Exploration of Racial Dependence and Discrimination
Day of Absence by Douglas Ward and Way in the Middle of the Air by Ray Bradbury are compared in this case. Both readings focus on ethnic discrimination and an assessment of the role of oppressed populations during the most active periods of racial hostility. The main difference in these works lies in the timing and expectations of the central characters, which help shape each author’s attitudes and ideas as one reads. Although both Bradbury and Ward were aware of the dependence of many of their contemporaries on slave labor, the perception of ending discriminatory practices looks different in their works.
The Panic and Denial Surrounding Servitude Loss
Both authors generally allow themselves to acknowledge the necessity of slave labor for the characters in their works. Thus, the departure or flight of all blacks associated with servants at the time is a tragedy for both authors. It is a stated fact that none of the people of the time could live without servants or at least feel comfortable. Moreover, in some characters, this fact can induce panic (Bradbury). What is illustrated is the average hasty, superior attitude toward anyone with a different skin color, which the main characters of the works exhibit.
Bradbury’s Futuristic Exodus and Unchanged Social Perceptions
The main difference is the term, which determines the entire mood of the text and the direction of its influence. Thus, Bradbury implies the complete disappearance of black people in the format of a flight to Mars without further feedback. The moment of the exodus of the enslaved people and the inferiority of the slave-owners without their subordinates is captured (Bradbury). Additionally, the role of the shopkeeper’s relative emphasizes her reluctance to relieve her maid of her responsibility (Bradbury 2). Critically, a change in the relationship when perception is heightened is not observed in either piece or the second piece.
The Illusion of Self-Reliance and Persistent Racist Views
In the short-term disappearance of the servants, the invisibility of their importance becomes apparent. Worries about children and society plague the protagonists, who have not considered outside help. Dependence on other people’s help becomes overly prominent against hopes for their return. What can be called a critical and unifying factor in both works is the unchanging attitudes toward the enslaved and the lack of awareness of the negativity of racism.
Works Cited
Bradbury, Ray. Way in the Middle of the Air. WordPress, 1950.
Ward, Douglas Turner. Day of Absence. Theatre Communications Group, 1965.