The Color of Water, an autobiography by James McBride, tells the story of Ruth McBride, the two men she married, and the 12 children she raised. Ruth is a Polish Jew who immigrated to America 2 years after birth. As an adult she moved to New York City, leaving her family and Jewish faith behind in Virginia to escape the life she was living. I think this was a good idea considering she was abused by her father and treated very poorly her entire childhood. .
One of Ruth's sons, James, tells the story, went through many of the similar hardships that his mother did, as a result of never being sure of his cultural and family background. I think this was a poor judgment on Ruth's behalf for not telling her son of her background. As a child James was confused at times about his family and could really never be proud of who he was, yet he still managed admire his mother for her strength and big heart she kept throughout her life. I give him a lot of credit for that, I"m not sure if I could be that strong. However, I believe Ruth only discouraged him from his ongoing curiosity to protect him, considering all the events going on with the Black Power Movement, and the fact that his peers may no longer accept him. .
I admire the fact that James and Ruth both wish to respect to their pasts and learn from them, but in the end want to move on and find their own, new way of living that is not restricted by their earlier lives. I feel bad, though, that Ruth had such a horrible past that she wishes to keep it a secret, instead of informing James about her background so he can get answers and carry on with his life. I see that Ruth's love and dedication her twelve children was a reflection of her bitter separation from her entire family. She battled not only racism but also poverty in order to raise her children, and despite being greatly tested, never became discouraged, and would ever let her family live like she used to.
