Abstract
Constructing a system of economic and social power based upon the performance of certain characteristics classified as white, a dominant white group (those who adequately perform the particular characteristics of whiteness) powerfully exerts not only an external control, but also a pivotal internal oppression over groups classified as non-white (i.e. minorities), This internal oppression of minority groups comes in the form of a sociological process called internalization. Through internalization, minority individuals often choose to reject many alternatives to the white system—such as solidarity with other minority groups—and, instead may actually perpetuate the system by imitating its exploitive practices. Within this paper, I explore representations of internalization of white supremacy, as I analyze two novels, John Okada’s No- No Boy (1957) and Chester Himes’ If He Hollers Let Him Go (1945). By pointing out this process of internalizing white supremacy, both Okada and Himes do not merely intend to highlight a depressing and hopeless phenomenon. Instead, both authors offer their readers a warning against the dangers of allowing a racist system of economic power to continue. In addition, both writers also articulate a solution for countering white economic exploitation. That is, Himes and Okada ultimately encourage acting upon the creative alternatives of cooperation and solidarity that minority individuals in each novel formulate.