Author: Rsvika Tripathi, Dr. Geeta Sharma

Abstract: The study underscores the challenges faced by racial subalterns in America, with Maya Angelou's renowned autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, providing detailed insights into the hardships endured by this community. Born during the Jim Crow Laws Era, Maya faced severe racial segregation, particularly evident in the racial animosities prevailing in Stamps, Arkansas, between Americans and subalterns (Blacks). Maya became a victim of patriarchal oppression, a consequence of her status as a subaltern and African American in a society predominantly controlled by men. The subjugation experienced by subaltern women restricted their freedom to pursue their dreams, subjecting them to domination by their counterparts. The shared inferior and marginalized status of African Americans in society serves as a thematic backdrop. Maya, however, transcended these challenges, breaking the metaphorical glass ceiling to become the voice of her racial subaltern community. Notably, she achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first subaltern woman to ascend to a position of prominence.

Keywords: Racial subaltern, Racial segregation, Female subjugation, Racism, sexual exploitation

Article Info: Received: 01 Nov 2023; Received in revised form: 05 Dec 2023; Accepted: 14 Dec 2023; Available online: 22 Dec 2023

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.86.25