FIGHTING FOR WHITENESS – MINORITY INTERNALIZATION OF AN
INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM IN JOHN OKADA’S NO-NO BOY AND CHESTER
HIMES’ IF HE HOLLERS LET HIM GO
Amanda Adams-Handy
B.A., California State University, Sacramento 2007
THESIS
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
in
ENGLISH
(Literature)
at
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
SPRING
2010
FIGHTING FOR WHITENESS – MINORITY INTERNALIZATION OF AN
INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM IN JOHN OKADA’S NO-NO BOY AND CHESTER
HIMES’ IF HE HOLLERS LET HIM GO
A Thesis
by
Amanda Adams-Handy
Approved by:
_______________________________, Committee Chair
Dr. Hellen Lee-Keller
_______________________________, Second Reader
Dr. Sheree Meyer
Date: ___________________________
ii
Student:
Amanda Adams-Handy
I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to
be awarded for this thesis.
__________________________, Graduate Coordinator
_____________________
Dr. David Toise
Date
Department of English
iii
Abstract
of
FIGHTING FOR WHITENESS – MINORITY INTERNALIZATION OF AN
INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM IN JOHN OKADA’S NO-NO BOY AND CHESTER
HIMES’ IF HE HOLLERS LET HIM GO
by
Amanda Adams-Handy
Constructing a system of economic and social power based upon the performance
of certain characteristics classified as white, a dominant white group (those who
adequately perform the particular characteristics of whiteness) powerfully exerts not only
an external control, but also a pivotal internal oppression over groups classified as nonwhite (i.e. minorities), This internal oppression of minority groups comes in the form of a
sociological process called internalization. Through internalization, minority individuals
often choose to reject many alternatives to the white system—such as solidarity with
other minority groups—and, instead may actually perpetuate the system by imitating its
exploitive practices. Within this paper, I explore representations of internalization of
white supremacy, as I analyze two novels, John Okada’s No- No Boy (1957) and Chester
Himes’ If He Hollers Let Him Go (1945). By pointing out this process of internalizing
white supremacy, both Okada and Himes do not merely intend to highlight a depressing
and hopeless phenomenon. Instead, both authors offer their readers a warning against the
dangers of allowing a racist system of economic power to continue. In addition, both
writers also articulate a solution for countering white economic exploitation. That is,
Himes and Okada ultimately encourage acting upon the creative alternatives of
cooperation and solidarity that minority individuals in each novel formulate.
______________________________, Committee Chair
Dr. Hellen Lee-Keller
___________________________
Date
iv
DEDICATION
To Jesus Christ, the only true world-changer
and source of perfect love.
John 3:16
And to my mom, who showed me what
Christ’s love looks like when lived out.
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my amazing Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has given me all that I need and so
much more.
To my mom, my best friend and guide. I want to be just like her as I grow up.
To my dad, my steady rock no matter what.
To my sister Gracie, my personal trainer for life.
To my brothers, Spencer, Evan, and Ryan, my bestest buddies.
To the Cordova Crew, Ken, Joe, Dan, Erin, Tony, Abbi, Moriyah, and Scarlett,
thank you for adopting me, loving on me, and giving me a place to rest when I feel spent.
To Sheree Meyer, my constant encourager, teacher, and friend. Thank you for
investing in me and encouraging me to accomplish all that I dreamed possible, and then
some!
To Hellen Lee-Keller, the most awe-inspiring teacher, motivator, inspiration,
encourager, and friend. Thank you for caring so deeply, pushing me when I needed it
most, and encouraging me always. May I one day be even half the amazing woman that
you are!
I also just want to thank Brian and Linds, my MA buddies and biggest supporters;
Bailey, my prayer warrior and light; the beautiful Ernst family, who bring the sunshine of
Jesus into my life every week; Kayla, my best friend forever; Suzette, the greatest boss
ever; my bestest friends from YAF and Greenwood Calvary; the wonderful Handy and
Adams families; and, my beautiful church family at Cool Community Church.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Dedication………………………………………………………………………………....v
Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………...........……...vi
Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION………………………………………...…………………….….......1
Sociocultural Context: Cultural Theory Concerning Whiteness, Institutionalized
Racism, and Internalization……………………………………………………….4
Critical Stakes………………………………………………………………........27
Critical Arguments……..………………………………………………………...29
2. CHAPTER 2………………………………………………………………….……….32
3. CHAPTER 3…………………………………………….……………..……………...62
4. CONCLUSION……………….……………………………………………………….93
5. Works Consulted……………………………………………………………………..101
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