Does Troy have a Point about Racial Discrimination in “Fences”?

Does Troy have a Point about Racial Discrimination in “Fences”?

Examining the idea of “The American Dream”, in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Fences (1987), my essay argues that racial discrimination has a negative effect on the idea of “The American Dream”. In this drama, Troy Wilson, the protagonist, argues that racial discrimination led him to an unsuccessful professional baseball career and his bitterness toward the world. In contrast, other characters argue that racial discrimination did not lead to Troy’s life challenges and that his own bad mistakes are what caused them. However, my paper will argue that Troy is correct in his thoughts about racial discrimination. In the article, Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s “Fences.”, it is explained that “Throughout the play Wilson places Troy within the historical context of the Negro Leagues, allowing his character to echo the feelings of actual black ballplayers who were denied a chance to compete at the major-league level” (Koprince, S.). I will begin my essay by giving background information about the time period in which this drama took place, how it negatively affected people of color, and how this period affected Troy Wilson and his family's lives. I will pay close attention to how racial discrimination has a negative effect on Troy Wilson’s idea of “The American Dream”, through certain things he stays throughout the story. My takeaway from this story is that racial discrimination caused Troy to feel bitterness, leading to him making poor decisions throughout the story, which will be revealed throughout my essay. Key Words: racial discrimination, drama, bitterness, major-league baseball Koprince, S. (2006). Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s “Fences.” African American Review, 40(2), 349–358.