1. Mr. Z

"Taught early that his mother's skin was the sign of error." line 1

Through the first line of this poem, we learn that Mr. Z is an African American man. At a very early age, he discovered the racial discrimination he would face his entire life. I really feel bad for Mr. Z. It seems like all he wants to do is fit in with the white community, but it seems almost impossible. He had to come to the realization that society can't get past physical characteristics. He did his best to behave properly by, "[Winning] scholarships, and [attending] the best schools," hoping to blend in with the over powering white society. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful. Later in life, he married a Jewish woman. At his wedding, the pastor sarcastically "proclaimed them matched chameleon." I think that this sarcastic comment influences the entire tone of the poem. It is really sarcastic. The speaker is almost criticizing Mr. Z for thinking he had a chance at fitting in with the white population. I applaud Mr. Z's desire to fit in; however I criticize the fact that he didn't embrace his own culture. That is why I think the speaker is passing judgement on him.