Richard Wright had grown up to dislike Jews, and that they were “Christ killers.” As Wright stated, “to hold an attitude of antagonism or distrust toward Jews was bred in us from childhood” (62). Wright never really understood why he would make fun of Jews, because it became such a standard opinion throughout his life.
His hate for Jews relates to the way African Americans were treated at the time. Whites were also taught from an early age to treat African Americans badly. Then the prejudice and dislike continues from generation to generation and many do not have the knowledge to know any better. Essentially these racial groups were scapegoating each other because each racial group thought the other one was inferior.
Richard had been discriminated against all of his life, his home life wasn’t great, and was never really formally educated. He was a smart boy, and was curious that he had to dislike the Jews. He saw that there was a large detachment between each racial group, but didn’t understand why it existed. However, he accepted it because that is what he grew up learning. He seems to question the world around him, but never fully gets the answers he deserves and just accepts it.
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