"Wherever it erupts, this Funk, they wipe it away; where it crusts they dissolve it; wherever it drips, flowers, or clings, they find it and fight it until it dies. They fight this battle all the way to the grave." (pg. 83)
When discussing the lifestyles of young women from the surrounding cities of Mobile, Aiken, Meridian, and so on, this statement is made which highlights the ever looming presence of racism in the American south. This metaphor of "funk" more specifically refers to the personality, uniqueness, individuality, and general happiness that American white society prevented blacks from taking part in. In order to peacefully co-exist with the racist whites, African Americans were forced to accept their position as silent wall-flowers. They were to speak only when spoken to, keep their heads down, and always remember to say please and thank you. For those who did not cooperate and let their "funk" show a bit too frequently, the threat of a serious beating, jail-time, or lynching was constantly awaiting their mistake.
What Toni Morrison really wants the reader to take home from this analogy is the life-long internal battle African Americans faced to keep any strong emotions hidden behind neutral eyes. They could never (especially publicly) express their true hatred for their oppressor or severe punishment would surely ensue. This was also true for their moments of greatest success or satisfaction. Racist white society very much disliked the sight of an African American enjoying themselves, and thus a line of insults or swift beating would put them back in their place. These acts of violence and racism I'm referring to don't even scratch the surface of the emotional despair Morrison is attempting to convey, however. It is when a person has internalized this racism and accepted it into their every day lives that it becomes even more damaging. Racism in America forbid blacks from living their lives the way they desired, and with psychological warfare destroyed the minds and emotions of countless African Americans.
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