Irene Redfield views passing as a pragmatic and occasional tool, primarily for personal convenience rather than a fundamental aspect of her identity.
Irene Redfield, a respected Black doctor's wife and a prominent figure in Harlem society, considers "passing" – the act of a light-skinned person of color presenting themselves as white – to be a minor indulgence. For her, it is not a lifestyle but a strategic choice used selectively to gain certain advantages.
Irene's Perspective on Passing
Irene's engagement with passing is characterized by its utilitarian nature. She uses it sparingly, driven by a desire for ease and accessibility in specific situations. Her attitude reflects a detachment from the profound implications that passing might hold for others.
- Convenience: The primary motivation for Irene to pass is convenience. It simplifies access to establishments and experiences that might otherwise be restricted due to racial segregation.
- Petty Indulgence: She perceives it as a slight, almost trivial pleasure or advantage, not something deeply transformative or ethically complex for her.
- Occasional Use: Irene "dabbles in it on occasion," indicating it is not a continuous state but a temporary act employed when beneficial.
Benefits Irene Gains from Passing
Irene's ability to navigate racial boundaries fluidly provides her with specific, tangible benefits that enhance her social and recreational life.
| Aspect of Passing | Irene's View/Purpose | Examples of Benefits Gained |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Practicality and ease | Access to amenities without racial barriers |
| Frequency | Infrequent; "on occasion" | Allows for specific experiences |
| Perception | A minor "petty indulgence" | Simplifies daily interactions |
Through her "racial dexterity," Irene gains access to amenities that would typically be challenging for Black individuals during that era. These benefits include:
- Restaurants: Dining in establishments that might otherwise refuse service to Black patrons.
- Theater Tickets: Obtaining tickets or access to performances and venues.
- Other Privileges: Broadly, similar advantages that simplify various social and recreational activities.
In essence, Irene's relationship with passing is one of practical engagement. She sees it as a means to an end, a minor flexibility that offers her small, yet significant, advantages in a racially stratified society, without fully embracing it as a core part of her identity or daily existence.
