As harsh as it may sound to some of us, Toni Morrison had it right when she suggested, In this country American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate.
Toni Morrison's assertion that being American is synonymous with being white highlights the racial dynamics in the United States. Her statement points to the systemic privilege and cultural dominance afforded to white individuals, while those of other racial backgrounds feel the need to hyphenate their identities to signify their American experience. This observation reflects the ongoing struggles of non-white communities in seeking recognition and equal status within a predominantly white society.
In Tim Wise's "Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority," this idea is further explored, shedding light on the implications of racial identity in America. The necessity for non-white individuals to define their Americanness through hyphenation underscores the challenges they face in gaining full acceptance and equality. Wise's work encourages an examination of these societal structures and the need for a broader understanding of what it means to be American beyond the confines of race.
