Thursday, April 7, 2016
Risky Business or a Risky Neighborhood?
Although Walter wants the ten thousand dollar check to open a liquor store with his friends. However, Mama wants none of that money to go towards liquor since it is a memory of her dead husband. Eventually, Mama puts the money towards a new house for the family. Putting the money towards a house means the family will have to move into a white neighborhood. This is an obvious threat to the family because of the constant mention of "bombs." These bombs are the KKK bombing black families that move into white-dominated areas. If Walter were to use that money to open a liquor store the risk of it going out of business is an obvious one. However, which is riskier, giving all their money to a business that could potentially go under or putting the family in a white neighborhood? If Walter's business had succeeded, would the family have been able to afford a much nicer house in a black area? Did Mama make the right choice by putting the money towards a new house for the family? Ruth has no problem moving into the white neighborhood. She is just happy they will have more room. On page 93, Ruth says, "All I can say is-if this is my time in life-MY TIME-to say goodbye-to these goddamned cracking walls!-and these marching roaches!-and this cramped little closet which ain't now or never was no kitchen!...then I say it loud and good, HALLELUJAH! AND GOODBYE MISERY...I DON'T NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE AGAIN!" Ruth knows her family might get into some trouble in a completely white neighborhood, but she seems to think it is worth it for the extra space. Is it worth putting your family in danger to live happily? Is it worth risking all your money on a business that could go under? Did Mama do the right thing with the money?
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Although the risk of living in a white neighborhood has more physical dangers than compared to investing in a liquor store, I believe Mama made her decision in the best interest of Ruth's new baby and the rest of the Younger family. It seems as if Mama thought by purchasing this house Ruth would decide to keep the baby, and not go through with the abortion. In this new house the baby and Travis will have the ability to play outside in a yard and have their own beds. In the long run if Walter's liquor store was a success, the Younger family might be able to move out of their cramped apartment, but Mama's choice set this plan in motion faster. In addition, by seeing his family in a happier environment inside their new house, Walter Lee might come to his senses and realize that money is not as important as his family.
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