A student is studying the short story 'Blackout' by Roger Mais, set in Kingston, Jamaica during World War II. The story explores a brief encounter between a Black man and a white woman during a wartime blackout. What social issue is Mais primarily critiquing in this story?

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Question

A student is studying the short story 'Blackout' by Roger Mais, set in Kingston, Jamaica during World War II. The story explores a brief encounter between a Black man and a white woman during a wartime blackout. What social issue is Mais primarily critiquing in this story?

Accepted Answer

Racial prejudice and colour discrimination — Award 1 mark for identifying that Mais uses the blackout setting to explore how darkness removes visible racial markers, critiquing Jamaica's colour-conscious society. A is incorrect — the story does not address environmental issues. C is incorrect — food is not a theme. D is incorrect — tourism is not discussed in this wartime narrative.

Answer

The impact of tourism on local culture

Answer

Racial prejudice and colour discrimination

Answer

Environmental destruction in urban Jamaica

Answer

The decline of traditional Jamaican cuisine

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