Banjo · Chapter
XV: White Terror explained
The chapter opens with the arrival of American and British ships in Marseilles, bringing an influx of sailors and tourists.
What happens
The chapter opens with the arrival of American and British ships in Marseilles, bringing an influx of sailors and tourists. Ray, on his way to meet Banjo, encounters a drunken British seaman and then three American Negro seamen, one of whom he knows from his railroad days. They all go to the Senegalese Bar, where Banjo is already present. The group discusses the relative freedom for Black men in France compared to America, with Banjo and Ray offering nuanced views on French and American racism. They decide to go to the British-American Bar, but on the way, they are surrounded by a group of painted youths. The chapter highlights the pervasive prejudice and the complex dynamics of race, business, and freedom in the port city, contrasting the experiences of Black sailors from America with the local French and colonial populations.
Themes in this chapter
Race and Identity
The chapter is a deep exploration of racial prejudice and identity. Ray and Banjo discuss the nuances of racism in France versus America, the 'white man's world,' and the shared experiences of Black men from different backgrounds. The arrival of American sailors brings American-style racism to the forefront, contrasting with the French colonial context.
Colonialism and Exploitation
The chapter highlights the exploitation inherent in the colonial system, with Senegalese soldiers and dockers present in the Ditch. The discussion about business and prejudice, where the white man's business interests control racial dynamics, points to the economic exploitation that underpins colonial and racial hierarchies.
Freedom vs. Survival
The characters navigate a world where freedom is relative and often tied to economic survival. Banjo's hand-to-mouth existence is described as 'gay and dressy,' while Ray reflects on the need to be 'strong in his own worth.' The choice between the Ditch and the white bars represents a negotiation between freedom and survival in a prejudiced society.
Alienation and Modernity
The chapter depicts a modern, cosmopolitan port city where individuals from diverse backgrounds are thrown together. The sailors, the 'painted youths,' and the various nationalities in the bars create a sense of alienation and rootlessness. Ray's reflection on the white American sailor who 'sees everything, but learns nothing' speaks to a modern form of cultural blindness and alienation.
Characters to notice
- Ray
Ray is on his way to meet Banjo and is accosted by a drunken seaman. He meets three American Negro seamen and introduces them to Banjo. He engages in a deep conversation about prejudice, business, and the differences between American and French racism, advocating for a tolerant and thoughtful perspective.
- Banjo
Banjo is at the Senegalese Bar when Ray arrives with the seamen. He is in a merrymaking mood and becomes the center of attention. He shares his cynical view on French attitudes, noting that they are also driven by money, and suggests they go to the Ditch to avoid the 'crackers'.
- Malty Avis
Malty is not explicitly present in this chapter's excerpts, but his gang is referenced as the group that Banjo and Ray are with. The chapter focuses on the broader group dynamics and their collective experience.
- Latnah
Latnah is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Goosey
Goosey is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Bugsy
Bugsy is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Taloufa
Taloufa is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Ginger
Ginger is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Lonesome Blue
Lonesome Blue is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Dengel
Dengel is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Crosby
Crosby is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Jake
Jake is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Sarka
Sarka is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Sister Geter
Sister Geter is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Kid Irish
Kid Irish is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Felice
Felice is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Jerco
Jerco is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Carolina
Carolina is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Ole Mammy Joan
Ole Mammy Joan is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Doctor Bougrat
Doctor Bougrat is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Lincoln Agrippa
Lincoln Agrippa is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Jigaway
Jigaway is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Jest
Jest is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Gal
Gal is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Aunty
Aunty is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Pardner
Pardner is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Monkey
Monkey is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
- Carmen
Carmen is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.
Key passages
“Prejudice and business. In Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, America, those were the two united terrors confronting the colored man.”
Ray believes that racial prejudice and economic interests are the two combined forces that oppress Black people worldwide.
This captures the central theme of the chapter, linking racism to global capitalism.
“For according to my eyesight, and Ise one sure-seeing nigger, the wul' safe foh democracy is a wul' safe foh crackerism.”
Banjo argues that the idea of making the world safe for democracy is just a cover for making it safe for white supremacy.
Banjo's cynical take on President Wilson's rhetoric highlights the gap between American ideals and its racial reality.
“Business first by all and any means! That is the slogan of the white man's world.”
Ray asserts that the primary principle of the white-dominated world is to prioritize profit above all else, including humanity.
This statement connects the theme of economic exploitation with racial prejudice.
“Except the white American sailor. He sees everything, but he learns nothing. He carries abroad with him everything that should be left back home.”
Ray criticizes white American sailors for being unable to learn from their international experiences, instead bringing their domestic prejudices with them.
This highlights the idea of American cultural insularity and its negative impact on international relations.
