The American Dream: Discrimination and Gender Roles in the 1950s

Discrimination is crucial to questioning the American Dream. The play focuses on the segregationist laws still legal in the Southern States. One difficulty the Youngers face is moving to a white neighborhood. This is reflected when Mrs. Johnson warns them about dangerous situations, stating people like them were previously “bombed out of the place.” The family challenges these laws by keeping the house. A key moment is when Mrs. Johnson calls the Youngers a proud family. This situation shows not only the difficulties the family faces but also Mama’s impossibility to make her dream come true. She remarks that she bought the house because it was cheaper. In a conversation with Ruth, she mentions that owning a big house was her greatest desire, though segregation prevented it. Beneatha’s dream is deferred. Feminism had failed to address gender issues, so women, especially Black women, were not expected to become doctors. Walter’s failure is represented by his lost investment and futility in business. Simply put, discrimination and segregation play a key role in destroying the American Dream.

Gender stereotypes are also implied in the disruption of the American Dream, represented by Beneatha and Walter. Walter’s masculinity is in conflict throughout the play. He is conscious that he is not the head of the family and not the breadwinner due to poverty and his failed investment. He feels frustrated because he does not represent what a man should to succeed at that time. However, he challenges and achieves his masculinity when he decides to stay at the new house. Even though racist neighbors would have paid them enough money to make a living, he refuses. Beneatha’s endeavors to fulfill her dreams seem useless. Her statements against marriage and her desire to become a doctor are confronted by the oppressive and conservative society of the 1950s. What Beneatha attempts is controversial and challenging in her society. These characters face inequality in gender roles, especially when applied to race issues. In brief, gender stereotypes are used intentionally to question the American Dream.

In conclusion, the dreams of certain characters challenge the oppressive society of the 1950s and question the fallacious idea of the American Dream. By depicting the social problems the Youngers face, such as poverty, race discrimination, and gender roles, Hansberry attempts to disrupt the myth that promises equality between African-Americans and White Americans.