In "Bittersweet Symphony" by Rebecca McNutt, the character expresses a profound sense of alienation and despair, feeling unwelcome in a world that seems to reject him. Despite his intelligence, humor, and innocence, his identity as a Black man in a predominantly white society profoundly affects his self-perception, leading him to feel dehumanized.

This internal struggle highlights the intense emotional toll that systemic racism can take on individuals. The character's realization that he was born into a world that harbors hate serves as a poignant commentary on the broader societal issues of discrimination and acceptance, illustrating how these factors can distort one's sense of self and belonging.