ZZ Packer’s “Brownies,” a poignant short story, initially graced The New Yorker in 1999 and found its place in her 2003 collection, Drinking Coffee Elsewhere. Set amidst Camp Crescendo, it explores young Laurel’s experiences with racial prejudice and identity.
At Camp Crescendo, a Black Brownie troop plans revenge on a white troop, fueled by a misunderstanding. This leads to a confrontation, revealing the story’s core themes of prejudice and perception amidst young girls.
Setting: Camp Crescendo
Camp Crescendo, nestled in the American South, serves as the primary backdrop for ZZ Packer’s “Brownies,” a poignant story set in the 1980s. It is a summer camp, a temporary haven for young girls, particularly Brownie troops, seeking camaraderie and adventure. However, the idyllic setting masks underlying tensions that simmer beneath the surface, heavily influenced by racial segregation.
The camp, reopening on the grounds of a high school band and hockey field, becomes a microcosm of society, reflecting the deep-seated prejudices and misunderstandings prevalent at the time. This setting provides the stage for the narrative to unfold, as the characters grapple with issues of identity, prejudice, and the complexities of human interaction. The camp is near Atlanta.
Plot Overview: Revenge and Misunderstanding
The narrative of “Brownies” centers around a Brownie troop of Black girls who, fueled by a perceived racial slur, plan to exact revenge on a white troop, Brownie Troop 909. This plan is born from a misunderstanding, highlighting the story’s central theme. The girls believe they were called the n-word, igniting their fury.
Their initial motivation for revenge stems from the hurt pride and the desire to stand up for themselves against what they perceive as an act of aggression. However, their plans are ultimately unsuccessful, revealing the complexities of the situation. The story culminates in a confrontation in the shower block, which exposes the root of the misunderstanding.
Themes in “Brownies”
ZZ Packer’s “Brownies” explores themes of racial prejudice, segregation, identity, and perception. The story delves into how these forces shape interactions and understanding, particularly amongst young girls at summer camp.
Racial Prejudice and Segregation
Racial prejudice and segregation form a cornerstone of ZZ Packer’s “Brownies.” The story, set at Camp Crescendo, highlights the divisions between the Black Brownie troop and the white Brownie Troop 909. This segregation breeds prejudice, as the Black girls quickly assume the worst about the white troop based on a single accusation.
Packer masterfully portrays how historical segregation and societal biases influence the girls’ perceptions and interactions. The Black troop’s eagerness to believe the accusation and their subsequent desire for revenge demonstrate the deep-seated anger and resentment that can arise from systemic inequality.
The physical separation at camp mirrors the broader societal segregation, creating an environment ripe for misunderstanding and conflict. The story suggests that such divisions can foster mistrust and animosity, even among children, leading to potentially harmful consequences as they navigate complex social dynamics.
Identity and Perception
In “Brownies,” identity and perception are intricately woven, shaping the girls’ actions and understanding of the world. The story explores how the characters’ identities, particularly their racial identities, influence their perceptions of themselves and others. The Black Brownie troop grapples with their identity in a predominantly white society, leading to heightened sensitivity and defensiveness.
Their perception of Troop 909 is immediately colored by racial stereotypes and past experiences, blinding them to the possibility of innocence. The girls’ desire to assert their identity and protect themselves from perceived slights fuels their aggressive behavior and ultimately leads to a confrontation based on misunderstanding.
Laurel’s (Snot’s) evolving understanding of identity and perception forms a central theme, as she begins to question her own biases and the assumptions of her troop. The story highlights the complexities of identity formation and the challenges of overcoming preconceived notions.
Characters
“Brownies” features a cast of memorable characters, each contributing to the story’s exploration of race, identity, and perception. Laurel, the narrator, along with her Brownie troop and Troop 909, are central figures.
Laurel (Snot) as Narrator
Laurel, often called “Snot,” serves as the compelling narrator of “Brownies,” offering readers a glimpse into the events unfolding at Camp Crescendo through the eyes of a young, impressionable girl. Her perspective shapes the narrative, influencing how we understand the tensions and misunderstandings between the Brownie troops.
As the narrator, Laurel’s voice is crucial in conveying the story’s themes of racial prejudice, identity formation, and the loss of innocence. Her observations, filtered through her own experiences and biases, provide a nuanced portrayal of the dynamics within the Black Brownie troop and their interactions with the white troop, Brownie Troop 909.
