Brownies by ZZ Packer intricately weaves a well-crafted narrative utilizing a linear framework. In the midst of a summer camp near Atlanta, African American Brownie Girl Scouts clash with a white troop, led by Arnetta, driven by tensions and a perceived racial slur. Their retaliatory plan backfires, leaving them to reflect on the complexities of bias and the lessons learned as they depart for home.
This engaging tale is skillfully narrated through the eyes of its protagonist, Laurel, offering a firsthand exploration of racial identity and bias, making it a compelling read for those interested in nuanced examinations of societal issues.
Packer’s deliberate intent in the story is to provoke thought and contemplation, using the lens of young girls’ experiences to illuminate the impact of societal stereotypes on human interactions. Themes of race, identity, perception, and empathy intertwine seamlessly as the plot unfolds, ultimately challenging readers to confront their own assumptions and biases.
Brownies | Summary
The story unfolds at Camp Crescendo, a serene summer retreat near the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, where fourth-grade Brownie Girl Scouts gather for a memorable experience. The story revolves around Laurel, affectionately nicknamed Snot, an insightful African American girl who recounts the tale from her perspective.
Upon arriving at the camp, the Brownies encounter a group of white girls from Troop 909, which immediately stirs a simmering tension among the African American girls. Led by the assertive and charismatic Arnetta, the girls collectively develop a deep-seated animosity toward the white troop, fueled by racially charged comments and perceived differences.
A pivotal incident occurs when Arnetta claims to have overheard the white girls using a derogatory racial slur against Daphne, a reserved and introverted girl within their own troop. Fueled by outrage, Arnetta seizes the opportunity for retribution, rallying the other Brownies to confront the white girls, seeking to teach them a lesson they won’t forget. The girls concoct a plan to ambush the white girls in the restroom, believing they will be alone and vulnerable. However, the white girls refuse the allegations, the situation is quickly diffused when the camp leader describes them as “delayed learners“. The next day, the camp supervisor assures that their parents would be informed of their conduct and be punished for the same.
As the camp draws to a close, the girls embark on their journey home, their minds preoccupied with the startling realities of the real world that they had been oblivious to. Amidst the quietude of the bus ride, Laurel shares a poignant story her father once told her about a Mennonite family, illuminating the lingering traces of bias in the world.
Brownies | Analysis
The story intricately examines the profound effects of historical racial segregation and its enduring impact on the characters’ perceptions and interactions. Through a careful examination of the racial dynamics within the Girl Scout camp and the wider community of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in suburban Atlanta, the story uncovers the stark reality of racial divisions.
The story opens a window into the camp’s homogeneous composition, with Brownie troops either exclusively white or black, and a notable absence of mixed-race troops. This segregation sets the stage for the girls’ limited exposure to racial diversity, making them acutely conscious of the differences between themselves and the white girls. Their lack of meaningful contact with white individuals, aside from occasional glimpses in public spaces, fosters a sense of unfamiliarity and, at times, apprehension towards white people.
The deliberate portrayal of the girl scouts as unrighteous through language, cynicism, and contrast allows Packer to assert her perspective on racism. The lack of courageous action against Troop 909’s insults raises questions about the innocence of the characters, challenging readers to explore the complexities of racial dynamics. The authors skillfully employs cynicism to highlight the contrast between virtue and prejudice, crafting a narrative that becomes increasingly difficult to read due to the harshness of the dialect used. The young girls’ bitter words reveal their lack of innocence and their disinterest in becoming better individuals. Laurel’s contentious opinions demonstrate her struggle to navigate the deep-rooted racism in their environment, showing that even she is not entirely free from prejudice.
The journal symbolizes the moral truth-telling that although racism continues to provoke hatred, it is unwise to act upon it. The story further acknowledges that racial differences are an unavoidable part of life, drawing from her own experiences growing up in Atlanta’s south side and expressing her sensitivity towards discrimination through Laurel.
Throughout the story, the writer’s use of sarcasm becomes a tool to reveal her feelings towards discrimination. The portrayal of innocent Brownie girls, affected by financial hardship and family problems, adds another layer of complexity to the exploration of prejudice and challenges conventional notions of righteousness and compassion.
Within this context, the black girls’ perceptions of the white girls are heavily influenced by popular media portrayals and superficial stereotypes. Their knowledge of the white girls is largely shaped by the distorted lens of mass culture, leading to misunderstandings and misconceptions that exacerbate existing racial tensions. The concept of “Caucasian” becomes an all-encompassing, humorous term of abuse for them, illustrating their reliance on superficial generalizations.
The story’s central conflict arises when the black girls believe they have been insulted by the white girls, prompting feelings of anger and a desire for retaliation. The lack of direct experience with white people fuels these emotions, creating a breeding ground for racial prejudice and perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding. Even though it remains uncertain if the white girls did use racial insults, the mere possibility highlights the lingering presence of racial prejudice in present-day Atlanta.
Through the character of Arnetta, the story exposes the continued existence of racial bias and discrimination in certain areas of the city, where black individuals are still perceived as outsiders. This revelation prompts a moment of reflection for Laurel’s father, who had his own encounters with racial discrimination, leading him to harbor resentments and act out in a misguided attempt to assert superiority. Moreover, the portrayal of Laurel’s father’s resentment and desire for superiority following his experiences with racial discrimination adds depth to the story, revealing the complexities of human emotions and reactions to discrimination. This introspective moment serves as a poignant reflection on the ways in which pain and prejudice can manifest in unexpected and harmful ways
Brownies | Themes
The theme of racial segregation is at the core of the narrative. The story is set in a racially diverse suburban community where the Brownie troops at the camp are noticeably divided along racial lines. This segregation reflects historical circumstances that have shaped the characters’ lives and perceptions. The absence of mixed-race troops and the girls’ limited contact with individuals from other racial backgrounds illustrate the ongoing impact of historical divisions.
