Invisible Man our self-worth
Bitterness, a corrosive force, can consume the very essence of one’s soul. We learn in Invisible Man our self-worth does not solely stem from external validation but finds its roots in a profound connection with our inner world. In our quest for stability, we often unearth the stark destitution that has plagued our souls. Our skin, marked with heightened sensitivity and the emergence of furrowed brows, becomes a silent testament to the weight of our inner turmoil, manifesting as depression.
Those random tears that cascade in solitude, the pervasive emptiness coursing from the tips of our toes to the recesses of our minds, serve as poignant reminders of our spirit’s desperate cry for healing. Healing, an oft-used term, transcends mere physical well-being; it encompasses the profound ability to trust, to embrace those who bear resemblance to past abusers, and to engage in tender, consoling gestures like a heartfelt hug or a kiss on the cheek.
It is a pursuit that delves deeper than the accumulation of material wealth, for it encompasses our most sacred and vital journey. Healing requires us to unearth the depths of our unconscious actions, confront the enigmatic pain that haunts us, and shatter the veil of deadly ignorance. In doing so, we pave the way for a new existence, emerging from the underground labyrinth of unresolved wounds and embarking on a path of profound transformation.
I encountered a woman with a profoundly intricate past, one marred by the harsh realities of brutality and abuse, overshadowing the warmth of love she so desperately craved. To exist without acknowledging this painful truth, or worse, to traverse the world in blissful ignorance of the pervasive abuse that has seeped into our lives, is akin to becoming a grotesque caricature of our better selves. It resembles the tragic fate that befell Todd Clifton, once a beacon of beauty, now reduced to a gyrating Sambo figure, much like the character encountered by the narrator in ‘Invisible Man.’ Fleeing from the authorities while carrying the symbols of his mental subjugation, Clifton plunges into the abyss of darkness. In him, we see a man unable to imagine life without the structure that had bestowed upon him his sense of identity.
Isn’t this reliance on external markers of identity and worth not so different from our own dependency on positions, wealth, and societal status to breathe meaning into our lives? We often wander through life with a blind allegiance to the edifices around us, all the while neglecting the rich tapestry within ourselves.
Yes, the abuse occurred, as did the death, the divorce, and the depression. I’ve come to understand that suicide takes on various forms, like Todd Clifton’s ill-fated confrontation with a police officer. It can manifest in reckless speeding while intoxicated, tailing police cars in our vehicles, or resorting to self-harm by slashing blades across our necks and wrists. It can even extend to the absurd act of praying for God to separate our souls from our bodies in the dead of night.
As Todd Clifton’s lifeless body rested against the harsh pavement of Harlem, it served as a stark reflection of our shared tragedy. If we fail to make a resounding statement in defense of our lives, there will be yet another tragic death on the city streets.