Laurel’s narration allows the reader to witness her evolving understanding of the complex social landscape at the camp. She navigates feelings of loyalty, anger, and confusion as she grapples with the accusations against the white troop and the planned act of revenge, making her a pivotal character in the story’s exploration of these themes.
The Black Brownie Troop
The Black Brownie troop in ZZ Packer’s “Brownies” forms the core of the narrative, representing a community grappling with issues of racial identity and social justice. These young girls, attending Camp Crescendo, find themselves at the center of a misunderstanding that ignites a desire for revenge and exposes the complexities of prejudice.
Within the troop, a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty exists, as they navigate the challenges of being Black girls in a predominantly white environment. The accusations against Brownie Troop 909 serve as a catalyst, uniting the girls in their determination to defend their honor and confront what they perceive as injustice.
However, the troop is not monolithic, and internal dynamics and differing perspectives contribute to the story’s richness. Each member brings unique experiences and viewpoints to the situation, highlighting the multifaceted nature of identity and the complexities of collective action in the face of perceived discrimination.
Brownie Troop 909 (The White Troop)
Brownie Troop 909, the white troop in ZZ Packer’s “Brownies,” serves as the unwitting catalyst for the story’s central conflict. Their alleged use of a racial slur against the Black Brownie troop ignites a firestorm of anger and resentment, setting the stage for a confrontation that ultimately reveals the complexities of prejudice and perception.
From the perspective of the Black Brownie troop, Troop 909 represents an “invading” presence, a symbol of the racial tensions and historical inequalities that permeate their society. The accusations against them, whether true or not, become a rallying cry for the Black Brownies, fueling their desire for revenge and justice.
However, the story also hints at the possibility that the white troop is not entirely aware of the impact of their words or actions. This ambiguity raises questions about the nature of prejudice and the ways in which misunderstandings and stereotypes can perpetuate cycles of conflict and division within the context of a summer camp.
ZZ Packer’s Writing Style
ZZ Packer’s writing style in “Brownies” is marked by its sharp wit, keen observation, and nuanced exploration of complex social issues. She masterfully employs a first-person narrative, allowing readers to experience the events of the story through the eyes of Laurel, a young girl grappling with issues of identity, race, and belonging.
Packer’s prose is both accessible and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the summer camp setting and the characters who inhabit it. She skillfully uses dialogue to reveal the personalities and perspectives of the various Brownies, highlighting their individual struggles and their collective sense of community.
Furthermore, Packer’s writing is characterized by its unflinching honesty and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice and discrimination. She avoids easy answers and simplistic portrayals, instead inviting readers to engage with the complexities of the human experience.
Literary Significance
“Brownies” holds significant literary weight due to its insightful exploration of racial prejudice, identity formation, and the complexities of childhood. ZZ Packer’s masterful storytelling offers a nuanced perspective on the impact of segregation and stereotypes on young minds, prompting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about American society.
The story’s literary merit lies in its ability to blend humor and pathos, creating a compelling narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Packer’s use of a young narrator allows her to examine mature themes with a fresh and innocent perspective, highlighting the vulnerability of children in the face of systemic injustice.
Moreover, “Brownies” contributes to a larger literary conversation about race, class, and gender, offering a unique and powerful voice to the African American experience. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim solidify its place as a significant work of contemporary American literature.
“Brownies” in Drinking Coffee Elsewhere
Within ZZ Packer’s debut collection, Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, “Brownies” serves as a powerful opening statement, setting the stage for the collection’s exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The story’s placement at the beginning highlights its thematic importance and establishes Packer’s distinctive voice.
As the first story, “Brownies” introduces readers to Packer’s signature style, characterized by sharp wit, keen observation, and a deep understanding of human nature. The story’s exploration of racial tension and misunderstanding resonates throughout the collection, as Packer delves into the lives of characters navigating a world marked by prejudice and inequality.
Furthermore, “Brownies” establishes the collection’s focus on marginalized voices, giving voice to the experiences of African American girls and women. Its inclusion in Drinking Coffee Elsewhere underscores Packer’s commitment to exploring the complexities of identity and the search for belonging in a world that often seeks to divide.
