- Link is a coward in Beals’s memoir. I can support that stance with the following evidence…. (be specific!)
In Warriors Don’t Cry, Link is made to look like some sort of savior. He lets Melba take his car in order to escape Andy and his friends, he provides information and warnings about planned attacks, and occasionally steps into the way of harm by persuading friends not to harass Melba. Behind all of these acts of ‘kindness’, there is a superficial tendency in helping Melba in order to avoid ostracization. It is undeniable that Link is defiant in his acts of kindness; however, his ‘heroic’ acts of kindness are ironic, thus making him a coward.
On the day of school after Link had given Melba his car, Link can be seen siding with his segregationist companions at school and becoming a stranger to Melba once again. In the cafeteria, Link tells his friends, “Hey, I’m not gonna stay in detention hall every morning for a week just for a little ni****-beating pleasure” (261). Although Link prevented Melba from being harmed, this action can be interpreted as a sort of bandage on a larger wound, a temporary solution on a problem that could grow harsher due to Link’s intervention. In fact, Link’s main concern was to not get outed by his friends so that he could maintain his anonymity.
Also, Link’s cowardliness comes to light after he calls Melba about the senior events being canceled. He asks Melba if she could “do a news interview saying [white people] are not such bad people and that everything is getting better at school. That way everybody in the world won’t think we’re all villains” (271). One could say that it is understandable for one to not like being seen as a villain. However, this quote shows how Link is hyper focused on the media’s perception on him, rather than on the root problem. Link is neither as frustrated or bothered with how the media downplays the violence that Melba experiences. He is willing to help Melba, but is not willing to deal with the societal repercussions of doing so.
Calling Link a coward is complicated because of how much Melba appreciated his help in her memoir. You could also call all the people who did not help Melba and other students cowards, as well, either because they were afraid of being ostracized like how Link did, or because they were fully racist. One could also argue that ‘coward’ is not even a good word to describe the segregationists who did not help Melba and other students, but rather just ‘hateful’ and ‘racist’. What makes ‘coward’ a word best fit for Link is that his kindness was half-hearted, and he kept this part of his life a secret, rather than supporting or motivating group movements to help Melba.
Your analysis is a compelling perspective on Link’s character in “Warriors Don’t Cry.” While Link’s actions may initially seem heroic, they are ultimately overcome by self-interest and a reluctance to confront the deeper issues of racism. It highlights how his kindness is more about preserving his own reputation. Your question about using the term “coward” in describing Link’s actions prompts questions about complicity. While Link’s actions may not fit neatly into a single label, his reluctance to fully commit to supporting Melba shows cowardice. It’s important, though, to consider the broader context of societal pressures and individual gain when looking at his behavior. Your analysis has led me to consider the question: Does the character Link serve as a personified voice of societal norms in the memoir? Is he more than just a character? I think Link can be seen as the human embodiment of many people’s unspoken thoughts in the 1950s and 60s regarding segregation. Just as many did, Link goes along with the masses and does not confront the root of the problem when I think it is apparent he sees an issue. Many people at this time did not speak up because it was not socially acceptable or went against what government officials/authorities were saying.
I agree with your analysis of Link’s character in Warriors Don’t Cry. It is evident that Link’s acts of protection are motivated more by self-preservation and a desire to avoid being ostracized. Link’s actions are viewed as cowardly because he prioritizes his comfort and reputation overtaking an outright stance against racism and injustice. While he offers temporary assistance to Melba, he still engages with the status quo to mask his participation in any strive for equality. Although, I think his actions are noteworthy for the time. He did demonstrate a level of courage during the 1950s, however, when you look at it through the lens of the 20th century his failure to commit to opposing racism distinguishes him as an example of cowardice within the narrative.
I find each of your perspectives to complement the others very well. Link is portrayed as cowardly in his actions during the integration of Central High School, while Melba is one of the “warriors” who bravely faces the challenges of integrating the school. With his struggles with fear and hesitation throughout the recount, Link’s cowardice is evident in several instances as you mentioned. Overall, it is clear that Link’s reluctance to fully engage in the fight for justice contrasts with Melba’s bravery and determination. However, it’s also important to consider the intense pressure and danger that he, Melba, and the other black students faced during this time in history. Perhaps, it should be acknowledged that public allies of the Civil Rights Movement dealt with significant intimidation and pressure that could have deterred them from truly speaking out about their wishes and beliefs. Whether it be financial, legal, or violent repercussions, such realities heavily slowed progress.
I agree. I was thinking the book also makes Link into a sort of “white savior complex” character. It is easy for Link to receive this praise while continuously hiding behind others at the same time. Instead of actually standing up for Melba and taking action, Link sneakily tries to help her; however, he easily could’ve been up front about it with himself and with others and done the same thing. Yet, he did not. This just shows that he actually is not quite the extreme heroine that the memoir makes him out to be and he may actually be somewhat cowardly. I am also glad you raised the point about Link calling Melba to say that the senior events were cancelled because I found this particularly unfair. I do not think Link should have ever asked Melba to speak out or do an interview just so he could have his senior events. He wanted things to revolve around him and was not, truly, serious about helping Melba.