The Color Purple - Martin

Books can be inspired by many things and cover various topics. A major inspiration for many book are political and social issues and events. Whether it be fiction or nonfiction, books shed light on important issues in societies. In her novel The Color Purple, Alice Walker brings attention to multiple issues such as racism, sexism, and traditional gender roles.

Racism has always been a large issue, especially in the United States. It is always a topic of discussion, especially currently. Recently the main topic under the discussion of racism is police brutality in the United States. There have been some very public incidents in which police officers have killed African Americans. Many people believe these killings were motivated by racism because the officers are white and the victims are African American. In The Color Purple, Sofia faces violence due to her race. The mayor, a white man, hits her and she hits him back and is sent to jail as a result because she is considered inferior. She is also nearly beaten to death by white police officers. Celie experiences internalized racism. She believes herself to be ugly due to her dark skin. In a racist society, African Americans are often considered inferior, so Celie believes this to be true because it is what she has been taught. Employment options are also limited for African Americans in Georgia. Women’s only options are to be mothers and performers and men’s primary option is farming.

Sexism is still very prominent in the world. Some people still consider men superior to women, and it shows. Women tend to be paid significantly less than men and are generally considered inferior. Until very recently women in the  United States military were not allowed in combat. Rape culture is also very prominent, which is a culture in which dominant cultural ideologize normalized and condone sexual abuse. In The Color Purple, Celie is often beaten and raped by her stepfather Alphonso. Celie is impregnated twice by Alphonso as a result of the sexual abuse. Alphonso then forces her to marry Mr.____. Celie is beaten by Mr.___ throughout their marriage. Celie’s sister Nettie runs away from their stepfather to seek refuge with Celie. She is then forced to leave because Mr.___ attempts to rape her. Sofia is beaten by Harpo throughout their marriage because he feels threatened by such a strong woman. Harpo also beats Squeak until she leaves him, who he is with after Sofia leaves him. Sexism is very prominent today and a very large theme throughout the novel.

Traditional gender roles are a very prominent part of society. The idea that men and women are supposed to be a certain way because of their gender is a popularly internalized concept. Men are supposed to be strong and emotionless, and women are supposed to be weak and overly emotional. In The Color Purple, traditional gender roles are challenged. Sofia is a very strong and assertive woman, which is not how women are “supposed” to be. When men attempt to control her or abuse her, she fights back. When the mayor hits her she hits him back and is severely punished for it. Harpo attempts to beat her in an attempt to control her, and she fights back. Harpo also beats women because he feels that his masculinity is threatened. Harpo’s father implies that Sofia’s resistance makes him less of a man. Sexism is also prominent when Celie is forced to marry Mr.___ because she is not given a choice because she is considered less of a person. Sexism is very prominent today and throughout the novel.

Novels and literature are a very important way to discuss political and social issues. Alice Walker uses her novel The Color Purple to discuss issues such as racism, sexism, and traditional gender roles. She uses her novel to bring attention to important issues in the world.