Troy Maxson

The question asked this week is Troy Maxson from the play Fences racist? In my mind after reading this play twice, I would have to say I did not get that feeling of him being prejudiced at all. Sure, he uses the “N” word all the time to those around him, but I feel he is not meaning that in any disrespected way. Troy also passes a question out there to Mr. Rand “how come you have no black drivers?” This was a time when seemed the African American was being chosen, if there were no white people doing certain jobs. It was a time in life where things were different. African American people were just being able to work and buy their own things. Whatever they could do, they were doing it. Cleaned houses, shined shoes, do laundry were some of the ways. They are trying to make a free life for his/hers family. My understanding is that Troy is not a racist. He has the attitude that they always take the white man first and leave the black man to sit on the bench.  Troy has been out on his own since he was 14. Only living with his father because the mother walked out and left Troy behind saying she would be back.  She never returned for Troy, which tells us a little about Troy not having the mother around to care for him. Troy had to grow up fast, but then landed himself in jail for some time also. The way he was raised up and the life he has had, just gives him the tough person attitude. Not racist at all, just the big guy with a little attitude.