The Color of Water

“The Color of Water” by James McBride is one of the major works created of the author. The book has gained the recognition of the audience due to the importance of problems raised by the author since these problems, to a significant extent, persist even today. At the same time, James McBride attempts to analyze the social relations and existing stereotypes and prejudices existing in society which often define the position of an individual in the society. In fact, this book tells the story of the mother of the author and reveals numerous obstacles which she faced in her life to raise twelve children, but the most serious problem was overcoming biases and racist prejudices that dominated in the society. In this respect, the author attempts to show how the main character of the book, Ruth McBride Jordan managed to overcome all the problems.
Basically, it is quite difficult to imagine how the main character of the book could have overcome racism and prejudice of the society since she was a Polish Jew, who married successively two African Americans. In such a way, she faced a double pressure from the part of the society. Her origin and ethnicity formed quite a negative attitude in the society, where anti-Semitic trends were quite strong, but her isolation from the society increased even more as she married African American. In such a context, the author raises a very important theme, the theme of faith since it is the faith of the main character that actually helped her overcome all biases and live the life she wanted to live.
To put it more precisely, Ruth McBride Jordan was originally a religious person, but later, as she moved to New York City the religion became secondary. However, this impression is rather false because, in actuality, her faith remained very strong. In fact, it is possible to estimate that it is the faith that guided Ruth McBride Jordan throughout her life and defined her actions and decisions. In this respect, it should be said that the main character of the book probably did not pay much attention to religious rituals but principles which she learned from her religion persisted.
In fact, it is her faith she had managed to overcome her isolation from the society and could lead a balanced life. She accepted the challenges and hardship as a norm. She readily accepted them because she strongly believed that there are basic values which can be measure in material terms, such as children, the birth of a new life. In such a way, she believed that all the hardships are provisional and her own life and the happiness of her family are more important than prejudices and injustice. By the way, in spite of the discrimination and injustice she faced, she did not grow angry or revengeful. Instead, she attempted to keep peace with her internal world and find inspiration in her faith.
Thus, it is possible to conclude that faith became the major force that helped the main character to overcome all the hardships and lead a happy life.

References:
McBride, J. (1996). The Color of Water. New York: Riverhead Books.
Russel, G. (2003). Introduction to Philosophy. New York: New Publishers.