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story have placed upon them. Although Eddie, Bessie and Nonnie have grown to cope with these burdens differently, they will always be cognizant of the messages that Tillie has imparted. “Although he had never liked him, Tracy decided he should shake hands with the Reverend. It was his family’s custom to shake hands with a few of the colored folks on special occasions - their own house servants, certain ones, the reverend, and the very aged.” (p. 58)Tracy is also subjected to biased traditions within his own family. As a member of a prominent white breed, he has been raised to follow the social guidelines of his race. To be resigned to shake hands with black individuals only on “special occasions” is a testament to his prejudiced upbringing. At times, Tracy is rather confused about what hehas been lead to believe. However, he invariably reverts back to his discriminant ways of thinking. He is and will always be bound to the racist mentality his family has ingrained in him.“Mamie whipped her boy. She whipped him saying, ‘I got to learn it to you, you heah! I got to. You can’t look at a white gal like dat, you can’t tech one, you can’t speak to one cep to say yes mam and thanky mam. Say it atter me. Say it!’” (p. 109)As black mothers in the South, Mamie McIntosh and Tillie Anderson share in the responsibilities of instilling much needed common sense in their children. They must be made aware of the dangers brazen and outlandish behavior can bring them. Henry is painfully ignorant about how to conduct himself among white people. He cannot foresee the inevitable consequences of his insolent actions. Acting out of sheer desperation, Mamie disciplines Henry physically and verbally hoping that the painful combination isenough to make a lasting impression. “‘Ten, I wants my boy to live till he’s grown,’ Mamie’s voice did not ri...

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