He learns that many Negroes display contempt for the Black community because it brings hardships.

The doors of the famous restaurants in New Orleans are not open for him anymore.īlack people were familiar with accepted codes of behavior, but Griffin had to adapt and forget his past habits. While Griffin is reading the menu, he feels that people are looking at him with disrespect. The writer highlights, “But now, though I was the same person with the same appetite, the same appreciation and even the same wallet, no power on earth could get me inside this place for a meal.” (Griffin, p.

Even though he feels the same, Griffin has to realize that the outer world sees him as an unworthy man. One of the first things that makes Griffin adjust his actions is a sudden absence of white privilege. This essay dwells on three arguments that support this notion. As Griffin tried to survive and work through his way as a black man, he changed the behavior and went against who he was. Throughout the journey across Southern states, he faced hatred, disdain, and disappointment in the idea of universal human rights. The author managed to change his appearance beyond recognition to create another personality. He took his experiment seriously, consulting dermatologists and sitting long hours under a sun-lamp. The public criticized Griffin as he had dared to reveal an unpleasant truth. He documented his experience of struggle and survival, and in 1961 published the book called Black Like Me. John Griffin conducted a life-changing experiment of turning into a black man.

John griffin black like me