August Wilson portrays in his play Fences, a scene where the protagonist’s life has been significantly affected by his race. Troy claims that even though Troy is describing a society in which society has evolved and many aspects are still based on American Dreams, Troy insists society hasn’t changed. Many social activities and institutions are based on racial biases. The boys are irritated by his inability to believe the situation. Lyon and Cory both support meritocracy, in line with the American Dream. Troy disagrees with this idea and claims that blacks cannot do it. They must work hard and choose the areas less attractive to whites.
Troy’s past inequalities have been a hindrance that has prevented him from accepting changes within society regarding access to opportunities. Troy is understood to be one of the greatest athletes before being sent to prison. However, there were racial inequalities that made it hard for Africans to play in the major league. His financial situation made it difficult for him to make a living and secure his future. Cory has an adverse impression due to this factor. Troy thinks that Troy is not able to take advantage of his brilliance because his skin colour was affected by racial injustices. Wilson set the story in Pittsburgh and used it to demonstrate racial biases and the pervasiveness of racism. Boynton also notes that “this is certainly possible, given black citizens’ historical experiences of citizenship and second-class citizenship parallels those of the protagonists of dystopian settings.” (376). Troy and others who are afflicted by racism seem to have a lot to do with society’s acceptance of it. It seems there is suspicion that Troy’s age played a part. In this instance, it seems that any abuse an individual has is not due to just one factor.
Troy doesn’t see his age in this case as a hindrance to him entering the major league. However, Troy feels his problems in baseball are due to his African heritage. Many of those problems stemmed from racism. Troy has never seen a person of color operate garbage trucks.