Research Article

Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications

Volume: 13 Number: 35 January 31, 2025
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Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications

Abstract

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a powerful novel that discuss the issue of colorism and its impact on self-identity and societal norms. This critical study sheds light on the interplay of self and otherness in the narrative, also the dichotomy of lightness and darkness that characterizes colorism. The study analyzes the experiences of the characters, including the protagonist Pecola, and their interactions with each other and their environments. Through a critical examination of the novel, the study reveals how colorism perpetuates systemic inequality and affects individuals' mental health and well-being. It argues that colorism is not only a personal issue but also a societal problem that needs to be addressed. By exploring the societal implications of colorism, the study seeks to challenge societal norms and values regarding skin color and promote diversity and inclusivity. The significance in Morrison's work in exposing and challenging colorism. It highlights how Morrison's prose illuminates the complex of self-identity, the other, and colorism in society. The study also argues that The Bluest Eye is particularly relevant in contemporary times, given the resurgence of racial tensions and the urgent need to promote social justice and equality. Moreover, the study examines the ways in which Morrison challenges traditional literary conventions and constructs new forms of narrative and representation. The study confirms on Morrison's contribution to American literature and her influence on contemporary writers and scholars. Overall, this critical study elucidates the insidious effects of colorism on individuals and society as well as the importance of the dicho-tomy of the self and otherness to promote a more just and equitable world. It highlights the enduring relevance and power of Morrison's work in addressing these pressing issues.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

African Language, Literature and Culture

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

January 22, 2025

Publication Date

January 31, 2025

Submission Date

September 16, 2024

Acceptance Date

November 1, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 13 Number: 35

APA
Mohrem, B., Nefnouf, A. S. E., Messaoudi, W., Derki, N., Drissi, O. A., & Al-momani, H. A. A. (2025). Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications. AKRA Kültür Sanat Ve Edebiyat Dergisi, 13(35), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.31126/akrajournal.1550552
AMA
1.Mohrem B, Nefnouf ASE, Messaoudi W, Derki N, Drissi OA, Al-momani HAA. Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications. AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi. 2025;13(35):73-80. doi:10.31126/akrajournal.1550552
Chicago
Mohrem, Boubaker, Ahmed Seif Eddine Nefnouf, Walid Messaoudi, Noureddine Derki, Otmane Abdelkader Drissi, and Hassan Ali Abdullah Al-momani. 2025. “Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications”. AKRA Kültür Sanat Ve Edebiyat Dergisi 13 (35): 73-80. https://doi.org/10.31126/akrajournal.1550552.
EndNote
Mohrem B, Nefnouf ASE, Messaoudi W, Derki N, Drissi OA, Al-momani HAA (January 1, 2025) Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications. AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi 13 35 73–80.
IEEE
[1]B. Mohrem, A. S. E. Nefnouf, W. Messaoudi, N. Derki, O. A. Drissi, and H. A. A. Al-momani, “Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications”, AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 35, pp. 73–80, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.31126/akrajournal.1550552.
ISNAD
Mohrem, Boubaker - Nefnouf, Ahmed Seif Eddine - Messaoudi, Walid - Derki, Noureddine - Drissi, Otmane Abdelkader - Al-momani, Hassan Ali Abdullah. “Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications”. AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi 13/35 (January 1, 2025): 73-80. https://doi.org/10.31126/akrajournal.1550552.
JAMA
1.Mohrem B, Nefnouf ASE, Messaoudi W, Derki N, Drissi OA, Al-momani HAA. Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications. AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi. 2025;13:73–80.
MLA
Mohrem, Boubaker, et al. “Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications”. AKRA Kültür Sanat Ve Edebiyat Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 35, Jan. 2025, pp. 73-80, doi:10.31126/akrajournal.1550552.
Vancouver
1.Boubaker Mohrem, Ahmed Seif Eddine Nefnouf, Walid Messaoudi, Noureddine Derki, Otmane Abdelkader Drissi, Hassan Ali Abdullah Al-momani. Challenging The Dichotomy Of Self and Other: A Critical Study Of Colorism in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Its Societal Implications. AKRA Kültür Sanat ve Edebiyat Dergisi. 2025 Jan. 1;13(35):73-80. doi:10.31126/akrajournal.1550552

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