Even though many attempt to be color-blind in America, physical appearance often gets in the way. No matter how much we try to look beyond skin color, our eyes can see, literally, only skin deep. Choose one or two works, and discuss characters' failure to be color blind. Some of the works we are reading reveal that language is a barrier at a cultural level. It can be a source of misunderstanding and conflict, as well as the scapegoat for prejudice and other abuses.
People use differences in language to justify deeper fears and resentments or to control others.
In other words, language is power. Focus on Naylor's ideas and one other work and discuss the issue of language as power. In terms of the color spectrum and racial conflict in America, black and white are polar opposites. In order to shed light on America's fixation on these two colors, therefore, artists may employ other colors in their works instead. Focus on one or two texts, and discuss the significance of the use of colors other than black and white.