The Things They Carried

Giovanni uses the term "colored bourgeois." What does she mean by this? Is it meant in a position or negative sense? Why didn't she use the term "black bourgeois"?

NIKKI GIOVANNI

Adulthood

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

The "colored bourgeois" were blacks who attempted to integrate themselves into a "white" world. In her case, it meant that she would do and become what was expected of her rather than become a part of the Black Power Movement. This is not a positive description...... the word "colored" reflected the times.