The story powerfully depicts the consequences of prejudice and the dangers of drawing hasty conclusions based on appearances or stereotypes. The black girls’ lack of meaningful interactions with white individuals leads to misconceptions and hostility towards the white girls at the camp. The perceived insult exacerbates tensions, illustrating how prejudices can perpetuate cycles of misunderstanding and hostility.
Amidst the conflicts and misunderstandings, the theme of empathy and understanding emerges as a pivotal aspect of the story. As Laurel begins to question the accuracy of their assumptions, she shows a glimmer of empathy and introspection.
The story skillfully portrays the complexities of human nature, showcasing both the characters’ vulnerabilities and their capacity for growth. Laurel’s realization of her father’s resentment and her own empathetic response to the Mennonite family’s kind act underscore the multifaceted nature of human emotions and reactions.
The story also examines the role of media in shaping perceptions and stereotypes. The black girls’ knowledge of white girls largely comes from distorted portrayals in mass culture, leading to superficial generalizations and misunderstandings. Packer subtly critiques the influence of media on shaping societal perceptions and beliefs.
Brownies | Title
The title itself alludes to the existence of a summer camp, At first glance, the title refers to the Brownie Girl Scouts, the group of young African-American girls who form the primary focus of the story. The term “Brownies” identifies them as members of this specific scouting organization, which serves as a vessel for exploring the complexities of their racial identity and experiences.
The term “Brownies” itself is emblematic of the racial aspect of the story. As a racial descriptor, it is a subtle nod to the skin color of the girls, highlighting their African-American heritage and underscoring the theme of racial segregation and prejudice prevalent in the narrative. The title immediately sets the tone for the story, inviting readers to consider the impact of race and identity on the girls’ interactions and perceptions.
Brownies | Character Sketch
Laurel, known affectionately as Snot, serves as the astute narrator and member of the black Brownie troop at Camp Crescendo. Hailing from an all-black suburb south of Atlanta, she possesses a keen observational prowess, which enables her to record the thoughts and words of those around her with insightful precision. Her efforts to steer them away from prejudice and racism illustrate her compassionate nature and desire for understanding, even in the face of opposition.
Arnetta, the unspoken leader of Laurel’s Brownie troop is a domineering and assertive figure. With an imposing presence, she holds considerable sway over her fellow Brownies, using her influence to perpetuate false rumors and unfounded accusations against Troop 909. Her actions reveal a bully’s inclination, as she unhesitatingly spreads the misleading rumor about one of the members of Troop 909 using a racial slur against their troop mate, Daphne. Arnetta staunchly clings to her perceptions, displaying a sense of narcissism in her unwavering belief in her correctness, even when confronted with the truth. Her insistence on continuing the accusations despite evidence to the contrary highlights her stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge the impact of her actions.
Brownies | Literary Devices
Packer skillfully employs figurative language, including similes and metaphors, to infuse the narrative with vibrant imagery and deepen the readers’ understanding of the characters and their surroundings. Through the observant and lively first-person narrator, Laurel, the story comes alive with vivid comparisons that evoke a range of emotions and reveal deeper layers of meaning.
Similes, characterized by connecting words such as “like” or “as if,” seamlessly flow from Laurel’s narrative, demonstrating her keen observational skills and imaginative thinking. Mrs. Hedy’s finger wags “like a windshield wiper,” and the leader of Troop 909 holds a banana “like a microphone.” These similes draw parallels between seemingly dissimilar objects, emphasizing the regular, rhythmic motion of Mrs. Hedy’s finger and the shape of the banana, creating visual and sensory connections for the readers.
Moreover, Laurel’s simile about the “shaggy white balls of paper towels” in the bathroom, which sat “in a line like corsages on display,” paints a vivid picture of the restroom’s appearance. This simile captures the shape and arrangement of the paper towels, adding depth to the readers’ mental image.
In contrast to similes, metaphors identify one object with another, transcending mere comparison. The metaphors enrich the narrative by revealing the narrator’s imaginative and introspective thinking. The leafy tops of the trees “formed a canopy of black lace,” as the delicate patterns and color of the leaves resemble the intricate design of black lace. This metaphor not only enhances the description of the scene but also adds an emotional layer to the depiction of nature’s beauty. The covey of insects is likened to “a throng of tiny electric machines, all going at once.” This imaginative metaphor enlivens the description, infusing the scene with a sense of energy and motion.
Furthermore, the restroom’s wooden rafters take on metaphorical significance when Laurel describes them as :
“inside a whale, viewing the ribs of the roof of its mouth.”
This metaphor transforms the mundane restroom into a vivid and whimsical visual representation, inviting readers to explore the creative depths of Laurel’s mind.
Humor is also interwoven into the metaphors, as seen when Laurel playfully envisions her fellow Brownies as “bunched-up wads of tinfoil, maybe, or rusty iron nails you had to get tetanus shots for.” This humorous metaphor offers a lighthearted insight into Laurel’s character, revealing her wit and unique perspective on her peers.
Through its exploration of racial segregation, prejudice, and the complexities of human interactions, Brownies by ZZ Packer prompts readers to confront their own biases and societal norms.
