The Illusion of Superiority in Benito Cereno and Frederick Douglass's Narrtive

Indonesian author Pramoedya Ananta Toer once stated, “Unlike our ancestors, white people never reveled in their names; they glorified in knowledge and power. But the deceiver is still the deceiver, the liar is still the liar with his knowledge and power.” This observation underscores a significant theme in literature that critiques colonialism and racial superiority. The works of Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, particularly Douglass's *Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* and Melville's *Benito Cereno*, explore the constructed nature of racial superiority and the essentialist views that have historically marginalized African identity. In this essay, we will investigate how both authors depict the self-discovery of African characters and the self-deception of white characters, prompting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and humanity.

The Construction of Racial Identity

The ambiguity surrounding race and identity often enables the construction of essentialist perceptions, particularly by those in positions of power. Michael Omi and Howard Winant, in their discourse “Racial Formations,” argue that race is an invented socio-historical concept frequently utilized as a political tool. They contend that preconceived notions shape our understanding of racial dynamics, leading to a distorted view of identity. Such essentialist views not only affect how individuals perceive others but also how they perceive themselves. This phenomenon is evident in both European imperialism and the institution of slavery in the United States, where the notion of racial superiority manifests as a social chain, confining individuals to predetermined roles based on their race.

Dehumanization in Douglass and Melville

In both *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* and *Benito Cereno*, white characters wield race as a political instrument, enforcing an essentialist view of African slaves. Douglass vividly illustrates this dehumanization through the brutal treatment of slaves, who are often likened to animals or commodities. For instance, the violence inflicted upon slaves serves to reinforce their perceived inferiority, conditioning them to accept their subjugated status. Douglass notes, “the slaves became as fearful of tar as of the lash,” highlighting the psychological conditioning that results from such treatment (Douglass, 13).

In *Benito Cereno*, Melville presents a more nuanced depiction of white characters, particularly Captain Delano. Despite his seemingly benevolent demeanor, Delano's condescending perception of Africans as simple-minded perpetuates their dehumanization. He remarks, “There is something in the Negro which, in a peculiar way, fits him for avocations about one's person,” drawing a degrading comparison between Africans and animals (Melville, 208). This patronizing attitude underscores the persistent illusion of racial superiority, even among those who consider themselves kind-hearted.

Self-Discovery and Resistance

Both Douglass and Melville highlight the emotional and intellectual capabilities of African characters, challenging the established notions of racial inferiority. In *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass*, Douglass’s journey of self-discovery begins when he learns to read, an act that empowers him to question the legitimacy of his enslavement. He reflects, “These words sank deep into my heart, stirred up sentiments within that lay slumbering, and called into existence an entirely new train of thought” (Douglass, 29). This revelation fuels his desire for freedom and compels him to resist the constraints of slavery.

Similarly, Melville illustrates the intelligence and cunning of Babo, a character in *Benito Cereno*, who orchestrates a successful mutiny against his oppressors. Babo’s ability to communicate and strategize highlights the potential of African slaves to challenge their subjugation. The imagery surrounding Babo’s defiance at the end of the novella—“the head… met, unabashed, the gaze of the whites”—symbolizes a powerful assertion of identity and agency (Melville, 249).

The Illusion of Superiority

Both authors confront the self-deception and ignorance of white characters when faced with the humanity of African individuals. In Douglass’s narrative, Mr. Covey exemplifies this self-deception, as he convinces himself that his brutal treatment of slaves is justified by his belief in racial superiority. Douglass observes, “He deceived himself into the solemn belief that he was a sincere worshipper of the most high God” (Douglass, 54). This internal conflict reveals the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their constructed identities.

In contrast, Melville employs a more subtle approach to depict Delano’s ignorance. Delano’s unwavering belief in the goodness of mankind blinds him to the reality of the situation aboard the ship. He dismisses any suspicions he might have about the Africans, attributing their actions to his essentialist perceptions. His “singularly undistrustful good nature” ultimately prevents him from recognizing the true dynamics of power at play (Melville, 163).

Conclusion

The works of Douglass and Melville serve as powerful critiques of the constructed nature of racial superiority and the essentialist views that have historically oppressed African individuals. Through their exploration of self-discovery and resistance, both authors challenge readers to confront their own perceptions of race and humanity. They pose critical questions regarding the morality of racial superiority and the potential for change in societal attitudes toward race. Ultimately, it is up to readers to engage with these questions and reflect on the implications of their own beliefs about identity and humanity.

References

Douglass, Frederick. *Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave*. New York, NY: Penguin, 1986.

Melville, Herman. *Billy Budd and Other Tales*. New York, NY: Signet Classics, 2009.

Omi, Michael, and Howard Winant. *The Social Construction of Difference and Inequality: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality*. Dubuque: McGraw-Hill, 2011.