Racism in Arthur Laurent’s West Side story

ABSTRACT

West Side Story is one of Arthur Laurent’s master pieces in literary world. It was created as reflection from several racism phenomena in New York, at 1950’s. He describe and illustrate about racism phenomena which experienced by Puerto Rican who migrate to New York in 1950’s. This drama script is very unique because Arthur tries to combine his concept with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and then adjust it into 1950’s nuance. It is such a classic and modern collaboration in a play.

In this study, one can understand and be aware towards racism phenomena which happened in New York, at 1950’s. Then, it supposed to be factual research for people. In addition, the researcher uses sociological literary criticism in analyze the drama script, especially for reflection of the milieu of the literary work towards reality in New York in 1950’s. On the other hand, the researcher also uses racism theory by Robert Blauner related to exploration of definition of racism it self. It is also relate on how racism described in the novel.

The researcher also states about three problems of study, they are about kinds of racism as it is describes in drama script, kinds of racist treatment which faced by certain characters, and how racism in the script reflect the reality in New York at 1950’s.

And then, from the research, there are three findings can be stated as the answer of problems of the study. First, kind of racism found in Arthur Laurent’s West Side Story is Puerto Rican’s personal racism. Second, kinds of racist treatments found in the script are racial prejudice, blaming the victim, intimidation, segregation and racial motives. Third, racism in drama script is reflecting the real condition of society in New York at 1950’s.

Hopefully, this thesis can produce such an inspiration and guidance for people on how they respect also act towards each other. Besides, the researcher also expects this research will bring such a positive perspective for people who live in differences.

Finally, it can help the next researchers who conduct the research in the same field. It is suggested for further researcher to be able to investigate other object, hence, he or she can contribute new finding about other aspect that exist in the drama script.