1 Molavi Megan Molavi Professor Metherd English 19 17 May 2013 Getting Knocked Down The degradation of people based solely on the color of their skin has always been an issue in society, with one group of people believing that they are better because of their race and in turn forcing this belief on the lesser group. In the play Fences by August Wilson, the theme of oppression is made clear through the character of Troy. His experiences have been tainted by society’s views on African Americans, as because of his skin color, he wasn’t given the opportunity to move up in the world and follow through with his goals, and if he was finally given a chance to reach his objective it wasn’t all he hoped it would be. The racism that Troy had had to face has also tainted the way he views the world around him. This is illustrated by Troy’s struggle to get a promotion as a garbage truck driver, his inability to move up in the major leagues of baseball, and his relationship with his son, Cory . For Troy Maxon, living in 1957 where African Americans are treated like second- class citizens heavily affects him in regards to his job. As a garbage man, Troy desires to move up to a driver but when he approaches his boss, Mr. Rand, asking him if “only white fellows got sense enough to drive a truck” (1837), Mr. Rand is dismissive telling him to “take it up wit the union” (1837).Though Troy takes his frustrations up with Mr . Rand in a peaceful way, Troy’s friend Bono expresses his worry that “Maxon gonna get
2 [them] fired” (1837). This fear is exasperated by the color of their skin because a simple request to be considered for a promotion is met with resistance and a non-committal response to take it up with someone else.
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