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("Mr. Z", Holman)

This poem is full of allusions and diction that helps define "Mr. Z". The name of the character is raceless: the goal of the character. The speaker seems to pity the poor guy, explaining his past of trying to live above race/religion results in a present and future of being defined by race/religion. The references to jazz music, spirituals, and Anglo-Saxonized imply that his mother and back ground was black. Within the second stanza, the character is revealed as Jewish through the explanation of his diet of no pork and other Jewish customs. He tries to escape race through marriage and location and works to success. Unfortunately he falls victim to his race/religion, and is recognized as a "distinguished member" to a race he rejected.

It is human nature to judge by race or religion, and no matter what, such judgement will always play a part of how one is seen by others. Since these judgements will never be rejected, it is important to embrace one's culture and background and try to find the best in other religions and cultures. The issue is not to rid of differences or culture, rather the issue is to rid of negative and rude judgement towards another race. We cannot be raceless, but embracing and accepting are achievable customs.