The novel Brother by David Chariandy explores the concepts of brotherhood, discrimination, and internalized racism through the eyes of Michael and Francis. It follows the story of the two brothers, their mother, and their attempts to survive the racialized society of Scarborough. Through their journey, the novel examines the internal and external struggles of being a minority in a world that routinely marginalizes and discriminates against them (Roch 15). The book is set in the early 2000s and provides a powerful insight into the struggles of racialized people in Canadian society. Barrett, in his article, attempts to explain how one can remember and cope after a personal tragedy and how memory can help diasporic individuals make sense of their experience (Barrett 134). He concludes that the protagonists demonstrate the importance of further understanding the issues associated with living in a racial community and acknowledging their experiences.
Brotherhood is a powerful but often complicated bond. Chariandy illustrates this in Brother, as Francis and Michael strive to understand and protect one another. Chariandy et al. (63) show that brotherhood is a shield, covering the characters from the harsh realities of their lives. However, it is also a burden as the brothers take on the expectations of one another and their community. The theme of brotherhood is apparent through the relationship between Michael and Francis and their neighborhood. Despite coming from a disadvantaged background full of hardships, their bond is deep and full of love and loyalty for one another. It is also seen in how the boys and their family are accepted and embraced by their neighborhood, which is a diverse, tight-knit community where most people of black skin reside. In times of strategy, the neighborhood would stand for the families. For instance, Mrs. Henry was a stern uplifter of parents with troublesome children. In the story, the neighborhood functions as a supportive and caring environment for the boys, offering a sense of security and belonging. In this way, the neighborhood serves as a microcosm of brotherhood, demonstrating how community and relationships can be used to overcome obstacles and build a better future.
In addition, the novel depicts Michael and Francis living together in their low-income housing project. The two brothers are deeply perturbed in different ways. Michael is majorly dealing with a troubled past and the knowledge that he is failing out of school, while Francis is majorly trying to make sense of his identity as a young black man in a white-dominated society. Despite their differences, the two brothers still care deeply for one another. In one of the most powerful scenes in the novel, the brothers share an intimate moment on the roof of their building (Chariandy 102). Through the conversation and shared experiences, they learn to accept and understand each other’s differences and to support each other in times of need. From the conversation, the theme of brotherhood is explored in depth as Michael and Francis share their innermost thoughts. As a result, the brothers can connect deeper and realize that they are more than just siblings. This scene highlights the power of brotherhood to bridge the gap between the two brothers, even amid arduous circumstances. The brothers can talk about their individual experiences and fears and come to understand each other better. The conversation allows them to open up and share their vulnerabilities, creating a deeper bond.
Brotherhood continuously shows up in the novel through the relationship between Michael and his friend, Aisha. She is an essential source of support for Michael as he struggles to come to terms with his identity. Their friendship provides a much-needed outlet for Michael as he confronts the difficulties of his life and the expectations placed on him by his family and community (Chariandy 4). Through Michael and Francis’s relationship, Chariandy reveals how brotherhood can sustain and challenge individuals. Ultimately, brotherhood is complicated, yet through their shared experiences and conversations, the two brothers learn to accept and understand each other’s differences and to rely on each other.
Further, the story’s theme of brotherhood between Michael and Aisha is an integral part. Michael and Aisha have a very close relationship, demonstrated through their shared experiences. Michael and Aisha have grown up in a challenging environment, and they have both had to make sacrifices to survive. In Chariandy et al. (79), they are depicted to have witnessed their parents’ struggles and the negative aspects of life in the community, and they understand that they need to look out for each other to make it. Despite their different outlooks on life, they form an unbreakable bond. In a world that is often hostile and unkind, the brotherhood remains the most significant element in their lives, and their bond gives them strength and hopes even when their paths diverge.
Consequently, discrimination is a pervasive theme throughout the novel. Michael and Francis live in a world where their blackness is constantly questioned and, at times, used against them. Michael narrates his encounter with Samuel, Aisha’s father, at the park. He states that “…he stood before me on that sweltering morning, staring with all the uncertainty you’d expect after seeing me brought home by the cops the night before,” an indication that his race is questioned (Chariandy 35). The brothers experience discrimination in various ways, ranging from the explicit racism of their peers to the subtle discrimination of the police. According to Hlongwane (173), the book is a powerful reminder of the effects that racism can have on people’s lives. The psychological repercussions of racism, such as internalized racism and fear of racism, must be dealt with by the characters. The article by Hayward (26) states that through Michael, we see the subtle and insidious ways racism affects his family physically and psychologically. Both Michael and his brother Francis, as well as their mother, experience the effects of internalized racism, which is a form of self-hatred caused by internalizing the negative stereotypes, myths, and assumptions of the dominant culture (Chariandy 32). They have to deal with the reality that many others frequently disregard or discount their experiences and do not always take them seriously.
