Book Bento for Black Like Me

    

    The objects I chose in my book bento for Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin were a small mirror, first aid kit, shampoo bottle, and a question mark. 

    I chose a small mirror to represent the overall theme of identity and how Griffin completely changed his identity in order to fully experience the life of a black man. In the beginning, Griffin explains how he “looked into the mirror and saw nothing of white John Griffin’s past…All traces of the John Griffin I had been were wiped from existence.” The mirror is significant because it shows that Griffin experiences this realization that he now is forced to leave his old identity behind and find a completely new and different identity as a black man. Ultimately, the mirror contributes to the theme by pointing out that black people and white people had extremely different identities and lifestyles during these times. 

    In addition, I chose a first aid kit to symbolize how Griffin was in and out of the doctor’s office going through medical treatment to change the color of his skin. Griffin describes how he spent a lot of his time underneath a sun lamp to darken his skin. Essentially, it reveals that Griffin is very determined and dedicated to understanding the life of a black man and understanding racism and discrimination in the south. It shows that Griffin is willing to do whatever it takes to bridge the gap between white and black people. Going through this medical procedure indicates that there is no going back for Griffin. He becomes a completely new person with a whole new identity. 

    Furthermore, the shampoo bottle represents Griffin’s first interaction as a black man. During this conversation, Griffin is inside the hotel bathroom with two other black men who are using the showers. He describes how they “looked at one another and there was kindness in his search for conversation.” Overall, Griffin is treated with respect and politeness in his first interaction as a black man. This is important because it contributes to the theme of equality over racism. During this time, black people were viewed as inferior to others. But Griffin’s perspective portrays these two black men as friendly normal people. It suggests that everyone should be treated the same and viewed the same no matter the skin color. 

    The last object I chose was a question mark to symbolize Griffin’s observant and curious attitude towards the lives of black people. In the beginning Griffin explains how the idea of a white man becoming a black man in the Deep South “haunted” him. He’s always asking questions about this speculation such as, “how else except by becoming a Negro could a white man hope to learn the truth?” This is important because Griffin’s observations and curiosity are what drives him to continue to learn about this experience. As a “specialist in race issues” Griffin needs to have this personality in order to truly find his new identity and understand the differences between black and white lifestyle and culture. 

    Overall, the memoir-style affects me as a reader because it helps me better understand what Griffin is experiencing and trying to accomplish. I get to read about Griffin’s exact observations and thoughts which help me understand his experiences. It also helps me as a reader realize how he is feeling and the struggles Griffin goes through as he attempts to adapt to this new life. 

the white John Grin’s past

from existence