What does Asagai mean when he calls Beneatha an assimilationist?

BENEATHA: [Assimilationist] means someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself completely in the dominant, and in this case oppressive culture! ( Act II, scene i)

Is Asagai right when he calls Beneatha an assimilationist?

Beneatha tells him that she is not an assimilationist and that she would rather stay true to her heritage than try to be more like a white person. An example of this would be her hair. She does not try to straighten it to look like a white woman’s hair, but instead lets it grow naturally into an afro.

Is Asagai an assimilationist?

If Asagai had his way, she’d be a straight-up African woman, instead of an African-American one. He even goes so far as to suggest her straightened hair is a sign that she is “assimilated” into white American culture. Eventually, Asagai proposes to Beneatha and asks her to come back to Nigeria with him.

What are assimilationist Negroes as Beneatha stated?

What are “assimilationist Negroes”? “Someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself in the dominant, and in this case, oppressive culture.”

What does a assimilationist mean?

Definition of assimilationist : a person who advocates a policy of assimilating differing racial or cultural groups. Other Words from assimilationist Example Sentences Learn More About assimilationist.

What does Asagai tell Beneatha about dreams?

Asagai comes to help them pack and finds Beneatha questioning her choice of becoming a doctor. Asagai reprimands her for her lack of idealism and her attachment to the money from her father’s death. He tells Beneatha about his dream to return to Africa and help bring positive changes.

Why does Beneatha call George an assimilationist?

Beneatha calls George an “assimilationist.” What does she mean by that? He wants to conform to society rather than be himself because she thinks he is ashamed of his heritage (Page 80-81).

What does Beneatha mean when she says assimilationist Negroes?

What does Beneatha mean when she says that she hates “assimilationist Negroes”? She does not respect colored people that do not respect their culture. She also wants to be unique and not blend in. There is now tension in the air, especially since Beneatha really does not love him.

What is the relationship between Beneatha and Asagai?

Beneatha’s relationship with Asagai is healthier because Asagai has a more positive view on the world, Asagai is friendlier to Beneatha’s family, and Asagai cares about what Beneatha wants in her life.

Why does Asagai accuse Beneatha of being an assimilationist?

Beneatha is offended by Asagai’s remarks about her hair and about being an assimilationist because she wants to identify as a woman who is knowledgeable about her African ancestry. In Nigeria, where Asagai is from, women do not straighten their hair. Hair straightening is associated with white beauty standards.

Is Beneatha an Africanist or an assimilationist?

Asagai’s comments about Beneatha’s hair make her question whether she is an Africanist or an assimilationist. Although Beneatha takes interest in her African heritage, her straightened hair projects a message of assimilation, of “managing” her black attributes to make it easier to fit in, which Beneatha abhors.

What does Asagai want to teach Beneatha?

One of Beneatha’s fellow students and one of her suitors, Asagai is from Nigeria, and throughout the play he provides an international perspective. Proud of his African heritage, he hopes to return to Nigeria to help bring about positive change and modern advancements. He tries to teach Beneatha about her heritage as well.

Why does Asagai criticize Beneatha’s hair?

Though Asagai criticizes Beneatha a few times in the play, he seems to do so out of a desire to help her. He criticizes her straightened hair, which resembles Caucasian hair, and persuades her to cut it and keep a more natural, more African look.