Second Quarter: Blogpost #1

Revolt of the Evil Fairies By Ted Poston

     In the face of discrimination, the protagonist in "Revolt of the Evil Fairies" by Ted Poston shows determination and courage. This was a time of racism, segregation and discrimination. Not only was it “whites” against “blacks” but discrimination in the race itself. Yallers (light skinned blacks) against dark skinned blacks. This is shown through the play in the protagonist’s school. The protagonist does everything in his power to be Prince Charming in the play even though he knows, that his skin color will enable him to get the role. No doubt about it, Prince Charming was always light skinned.

     One example of determination from the protagonist was what he said "I went out for the Prince Charming role with all my heart". He also pestered his mom to help him prepare for the auditions. This shows that he was very determined to get the role and tried his hardest, even when he knew of his small chances of being Prince Charming due to his race.

     Another example of determination from the protagonist in "Revolt of the Evil Fairies" is when he purloined his sister's Palmer's Skin Success. This shows that he was even willing to change himself/appearance to be Prince Charming at this time in the story. His opinions on this soon change but it’s interesting to see and compare.

     One example of unfairness was when the protagonist says “But I could have never been Prince Charming, because I was black” He said this in the middle of the story and as the last sentence in the story. This shows that it was a reoccurring problem for him. At one point though you have to ask yourself how much longer can I do this? I think this sentence shows that he’s done and that he’s accepting the fact that because of racism and discrimination he is being held back. He finally sees that you can’t  keep fighting something that is undefeatable.

     In conclusion Ted Poston teaches us a very valuable lesson through the protagonist and the play in his school. Over the course of this story we watch the protagonist being brought down because he can’t to do something due to the color of his skin. He is determined to keep fighting but in the end he realizes that what he’s fighting is too grand for him to beat. After reading this short story I was angered. How can someone be so disrespectful to a child who can’t help the color of his skin? But what angered me the most was that they were all black. Each and every one of them, discriminating against their own race. Rat Jointer put it the best, “If you back, you black” But what does that mean?

- Aleyna Ndaw