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Race Reading Response Essay

Dilasha Shrestha

Dallas College

ENGL-1302-41325

Dr. Edwards

11/30/2022

Race Reading Response Essay

Part I

Roxane Gay's 2014 essay, "The Price of Black Ambition," explores the struggle for success many African-Americans face. Gay argues that despite progress in civil rights, African-Americans still face a double bind in pursuing their ambitions. On the one hand, if they are successful and become "model" African-Americans, they are often seen as "selling out" to the white establishment. On the other hand, if they are perceived as too "radical" or "militant," they are often seen as a threat and may be excluded from the mainstream (Gay, 2014). Gay’s essay is a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and tensions faced by African-Americans in their pursuit of success.

Gay begins her essay by citing a New York Times article about a black man who had been successful in business and was now running for political office. She uses this article to illustrate the duality of black ambition: on the one hand, it is admirable that the man had achieved success in business; on the other hand, the fact that he was running for office was seen as a betrayal of black people. Gay draws on her experience as a black woman in academia to illustrate this double bind: she is often seen as “too black” by whites and “not black enough” by African-Americans.

Gay then discusses the "price" of black ambition: the struggle to remain true to one's principles and values while navigating a white-dominated world. She notes that success often comes at the cost of "assimilation" into the dominant culture, which can lead to a sense of alienation and a loss of one's identity. Gay also touches on the issue of racism and how it can be used to both punish and reward African-Americans. She argues that racism can be used to punish those deemed "too successful" or "too radical," while at the same time, it can be used to reward those who are willing to "play the game" and "fit in" with the dominant culture (Gay, 2014).

Part II

Gay’s essay resonated with me on a personal level. As an African American, I have often felt the tension between wanting to pursue my ambitions and the pressure to conform to the dominant culture's expectations. I can relate to Gay's experience of being seen as "not black enough" by African-Americans and "too black" by whites (Gay, 2014). As Gay notes, this double bind can be both frustrating and isolating. Reading Gay's essay also stirred up feelings of anger and frustration. I understand the "price" of ambition that she speaks of, and it is disheartening to know that even in the 21st century, African-Americans still face systemic racism and discrimination. It is also disheartening to know that despite all the progress that has been made in civil rights, there is still a long way to go before we can genuinely achieve true equality. On a positive note, Gay's essay also inspired me to keep fighting for what I believe in. I realize now that I can still pursue my ambitions without sacrificing my principles and values. I can also use my experiences to speak out against racism and oppression. As Gay writes, "we can choose to use our ambition as a tool for resistance and for change." This has given me the courage to strive for success and be an active voice for social justice.

Gay’s essay increased my understanding of the struggles faced by African-Americans in their pursuit of success. Before reading this essay, I was aware of the challenges faced by African-Americans in terms of racism and inequality. However, I had yet to consider the additional challenges faced by those striving for success in a white-dominated world. Gay's essay opened my eyes to the double bind faced by African-Americans trying to achieve success without sacrificing their values and identity. This essay also changed my perspective in terms of how I view success and ambition. Before reading this essay, I viewed success as a positive thing that should be pursued and celebrated. However, after reading this essay, I have come to see success as something that can be both a source of strength and a source of struggle. Gay's essay has made me more aware of the "price" that must be paid to achieve success and has made me more conscious of the need to remain true to one's principles and values.

Gay’s essay is an important and timely exploration of the struggle for success faced by many African-Americans. Gay effectively illustrates the duality of black ambition and the "price" that must be paid to succeed. She draws on her own experiences to illustrate the tensions between assimilation and alienation and how racism can be used to both reward and punish African-Americans. Gay also offers an insightful look at the importance of remaining true to one's principles and values. The essay is well-organized, and Gay effectively uses personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate her points. Her writing is clear and engaging, and she presents a compelling argument. Gay's essay is also timely and relevant, speaking to the current political climate and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Gay's essay is a thought-provoking exploration of the struggles faced by African-Americans in their pursuit of success. Through her use of personal anecdotes and examples, Gay effectively illustrates the tension between assimilation and alienation and the double bind of black ambition. She also emphasizes the importance of remaining true to one's principles and values. Ultimately, Gay's essay provides an important and timely reminder of the struggle African-Americans face in their pursuit of success and serves as an urgent call for social justice and equality.

References

Gay, R. (2014). The price of Black Ambition. VQR Online. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.vqronline.org/essays-articles/2014/10/price-black-ambition