Name______
Period______
Black Like Me
By John Howard Griffin
Make sure to answer in complete sentences to receive full points!
1. Read the Preface and the journal on October 28th. Explain why Griffin wrote this book? What is its purpose?
2. On page 10 one of the FBI men tells Griffin, “As soon as they see you, you’ll be a Negro and that’s all they’ll ever want to know about you.” Interpret this quote. What does it say about life in the South?
3. On page 13-14 Griffin has a conversation with his doctor about the racism that occurs within the black community at this time. Explain this racism. Why do you think this is taking place? Why do you think several people buy into this idea?
4. On page 17 Griffin has an awkward encounter with a man and has no idea what to do in his new social setting. Think of a time when you had an awkward moment like this in a new setting or with new people. Describe this experience, how you handled it, and how it made you feel.
5. Refer back to the conversation in question #3 note that that took place between two white men. Compare and contrast that conversation to the one in the last few paragraphs on page 21.
6. Page 26 List the rules of “riding the bus” posted on a black Catholic church. This was a silent protest initiated by several black ministers, including Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Choose two of the rules and explain why you think each one was selected as one of only 7 rules in this risky endeavor.
7. On page 32 Griffin discusses his dinner experience with Joe. Keep in mind Joe shines shoes for a living. Why do you think he treats the “beggar” so poorly? What would be his motive? How is this ironic?
8. How does Griffin experience racism as a black man on pages 37-41? Explain.
9. Explain the “economic injustice” described on pages 43-44.
10. What happens to Griffin as he peers in the window of a restaurant and reads the menu? Explain a time when you were given similar body language, why do you believe you were treated that way?
11. On page 49 Griffin explains why many black people don’t pursue education through music, art, or literature. Why is this?
12. Look at Griffin’s reaction to the paper on page 50. He gives the rest of the world’s opinions of the United States. Do you think this is accurate? How do other country’s look at the U.S. today? Are they right?
13. What lie does Christophe tell Griffin on the bus? Why do you think he lies about this?
14. On his way to Mississippi Griffin is warned to “watch himself.” What was he warned about specifically?
15. What questions does Griffin ask himself after entering the tavern on page 69?
16. Why does Griffin decide against writing a letter to his wife on page 70?
17. On page 74 Griffin draws a metaphorical parallel of the South to another event. What is it? Do you agree?
18. How does the driver on page 87 try to bait Griffin? Why would he do this?
19. On page 90 Griffin explains why these white men feel comfortable discussing sex openly with him as a black man, explain why. Explain how this further degrades the human life of black people in this time period.
20. At the bottom of page 91 Griffin explains what actually causes “social differences” summarize this explanation in your own words.
21. What does the white man at the job interview on page 100 tell Griffin the white man’s intentions are in not hiring blacks? Why do you think he so blatantly professes this?
22. What conclusion does Griffin admit he’s come to on page 101?
23. Explain the encounter Griffin had with the truck driver hitchhiking on his way to Alabama.
24. On page 110, what does the man mean by “They got all the loopholes plugged?” Explain.
25. What deep realization does Griffin make as he goes takes a bath on page 112?
26. How is Griffin treated now he appears white when he enters the black street on Nov. 29th? Why?
27. Read on page 125. Why do you think they were not taught to read and write? Explain.
28.According to Griffin on page 133-134, what does religion do to racism? Do you agree?
28. On page 136-137 Griffin discusses the “strides” made by Atlanta. He attributes these to three things. List all three in your own words:
29. Why will this book make Griffin and his family a “target of all hate groups?”
30. What gave John a “resurgence of faith in a public figure?”
31. What does Griffin say is needed in order to keep things “peaceful” on page 155?
32. In Griffin’s final pages he explains where racism comes from. Explain the question asked to him on page 159 that describes this. Do you agree? Explain your thoughts.