1950s: A Decade of Conformity - A Study of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun

     Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a prime example of the expected position of African Americans in 1950's America.   A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway in 1959 and was soon followed by the Hollywood film version in 1961 starring acclaimed actor Sidney Poitier.  The story is set in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood and  follows the fictional African American Younger family as they learn how difficult it is to fight the established racial positions when they buy a house in a white neighborhood.  In the 1950’s, segregation was prevalent.  Black families were expected to live in all-black neighborhoods regardless of class.  When the Younger family receives an insurance check, Lena Younger uses the money to buy their “American Dream,” a house with a yard for her family to enjoy.   Lena buys a house in a white neighborhood, not because she wants to fight the system, but because she can buy a nicer house for less money in this neighborhood as opposed to a more expensive, inferior house in a black neighborhood.  However, the Younger family faces the consequences of going against the established rules when they are greeted by Clybourne Park “Welcoming Committee” representative Karl Lindner.  Lindner eloquently explains to the Youngers that they are not welcome in the white neighborhood of Clybourne Park because they are not white.  Of course, Lindner tries to make it a matter of the happiness of all concerned when he explains why the Youngers may not want to move into Clybourne Park as he states, “It is a matter of the people of Clybourne Park believing, rightly or wrongly, as I say, that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities.”  This statement portrays the idea that conformity represents happiness, and going against the established rules will only bring misery.