a book review? venting?

Today, I re-read the introduction to Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (I have read the entire book-just thought I'd put that out there). The book is absolutely wonderful. To be honest, it took me quite a while to understand the basic premise, but trust me, it was worth the "figuring out."

We had a full discussion today about the introduction of Invisible Man in my English class. I found it to be quite appalling. People just simply didn't get it. Maybe this is because I've read the book and I can somehow understand the point of view of the main character in the novel. But honestly, is it really that hard to comprehend?

This man felt invisible to society. He felt as if no one could give a damn about his existence on this Earth. Now, if I felt ignored for a long amount of time, I would seriously have some serious built-up anger inside this small mind of mine. And its not as if people didn't "acknowledge" him. They acknowledge him, realize his presence, and decide not to engage in any form of contact. I believe this makes being ignored even worse.

If you haven't read this book, or the introduction, I'll tell you what happens. A man, this "invisible man" is walking down the street at night when a tall white man bumps into him and calls him a derogatory name. The man who was bumped demands an apology.The white man refuses. The man begins to threaten him or "get in his face" if you will. The white man still doesn't apologize. The man begins to beat him profusely, still demanding an apology. The white man, bleeding horrifically, still doesn't apologize. Leaving the white man on the street to die, the man runs off into the distance, still feeling incredibly invisible.

In my class we were discussing mental pain vs. physical pain. Is fist-fighting worse than mental torture? Mental torture aka "being ignored" = way worse.

Think about the question before answering hastily.

Done? Good.

The human MIND is a glorious thing. But point blank...we need to be loved. We need acknowledgement. We need the feeling that, indeed, somebody does care about us. The feeling of being ignored is insanely excruciating. If someone was being physically punched by another person, that someone will feel pain at that specific moment...and possibly afterwards. But those wounds will heal. Eventually. At least someone is acknowledging your presence. Even if its not in a good way.

Being ignored...well, that's a terrible feeling. You don't feel loved. You feel like no one cares...or even wants to care. That leaves a huge toll on ones mind. It can lead to insanity.

This makes the "invisible mans'" actions completely rational. Built up anger, insanity? It all makes sense. The man is also proving that he is in fact invisible. The white man still refuses to apologize even though hes on the verge of death. The craziness!

This is what my classmates refused to understand. They didn't understand why this man would beat up this white guy out of the blue. It wasn't out of the blue. He had a rational reason.

And instead of filling the classroom with your ignorant ideas, let the people who have a clue, talk for a change!