Critical Thinking Blog #10

Throughout “Going to Meet the Man,” Jesse’s grappling with morality holds the most prominence to me. He shifts from being absolutely ruthless and cutthroat in regard to his views and actions toward blacks, but he exhibits momentary flashes of opposition to the socially accepted racist behavior, which he and others act on, despite never outright expressing this dissonance. While reminiscing about his childhood, Jesse’s naiveté allows him to disregard color, which allows him to be so close to Otis. However, once provided the example of the man who is lynched, Jesse instantaneously distinguishes himself from Otis. Even though he is able to force his innocent and unaware viewpoints of his childhood away, they reappear in this moment of weakness and exhaustion. As he becomes older and ultimately more close-minded, his racism increases fervently. Even as a young man he still had a rapport with the children and the people whose bills he collected. However, through his time with in the force and his hatred stewing, he becomes a brutal, heartless animal. This uncertainty and internal struggle for the quest for justice is a commonality that is not as readily expressed as extreme, fundamentalist racism. To not even consider the humanity in slaves and colored people is animalistic, which Jesse showcases as well, and I highly doubt that even the most intense racist has never had a moment of doubt. As a result, it is more difficult to discern one’s emotions toward a character instead of wholeheartedly loving or hating them.