What Do Black Readers Think of Sapphire's Novel PUSH?

There has been a lot of buzz around Sapphire's novel PUSH, which has recently sparked debates about racial stereotypes and literary recognition. One misconception is the idea that unknown authors don't get multi-million-dollar book deals for incomplete manuscripts written in broken English. Interestingly, it was Sapphire who achieved such a deal.

The Controversial Background of Sapphire and PUSH

Initially, the question posed was whether PUSH was a case of a book getting published based on the merit of smearing African Americans. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that the novel was not an overnight success for an unknown writer.

Myth vs. Reality: Who Was Sapphire?

Contrary to the assumption that Sapphire was an unknown author, she was, in fact, quite known within certain circles. Sapphire Ramona Lofton was recognized as a performance artist and poet. She had a published poetry collection in 1994 and had self-published an earlier work. It was a literary agent who discovered her unpublished manuscript and led to a 1995 literary auction where a publisher won the rights to complete the novel for $500,000. The deal was for $500,000, not a million-dollar advance.

Debunking the Broken English Myth

Another common misconception is that the book was written in "broken English." This characterization actually reveals a staggering misunderstanding of the literary device used by Sapphire. The narrative is crafted from the perspective of the protagonist, Precious, who is functionally illiterate at the beginning of the story but becomes more literate and expressive as the novel progresses. This literary choice is a deliberate device to reflect Precious's personal journey toward gaining literacy and self-worth. Labeling it as "broken English" is fundamentally misinterpreting the author's intentions and the narrative arc of the story.

Black Trauma Porn: Is PUSH a Case?

The characterization of PUSH as "black trauma porn" points to a deeper discourse about African American experiences and the portrayal of their pain and suffering. Certain literary works like The Color Purple have faced similar criticisms for perpetuating stereotypes about Black men and reinforcing narratives of Black parental inadequacy. Similarly, PUSH has been criticized for potentially reinforcing stereotypes about Black women and their struggles.

Critique and Perspective from Black Readers

Many Black readers engage with these novels with a critical eye, often recognizing the complexities and nuances in the narratives. They see the works as part of a broader conversation about African American experiences and address these issues through their own interactions with the material.

The White Savior Complex

Sapphire's work, like that of other writers criticized for racial insensitivity, also critiques the White savior complex often seen in narratives about Black lives. Works like 12 Years a Slave, where a White character's role in saving the protagonist can be seen as reinforcing a paternalistic and exploitative relationship, align with this critique.

Conclusion: Navigating Complex Narratives

The reception of Sapphire's novel PUSH highlights the ongoing complexities in literary discussions around race and representation. While it's important to critically engage with these works, it's equally crucial to recognize the contexts and intentions behind the narratives. As readers, we must approach these texts with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the role of literary devices and the personal journeys of the characters.

Whether one agrees with the criticism or not, the discourse around PUSH and similar literary works serves as a valuable conversation starter in the ongoing dialogue about diversity, representation, and the role of literature in reflecting and shaping society.