natasha wished to be accepted in American society she would have to tell “white lies” about her heritage. Trethewey’s interpretation of America in her poetry is greatly based on its past and the continuous resonating impacts the racism that exists within the country. Trethewey interprets America as a society that associates rights, virtues, and respect with the color of one’s skin. Additionally,
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