Things got better but I still had to be careful. Very careful in how I raised her. I had to be strict, very strict. Lula Ann needed to learn how to behave, how to keep her head down and not to make trouble. I don't care how many times she changes her name. Her color is a cross she will always carry. But it's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not. Bride I'm scared.
In Toni Morrison's “God Help the Child,” the narrator reflects on the challenges of raising Lula Ann, emphasizing the need for strictness in her upbringing. The parent understands the importance of teaching Lula Ann to conform and avoid trouble, recognizing that societal perceptions based on her skin color will always follow her. This awareness leads to an intense, worry-filled need to protect their child from potential harm.
Despite the improvements in their circumstances, the parent feels an overwhelming pressure, repeating the mantra that it is not their fault that Lula Ann must bear the burden of her identity. The fear expressed reveals deep concerns about the societal injustices their child will face. This complexity highlights the ongoing struggle against the weight of discrimination and the desire for a better life for the next generation.