One of the book’s most poignant examples of discrimination is the racial profiling the brothers experience from police officers. The brothers are stopped by police and subjected to verbal abuse (Chariandy 23). According to Roch (12), the experience leads to fear, anger, and frustration, combined with the fact that they have no way to fight back. The police officers’ prejudice against the brothers, and their power over them, are transparent displays of discrimination and racism.
Further, discrimination projects the brothers’ economic and social disadvantages due to their race. Michael and Francis live in a low-income neighborhood and struggle to make ends meet. They both dream of going to college, but Francis cannot do so due to a lack of money (Chariandy 30). Michael can attend college, but his experience is marred by the fact that he is one of the few black students. As a result, he faces racism from his classmates and struggles to fit in. An instance is how they are treated by their peers in school (Chariandy 14). This experience illustrates the difficulties faced by minority communities, which are often overlooked and undervalued.
Through their experiences, readers can better understand the various forms of racism in society and how it can affect individuals. Finally, the theme of discrimination highlights the importance of family. Despite the brothers’ obstacles, they remain loyal to each other since they are brothers and their family (Chariandy 109). The article by Hlongwane (176) emphasizes the importance of family in overcoming discrimination and the power of love and support in facing adversity.
Consequently, the rejection of blacks in a white neighborhood is evident in the story. In Chariandy (18), Michael tells of how Francis tries to fit into his community and find his place; however, despite his efforts, he is constantly reminded of his race and how others perceive him. He is aware of the labels and stereotypes associated with being a black person, and he knows these labels are not always positive. He tries to fight these notions and be proud of his identity, but he is often met with racism and prejudice (Chariandy 19). As a result, he begins to internalize these feelings and beliefs, leading to feelings of shame and insecurity.
Internalized racism is also seen in the way the novel examines the idea of success. Their mother and others around them constantly tell Michael and Francis that they should strive to be successful (Chariandy 42). Moreover, Francis believes he is not good enough and cannot measure up to the white standards of success. He sees himself as a failure, unworthy of recognition, in addition to harboring deep resentment toward white people, believing they are the reason for his struggles and the lack of opportunities available (Chariandy 59). He internalizes the racism they experience, leading them to self-hatred and feelings of worthlessness. On the other hand, Michael is expected to stay in school even though he feels like he is not achieving (Chariandy 7). The effects of internalized racism can also be seen in how their peers treat the duo. They are often seen as outsiders and judged harshly by their peers. This is seen in how the characters are treated in school and social situations.
The novel also illustrates how internalized racism can manifest in how people of color view each other. Francis and Michael are, at times, mistrustful of each other and engage in verbal sparring matches that reveal their tension. An instance is when Francis begins to hang out with a new group of friends. Francis’s new friends are a terrible influence and get him into trouble with the law. Hlongwane (180) adds that Michael warned Francis that he was heading down the wrong path, but Francis does not heed his warnings. They both need to prove their worth to each other due to the internalized racism instilled in them from a young age. According to Sheridan (12), Chariandy uses these narrator’s instances to show how internalized racism can affect the lives of those who experience it. It effectively demonstrates how racism may have a significant and enduring effect on people’s lives, especially those who share it, and how it can be a burdensome and oppressive force.
In conclusion, Brother by David Chariandy is an outstanding work that delves into the brotherhood, discrimination, and internalized racism. The story of Michael and Francis emphasizes the profound consequences of prejudice and the power of brotherhood to surmount them. Moreover, it reveals how internalized racism can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. The book serves as a wake-up call to recognize the experiences of those affected by these matters and to strive for a more equitable society. It also encourages solidarity and awareness to avoid isolation and create a culture of acceptance.
Works Cited
Barrett, Paul. “Learning to Memory Right.” Canadian Literature 237 2019: 134–135.
Chariandy, David, et al. “Conversations at the Crossroads: Indigenous and Black Writers Talk.” Ariel: A Review of International English Literature, vol. 51, no. 2–3, 2020, pp. 57–81. Web.
Chariandy, David. Brother. Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2018.
Hayward, Helen. “Wider horizons: Fresh stories from island nations.” TLS. Times Literary Supplement 6026 2018: 26–27.
Hlongwane, Gugu D. “‘A Different Economy’: Postcolonial Clearings in David Chariandy’s Brother.” Ariel: A Review of International English Literature, vol. 52, no. 3-4, 2021, pp. 171–199., Web.
Roch, Alexandra. “Critical Perspectives on David Chariandy De Rodolphe Solbiac.” Études Caribéennes, no. 50, 2021, Web.
Sheridan, Jordan, et al. Critical Perspectives on David Chariandy. Rowman & Littlefield, 2021.