Black Like Me is an autobiographical memoir by John Howard Griffin who wants to know what it is to be an African American. Griffin knew that the best way to understand racism and other experiences faced by blacks is through becoming a black man himself. His book explains why he is doing all this. Indeed, Griffin darkens his skin and goes to the South. Initially, Griffin feels great mainly because he is being comforted by several black people. However, being a black person is not as fun as he had thought it might be.
Howard’s initial days seemed great. Nevertheless, as he tries to get the job, disappointments set in and understands that being black may not be as easy as he thought. Though Griffin is learned, no one is willing to employ him. White people don’t like him and he cannot cash a check. As a black man, Griffin comes face to face with prejudices. In fact, he endures hateful stares and is forced to walk miles to find a bathroom. After going through hardships, Griffin has had enough of the persecutions. Generally, he realizes that blacks live in an appalling condition.
Griffin decides to transition back into a white man and goes to Texas. He feels great as a white man and life is sweet. People become friendly to him. After getting back to his normal color, whites treat him with respect. Contrary, when he was black, whites used to treat him with contempt and hostility. Together with his family, they were threatened. He was threatened that he would be castrated. His family relocates to Mexico for peace and security. Through the book, Griffin highlights the injustices that black people go through.
