That's what a man is supposed to do for his wife. Listen, if a nigger didn't get lynched every now and then, well, there's just no telling what they'd do to us.""Who?" Lily asked."Why, honey, the niggers and our husbands both. I don't care what color they are; men build up steam. And they gotta let it out somewhere. Colored men. White men. They both crazy. Honey, the point is you gotta look at it this way: A whole lotta women can't, "I got a man who'll kill for me."
In Bebe Moore Campbell's "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine," the characters discuss complex themes of race, gender, and violence within relationships. One character reflects on the idea that men, regardless of their race, are prone to build up anger and aggression, which can manifest in destructive ways. This notion highlights the struggles women face in understanding the behavior of the men in their lives and the unsettling reality of living in a society where violence is a recurring element.
The dialogue reveals a grim acceptance of the societal dynamics at play, suggesting that both colored and white men harbor similar tendencies. The character implies that women must navigate these troubling aspects of masculinity, recognizing that while they may feel protected by their partners, this protection often comes with an underlying threat. This complexity in relationships portrays a daunting reality for women who seek safety and love amidst a backdrop of societal violence.
