Roger Mais’s Blackout is a short story that offers a profound commentary on race relations, power dynamics, and the human experience. Written during a time when the Caribbean was grappling with the legacies of colonialism, the story provides a nuanced critique of the racial tensions and social hierarchies that defined the era. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story examines the social fabric of Jamaican society, particularly the interactions between people of different races during a time of uncertainty and tension.
The story takes place during a blackout in Kingston, Jamaica, which serves as both a literal and metaphorical setting. The darkness of the blackout strips away the visible markers of race, allowing the characters to interact in ways that challenge the deeply entrenched racial divides. This setting allows Mais to explore the complexities of human relationships in a society where race is dominant in determining one’s place.
The third-person narrator of the story is unnamed. The story centres around a black man asking a white woman for light from her cigarette. She feels that the man is trespassing on her personal space. The woman has a problem with the colour of the man’s skin and shows the inequalities that existed when the story was written. Blacks were still considered inferior to whites. But the man tells the woman that there are only men and women and that the colour of one’s skin does not define the type of person. This assertion is significant as it suggests that the woman’s prejudices do not affect the man. The man sees this prejudice as irrelevance.
The woman is intrigued by the man. As she leaves on the bus, she tries not to look back. This is important as she is conscious of what society thinks about the connection between a black man and a white woman. The social barriers between blacks and whites at the time were strong in the woman’s views and consciousness, and she was still fascinated by her encounter with the man. She is conscious of the engagement and how others may interpret this. This suggests that the woman wants to remain in the fold of the preconceived and acceptable norms of the time. However, men challenge these views and are not intimidated by the values of women or society.
The woman is too proud to admit to herself and the man that his thoughts are accurate and that she is the same as everyone else. But the society that the woman knows does not allow her to appreciate people of colour. The fact that the man picks up the woman’s cigarette is also interesting as despite what he has said to the woman, there is a clear divide in the social classes. The man is poor, so he picks up the cigarette that the woman tosses. He shows no pride at this point, which is different from the woman who holds the privilege that society gives to her because of her colour.
One of the most striking aspects of Blackout is its exploration of the human condition. Mais delves into the psychological depths of his characters, revealing their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities. The story’s central interaction between a white woman and a black man during the blackout is fraught with tension but also with a sense of shared humanity. This encounter challenges the societal norms that keep them apart in the light, suggesting that beneath the surface, there is more that connects them than divides them.
Mais’s use of language is another crucial element in the story’s effectiveness. His prose is both lyrical and precise, capturing the mood of the blackout and the characters’ emotions with subtlety and power. The story’s dialogue effectively conveys the unspoken tensions and the underlying currents of fear and attraction.
The story can also be seen as a critique of the colonial mindset. The blackout, by removing the visual distinctions of race, forces the characters to confront the artificiality of the racial divisions imposed by colonial rule. The temporary equality that the blackout imposes reveals the potential for a different kind of society, where individuals are not defined by the colour of their skin but by their humanity.
Setting and Symbolism
The story takes place in Kingston, Jamaica, during a nighttime blackout caused by the war. This blackout serves as a critical symbol in the narrative, representing a temporary suspension of the usual social order. In the darkness, the visible race markers are obscured, allowing for a rare interaction between people who would otherwise remain segregated by societal norms. The blackout becomes a metaphor for the potential to transcend racial barriers, albeit temporarily.
Characters and Their Significance
The story focuses on two main characters: a white woman and a black man. These characters are not given names, which suggests that they are meant to represent broader societal roles rather than individual personalities. The white woman embodies the fear and suspicion that many white people felt toward black people during this period, while the black man represents the awareness of social limitations imposed by a racist society.
The White Woman
Initially, she is portrayed as nervous and fearful as she navigates the dark streets. Her fear is not just of the dark but also of the black man she encounters. This fear is a reflection of the deep-seated racial prejudices that exist within her and the society she represents. However, as the story progresses, there is a moment where her fear subsides, and she experiences a brief sense of connection with the black man. This moment is significant because it highlights the possibility of breaking down racial barriers, even briefly.
The Black Man
The black man in the story is cautious and aware of the racial power dynamics. His behaviour is shaped by an understanding of the potential consequences of being seen as a threat by a white woman. He is respectful and careful in his interactions, aware that any misstep could lead to severe repercussions. Despite this, he also feels a momentary connection with the woman, suggesting a shared humanity transcending racial boundaries.
Themes
Race and Power
The primary theme of Blackout is the pervasive influence of race and power in society. The story illustrates how deeply ingrained racial prejudices shape the behaviour and interactions of individuals. The white woman’s fear and the black man’s caution are products of a society where racial hierarchy dictates social interactions.
Human Connection
Despite the racial tensions, Blackout also explores the theme of human connection. The blackout allows the characters to interact without the usual constraints imposed by race. This momentary connection suggests that underneath societal divisions, there is a shared humanity that can bridge the gap between races.
Fear and Suspicion
Fear is a central element in the story, particularly the white woman’s fear of the black man. This fear is symbolic of the broader racial anxieties present in colonial societies. It also highlights the psychological impact of living in a society where race is a defining factor in every interaction.
Social Constraints
The story underscores the limitations placed on individuals by societal norms. The brief connection between the characters is ultimately unsustainable because the social order reasserts itself as soon as the lights return. This suggests that while moments of equality are possible, they are challenging to maintain in a society structured by racial inequality.
Style and Narrative Technique
Roger Mais’s writing style in Blackout is both concise and evocative. He uses simple yet powerful language to convey complex emotions and social dynamics. The narrative is primarily focused on the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters, which allows readers to understand the psychological impact of racial tensions. Mais’s use of dialogue is sparse, but when it occurs, it is charged with meaning, revealing the unspoken fears and desires of the characters.
Blackout by Roger Mais is a compelling exploration of race relations in a colonial context. Through the simple yet profound interaction between a white woman and a black man during a blackout, Mais delves into the complexities of fear, power, and human connection. The story serves as a critique of the artificial nature of racial divisions. It suggests that while moments of equality are possible, they are fragile and easily disrupted by the reassertion of social norms. Mais’s Blackout remains a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism on human relationships and the ongoing struggle to overcome the barriers it has created.