Introduction
Warren Lee shows that race and religion affect people’s relationships in the US. Warren argues that sex and aggression are basic human instincts which have a major influence on an individual’s personality and behavior. These two aspects help human beings have a clear understanding of their emotional and psychological makeup. Lee’s arguments highlight the issue of race relations in America. His observations reveal the way it affects interracial relationships between men and women.
Lee’s Observations and Experiences
Lee shows the struggles that he faced while growing up as a Korean in the US where whites were the majority. He has been attracted by white women since school. He was not able to date a white girl because interracial relationships were not acceptable in the society then. There was a lot of racial discrimination in the US where whites were treated better than all other racial groups. Men from minority racial groups would have faced violence if they tried to date a white woman. These early experiences encouraged the writer to set clear goals on what he wanted to be in life. The writer’s early experiences were confusing because he had difficulties in understanding his real identity.
The writer talks about repressed sexual feelings he experienced in the social environment he grew up. His own self-control made him reluctant to approach white girls. These emotions provoked deeper soul searching which made him have an ambition of being a minister. A voice of God challenged him to preach the gospel as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church; a white majority denomination infamous for racial intolerance. Lee’s experiences are similar to those felt by many other people who find themselves in environments that they are unfamiliar with. Lee had to work hard to succeed because all odds were stacked against him.
He attended UCLA dominated by whites which caused some difficulties while he was adapting to the setting. Many activities in the college were reserved for white students. The author had to face a lot of prejudice and mistreatment during his time there. Lee also talks about the difficulties mixed-race couples face after several years of marriage.
There is a big identity crisis in mixed-race families because they feel they lack a true racial and cultural heritage. His view is that some of these marriages break up because of a clash in values between spouses, which is influenced by their racial attitudes. Lee’s observations show that interracial harmony in the US faces serious challenges which do not contribute to national cohesion.
Conclusion
Lee makes valid points regarding Christianity and the way it has been used to advance racial discrimination in the US. His interactions with the white friends from UCLA have exposed him to a high level of institutionalized racial prejudices in the Presbyterian Church. He became aware that the Presbyterian Church valued only whites.
Racism is an issue that has had an impact on social cohesion in the US for a long time. Lee manages to encourage people of color not to despair when faced with obstacles. He succeeded to soldier on until he completed his studies at UCLA after four years of toiling. His “Lust is Blond” syndrome pushes him to set higher goals in life. He has eventually achieved his ambition and become a minister.