White Privilege and Black Oppression

In The Fifth Season, Jemison contrasts Damaya with Binof to illustrate the different consequences of a life of privilege and a life of oppression. Binof demonstrates how those with privilege can get out of punishment, and Damaya demonstrates how those oppressed face punishments to a greater extent.

Binof is born into the Leadership use-caste and has very powerful connections. When Damaya first meets her, she realizes that “Binof’s not just any still: she’s a Leader, and she’s from Yumenes, which makes her a child of one of the most powerful families in the Stillness” (307). As a product of her family status, Binof is not worried about being caught sneaking into the fulcrum and learning about the potential gap in history. When Damaya expresses her concern for Binof getting into trouble, Binof replies “‘when they (catch me), I’ll just tell them who I am.’” Damaya continues to observe, “the girl shrugs, with the ease of someone who has never known true fear in her life” (307). Unlike Binof, Damaya faces persecution for her powers as she is an orogene. She understands that if she breaks the rules, her punishment will be severe. Damaya explains to Binof, “‘I could get in trouble for helping you.’ She isn’t a Leader, or a person; no one will save her” (308). Damaya knows that her punishment will be severe because she is a member of a dehumanized use-caste.

Binof’s ability to escape punishment for breaking rules is used to exhibit white privilege. Just as Binof is born into a powerful family, people are born into white privilege. Therefore, she has many advantages, such as escaping harsh punishment for breaking rules. When the guardian learns of Binof’s connections, she replies, “how lovely! So young, and already you have a comm name. You are quite welcome among us, Binof Leader. If you had but told us you were coming, we would have shown you what you wanted to see” (322). Binof escapes punishment for her wrongdoing similar to how white people are less likely to face prosecution from police or other racial groups. Damaya, however, as part of an oppressed minority group like African Americans, faces daunting consequences, such as lynching, for stepping out of line. For example, she is forced to take her first ring test without any preparation. Damaya realizes, “this is happening for her now, without warning, because this is her only chance. She has proven herself disobedient. Unreliable. Because of this, Damaya will need to prove herself useful. If not…” (330). The guardians give Binof special treatment because of her use-caste, while Damaya faces consequences. Damaya’s harsh punishment is similar to how African Americans were lynched for stepping out of line because Damaya’s punishment is more severe than the crime that she committed. Jemison uses Binof and Damaya’s different experiences to demonstrate how white privilege and black oppression exist in society.