Power (2)

After hearing the lecture given by Homer Barbee, the invisible man hesitantly goes to see Dr. Bledsoe in order to find out his fate at the school. Dr. Bledsoe then advised, “let the white folk worry about pride and dignity.” He’s implying that white people care too much about their image, so much that it is their greatest weakness. In society black people are humiliated on a daily basis; “pride and dignity” is not attainable for them. He then goes on to say that ” you learn where you are and get yourself power, influence, contacts with powerful and influential people- then stay in the dark and use it!” Dr. Bledsoe achieved his high position in society by pleasing the right people. It’s as simple as that. The narrator reacts to this as if he had been betrayed. After all, his role model turned out to be so ambitious for power that he was willing to do anything to get it; even if it meant disrespecting himself.