Deconstructing Pecola Breedlove: A Character Analysis Essay Example

the deadly fangs of racism. Despite of the rampant call and advocacies to promote equality, racism still occurs. The presence of extremist groups that support racial segregation readily shows that racism still exists. However, more than racism per se, the treatment shown to Pecola by some of her fellow friends and classmates, to be more specific, Junior showcases a disturbing sight. This scenario concretely shows how individuals can develop hatred against other people even if they share a common race.

Unfortunately, Pecola chose to remain silent about this matter. This is also reflected in real-life and is often the root cause of a highly fragmented and divided community. However, what is even worse is that many consider this situation as something normal and ordinary just like what Pecola did (Adams & Fortune, 1998). If further contextualize, it can be fairly argued, that Pecola’s wish represents her inability to accept her race—which further raises questions regarding identity formation and construction.

Speaking of identity formation and construction, Pecola symbolizes an individual that is victimized by a highly capitalistic white-dominated mass media. If one has to take a closer look, Pecola’s low self-esteem cannot be purely attributed to the unjust treatment that she received from the people that surround her. Far beyond that, the images and representations created by other institutions, such as mass media, for example, readily encouraged Pecola to loathe herself.

Generally speaking, society’s notion and understanding of beauty are still based on the “white, aquiline nose and blonde” archetype. This image is still venerated in modern societies. Consequently, many teenagers, just like Pecola are blinded by the idea that in order to be beautiful, they must desperately try

to circumscribe to the socially-constructed notion of beauty. Mass media makes the matter more complicated as they continue to enforce the thinking that being white equates to being classy and beautiful.

This is done through creating massive stereotypes and rendering much importance to white actresses and models. Society nowadays is filled with many Pecolas. Women are still oppressed and many remain brainwashed by a profit-oriented media. Also, the problems of identity construction and formation are still experienced by the victims of African diaspora. All of these dilemmas are readily articulated by Pecola Breedlove’s character. Pecola Breedlove serves as a representation of life’s bitter-sweet reality.