Racial discrimination in any colonial rule
Introduction
Meursault experiences a psychological detachment from the world around him presently. He is an outsider to society, and many events that have great significance to the people around him do not affect him emotionally as expected. At one point, the public comes to identify Meursault as a murderer from the incidence of killing a person referred to as an “Arab.” This is because, the Society cannot comprehend his lack of emotions, particularly for killing the Arab. More astonishing to the public is that Meursault does not mourn over his mother’s death. “His mother’s death doesn’t mean anything” (Camus, 3). The two events make society not to understand Meursault’s existentialistic beliefs. This character believes that no one lives permanently, making their lives have no significant value. His actions make society view him as different, mentally, and emotionally. The murder of the “Arab” has some insights on racial relations in a country under a colonial rule. This paper seeks to explore the theme of the race concerning a country under a colonial rule.
Discussion
The story reveals that racial discrimination is extensive in any colonial rule. Meursault lives in Algeria. However, the native Algerians do not welcome him as they try to break loose from the French colony. Due to his race, Meursault is guaranteed both protection and support by his fellow Frenchmen who are ruling the colony. The numerous privileges make him a racist and a misogynist. Meursault describes a female character, Marie, physically. Meursault narrates about his encounter with Marie as “I brushed against her breasts” (Camus, 19). The description makes him an eligible candidate for taking part in a rape whenever he has the opportunity. Also, his words show how much he lacks respect for women. Despite his conduct, he enjoys the privilege of freedom that the native Algerians cannot enjoy.
Meursault is a racist. He does not fail to identify the native Algerians as “Arabs.” He does not care about knowing the name of any native person; rather, the “Arab” tag is just enough to refer to them. Unlike the natives’ reference, Meursault makes an effort to refer to the fellow Frenchmen by their names without attaching the race. He deliberately does not mention the race when it comes to referring to the French. This difference in how he refers to the two races gives a clear picture that he has a clear distinction between his Countrymen and the native Algerians. Worst of all, Meursault makes general remarks about all the Arabs. During his trial, Meursault recounts, “The trigger gave that noise, sharp and deafening, is where it all started” (Camus, 59). The description shows that he is not remorseful because he does not see the murder as a big deal and he is sure of not facing the consequences of his act.
Conclusion
In summary, racial discrimination and lack of respect for women are common themes in any colonial rule. Meursault is French that lives in an Arabian country. As a visitor, he ought to respect the natives. However, he does not. Instead, he does everything against the beliefs and expectations of the natives. He makes an effort to refer to the native Algerians as “Arabs.” Without bothering to know their names. Therefore, Meursault is just but one of the colonizers that view themselves as superior and their subjects as inferiors in all aspects…l……………………..